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Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology

Sutton Shows Social Influencers Can Reduce Infection Burden and Modify Epidemic Lag in Group-Structured Populations

In a new article in Royal Society Open Science, CSDE External Affiliate Aja Sutton (Population Research Center at Portland State University) with co-authors Adam Z. Reynolds (University of New Mexico), Matthew A. Turner (Stanford University), and James Holland Jones (Stanford University) examine how (digital) social influencers can modify epidemics by affecting social learning of health-protective behaviors in group-structured populations. Using agent-based models that incorporate both small protective and anti-protective nudges from social influencers into an epidemic scenario, they test how—under varying conditions of group structure modified by homophily and out-group aversion—competing influence messages affect health-protective behavioral diffusion between two behaviorally naive groups, and by extension infection transmission dynamics and outcomes. In heterogeneous populations, social influencers were protective of the whole population by increasing behavioral diffusion—independent of homophily—and flattening the epidemic curve, even in the equal presence of anti-protective messaging. Stronger group structure—especially, homophily—produced behavioral segregation and modified infection growth rates by accelerating within-group behavioral diffusion, leading to a lag between groups’ epidemic peak intensity and total infection burden. This work suggests contexts through which public health messaging is shared—such as social media sites, which exhibit a high degree of homophily—can produce substantial differences in disease transmission dynamics and epidemic outcomes.

Swanson Analyzes Racial Profiling in Washington State Patrol Traffic Stops

CSDE External Affiliate David Swanson (Distinguished Professor Emeritus, UC Riverside) authored a piece in NW Citizen analyzing racial disparities in Washington State Patrol (WSP) traffic stops from 2022–2024, using odds ratios applied to WSP Traffic Stop Demographic Report data. Black drivers faced roughly twice the odds of being stopped compared to White drivers in total traffic contacts across all three years, with considerably higher odds for criminal felony contacts and low-discretion searches. The pattern was consistent regardless of whether WSP or Office of Financial Management population data were used. Swanson argues the findings support legislative action to discourage pretext traffic stops as a means of reducing racial profiling.

Postdoctoral Associate in Adolescent Development and Network Survey  – UC Boulder (06/14/26)

Postdoctoral Associate in Adolescent Development and Network Survey 

The Institute of Behavioral Science at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position to work on an NIH-funded research project with Dr. Thoa Khuu. The position is ideal for candidates with interdisciplinary training in areas such as adolescent development, survey methodology, social network methods, and educational research.

This position is funded for one year from the start date, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year, contingent on performance and funding availability. Salary range is 65-70K. Research funds are available up to $3000/yr (i.e., conference travels and equipment). Moving expenses may be offered up to $2500. The position will start on or around August 15, 2026.

About the Project

This project aims to advance understanding of how friendship and the social environment connect to health and wellbeing and how this differs for immigrant and non-immigrant youth. The project involves original survey data collection in high schools located in emerging immigrant destinations in the United States and builds on innovative approaches in personal network data collection. 

The postdoctoral researcher will:

  • Assist with implementation of school-based survey data collection across partner high schools 
  • Support administration and refinement of adolescent network surveys using Network Canvas and related tools 
  • Organize and conduct quantitative and network analysis of survey data
  • Collaborate on manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and grant development 

Desired Qualifications

Applicants should have:

  • A PhD in sociology, psychology, education, public health, human development, or a related social science field by the start date 
  • Expertise in one or more of the following areas: 
    • adolescent development or psychosocial well-being 
    • school climate and educational contexts 
    • survey methodology and quantitative data collection 
    • immigrant or racially/ethnically diverse youth populations 
  • Strong quantitative research skills, preferably in R
  • Experience working with adolescent populations and/or educational institutions 
  • Demonstrated ability to manage research projects and collaborate in interdisciplinary teams 

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

  • 1-page cover letter describing research interests and fit for the position 
  • Curriculum vitae, with contact information for three references
  • One writing sample or published paper 

Applications will be accepted until June 14th, 2026. Please send the information to thoa.khuu@colorado.edu.