Communications

Associate Professor

College of Sciences and Mathematics - Anthropology and Sociology

Bio

Dr. Aliza D. Richman is an Associate Professor of Sociology at West Chester University and presently serves as chair of WCU's Sustainability Council. She received her doctorate in Sociology and Demography from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master's of Public Health from Northwestern University.

Richman is a sociologist and demographer interested in social disparities in health and well-being, biodemography, sub-Saharan Africa, and societal sustainability. Her research largely focuses on how the social world gets 'under our skin,' influencing our risk for disease and illness. Richman's presentations at international, national, regional, and local conferences, include topics such as: the global context for sustainability in higher education, population heterogeneity in phthalate exposure, social justice and zero waste, and the biosocial health effects of bridewealth transfers in Ghana.

Richman's teaching puts into practice the notion that there is congruence between the learning process and field of scientific inquiry, with both areas helping inform the other. Richman teaches both traditional face-to-face courses as well as fully remote, with her online course achieving Quality Matters certification. Richman also developed and runs WCU in Ghana, a month-long study abroad program in Ghana.

Expertise

• Health and Well-being
• Social Inequality
• Sustainability (including the climate crisis)
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• Demographics
• Social Justice
• Sustainable Development
• Race, Gender, and Social Class
• Environmental Sociology

Education

• B.A., Pennsylvania State University
• M.A., M.P.H., Northwestern University
• Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University