Christopher Browning, PhD, professor of sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences, has earned The Ohio State University 2026 Distinguished Scholar Award. Senior leadership in the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge recently surprised Browning with the honor.
“When something like this happens, it doesn’t happen without the support of others. As sociologists, we truly believe that,” said Browning.
“I couldn’t do any of this without a great group of colleagues, an amazing set of students and leadership that has been incredibly supportive throughout.”
Browning’s research interests include the causes and consequences of community social organization; the neighborhood context of crime, risk behavior, and health; the long-term effects of maltreatment during childhood; and multilevel statistical models.
“Dr. Browning, your work is internationally recognized, reshaping the study of urban neighborhoods, mobility and youth development. Your leadership of the Adolescent Health and Development in Context study is groundbreaking work being done right here in Columbus,” said Cynthia Carnes, vice president for research operations, who presented the award. “This study has generated transformative insights into the spatial and social contexts of youth development, secured multiple NIH grants and is amplifying its impact well beyond Ohio State.”
Arts and Sciences college Dean David Horn added, “Chris represents the kind of scholar we strive to elevate—someone whose work is rigorous, deeply collaborative, and consequential. His contributions extend beyond his own research, shaping the direction of the department and strengthening the people around him. That combination of distinction and leadership is exactly what this award is meant to honor.”
“One of the most meaningful aspects of Chris’s work over the past two years has been his commitment to others. He has spent a great deal of time nominating colleagues for awards,” added Ryan King, divisional dean for social and behavioral sciences. “That’s work people don’t always see, and it doesn’t always result in recognition, but it matters.”
Cynthia Colen, department chair also added, “Your research productivity, your level of grant funding, and your commitment to mentoring stand out. That includes not only graduate students, but also postdocs here and at other institutions. The number of K awards you’re listed on as a mentor is especially impressive. I’m grateful you’re part of our department, and that we are able to recognize you today.”
Browning has also been recognized as a College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor. His current projects examine how neighborhoods, social networks, and everyday mobility shape adolescent health, stress, safety, and behavior. His work advances a dynamic view of place, showing how youths’ daily movements through multiple environments structure exposure to inequality and opportunity. He is Principal Investigator of the Adolescent Health and Development in Context (AHDC) study, a largescale longitudinal data collection effort in Franklin County combining surveys, GPS tracking, real-time smartphone assessments, and biological measures to capture adolescents’ lived experiences across urban space. The project has been funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the William T. Grant Foundation and the National Science Foundation. Browning earned his doctorate and master’s degrees in sociology from the University of Chicago, and his bachelor’s degree in political science from Brown University.
The Distinguished Scholar Award is among the highest annual honors awarded at Ohio State. The university-level award annually honors six faculty members who demonstrate scholarly activity, conduct research or creative works that represent exceptional achievements in their fields and garner distinction for the university.
Award recipients are nominated by their departments and chosen by a committee of senior faculty, including past award recipients. Distinguished Scholars receive an honorarium and a research grant to be used over the next three years.
Quotes from Browning's nomination:
“Some scholars are productive and others are creative—rarely are both qualities combined in one person with such force. Browning not only collects unique data, but analyzes it with exceptional skill and brings on collaborators, including graduate students, postdocs, and junior faculty, in the process training the next generation of scholars. This is a model of scientific progress that few achieve. OSU is fortunate to be home to both this groundbreaking study and its intellectual leader.” Robert J. Sampson, Harvard University.
“It's not surprising that Professor Browning has an exceptional record of scholarly achievement in the sociology of neighborhoods and crime, urban sociology, health disparities, and now innovative methodological approaches including smartphone-based GPS. I’ve noted several times his work has made significant contributions within sociology and across the social sciences. In other words, Chris has intellectual presence in many disciplines not only in Arts and Science but beyond.” Ramiro Martinez, Jr., Northeastern University.
“Chris’s scholarly record is of exceptional quality. He is recognized internationally for his transformative contributions to our understanding of urban neighborhoods, mobility, and youth development. His research has advanced theoretical frameworks in sociology, promoted the development and application of novel methodological tools, and produced empirical findings that have reshaped sociological understanding of urban life. His intellectual generosity, methodological rigor, and commitment to interdisciplinary science have made working with him one of the greatest opportunities of my career.” Catherine Calder, The University of Texas at Austin.