NextGenPop is an undergraduate pipeline program in population research that aims to increase the diversity of the population field and nurture the next generation of population scientists. It is funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health (R25 HD105602).
In June 2024, DUPRI hosted the the 3rd NextGenPop cohort of 21 fellows from 19 universities across the nation for a 2-week, in-person, on-campus summer experience. Many Duke NextGenPop alums attended the Population Association of America (PAA) Annul Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri from May 6 - 9, and three presented their research. We are very proud of their work!
The Effect of Intergenerational Family Financial Dynamics on LGBQ Homeownership – Poster Winner!
Noah Balderrama, Northwestern University.
Homeownership remains a critical indicator of wealth and stability, yet disparities persist along both racial and sexual orientation lines. Using data from the National Couples’ Health and Time Study (NCHAT; N=3,639), this study examines how intergenerational family financial dynamics intersect with sexual orientation to shape housing outcomes. Two logistic regression models predict the likelihood of owning or renting a home based on sexual orientation and parental housing assistance, controlling for key sociodemographic factors. Results reveal that LGBQ individuals—particularly those receiving parental assistance—are significantly less likely to own and more likely to rent compared to their straight counterparts. These findings challenge assumptions that family financial support necessarily enhances housing stability, suggesting that structural barriers and unequal access to intergenerational wealth persist even with assistance. The study highlights how family transfers interact with broader inequalities, contributing to persistent stratification in U.S. housing markets.
Resettled Exposure: Displacement and Air Quality in Austin, Texas
Sedem Kakrada, University of Texas, Austin.
The purpose of the research project is to further assess the relationship between gentrification and health outcomes within Austin, Texas, with a focus on asthma and chronic conditions with environmental risk factors in historically Black communities. Using census, CDC, and environmental datasets, spatial and statistical analyses identified patterns linking demographic shifts and environmental exposures to health disparities. Conclusions of this research show that areas experiencing rapid gentrification exhibit higher burdens of chronic disease and uneven environmental risk, underscoring the role of place-based inequalities in shaping population health. These findings support the need for further research to determine definitive relationships between gentrification-driven population shifts to inform policies related to urban planning and clinical practice in addressing structural drivers of health disparities.
Exploring Substance Use Among Sexual and Gender Minorities by Place of Residence
Kaylee Wilson, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Chloe Patterson, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Stephanie Hernandez, Drexel University; Tai Simpson, Drexel University.
Research suggests sexual and gender minorities (SGM) are more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to report alcohol and tobacco use, and have an elevated risk for substance abuse. Research also indicates rural communities in the U.S. experience higher prevalences of substance use than urban communities. Given limited existing research on substance use among SGM adults living in rural areas, this research aims to examine the association between rurality and substance use among SGM adults. We use nationally representative data from the 2023 cycle of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to investigate substance use across space, focused on tobacco use and alcohol consumption. We find that SGM adults living in rural areas had varied odds of engaging in substance use compared to heterosexuals and SGM adults living in urban areas. Examining the nuanced substance use patterns for this population can help to advance treatment strategies in rural communities.
