Jennifer Van Hook, Roy C. Buck Professor of Sociology and Demography, College of the Liberal Arts, was recently named distinguished professor by Penn State's Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.
The distinguished professor or distinguished librarian title recognizes outstanding academic contribution to the University. This special academic title is bestowed upon a limited number of professors who are leaders in their fields of research or creative activity and who have demonstrated significant leadership with respect to teaching, research or creative activity, and service.
Van Hook’s research focuses on international migration and immigrant health. Her work related to public program participation among immigrants and related topics has made important contributions to basic research and methodological issues related to immigration. She has published extensively in the top journals in her field and has received funding for 22 grants from institutes and agencies including the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. During her time at Penn State, she has twice served as director of its Population Research Institute, part of the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), and is also an SSRI cofunded faculty member.