Joseph S. Mernyk

Joe is a PhD student in the sociology department and a member of the Politics and Social Change Lab at Stanford University. His research focuses on developing social psychological interventions to increase public support for policies and programs that tackle pressing social issues such as economic inequality, racial division, and political animosity.

PhD Fellowship Project

Increasing SNAP enrollment: Social safety net programs can improve the wellbeing of people experiencing poverty, but many of those who are eligible do not enroll. One important reason this problem persists is the stigma associated with enrollment. In collaboration with Code for America, Joe will develop and test ways to reduce the stigma associated with applying for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to increase enrollment among eligible individuals in California.

Department: Sociology

Faculty Mentor: Robb Willer, Professor of Sociology