Andrew Papachristos

Andrew Vasilios Papachristos is an American sociologist and a prominent figure in the field of sociology, particularly known for his work on gun violence, social networks, and urban neighborhoods. He is currently the John G. Searle Professor of Sociology at Northwestern University and serves as the director of the Institute for Policy Research (IPR) as well as the Faculty Director of CORNERS: The Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research & Science.124

Education and Career

Papachristos was born in Chicago, Illinois. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude from Loyola University of Chicago in 1998, followed by a Master of Arts in 2000 and a Ph.D. in sociology in 2007 from the University of Chicago.1 His academic career includes positions at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Yale University, where he was a professor of sociology and directed The Policy Lab.12 In 2018, he joined Northwestern University.4

Research Focus

Papachristos is renowned for applying network science to study crime, violence, policing, and urban neighborhoods. His research has demonstrated how social networks can significantly influence gun violence dynamics. For instance, his studies have shown that being part of certain social networks can drastically increase the likelihood of becoming a victim of homicide.12 His work has inspired algorithms used to predict future victims of gun violence based on extensive data analysis from cities like Chicago.1

Publications and Recognition

Papachristos has authored over 50 scholarly articles published in prestigious journals such as JAMA, The American Journal of Sociology, Criminology, and The American Journal of Public Health. His research has also been featured in major media outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post.25 He has received several accolades, including the National Science Foundation’s Early CAREER Award and the American Society of Criminology’s "Young Scholar" Award.25

Community Engagement

Beyond academia, Papachristos is deeply involved in community-based research initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence and improving neighborhood safety. He has collaborated with various community groups and governmental agencies on projects like Project Safe Neighborhoods and CureViolence.25 His ongoing work includes a manuscript on the evolution of Black street gangs and politics in Chicago from the 1950s to the early 2000s.36