Dr. Giovanna Merli

Professor

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Biography

M. Giovanna Merli is a Professor at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. She also serves as the Director of the Duke Population Research Center and the Associate Director of the Duke University Population Research Institute. Her research focuses on the application of demographic methods to the study of fertility and mortality in China and Vietnam. She is dedicated to advancing innovative approaches for studying hidden and hard-to-reach populations. Merli has employed network sampling techniques for data collection on various demographic phenomena. Additionally, she holds appointments as a Professor in the Sociology Department and as a Research Professor in Global Health, showcasing her interdisciplinary approach to social science. Throughout her career, she has published numerous articles on migration dynamics and social networks, particularly concerning Chinese immigrants in the United States.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2014-01-01 — Present

Sanford School of Public Policy • Durham, NC

Teaching and researching public policy.

Director

2016-01-01 — Present

Duke Population Research Center • Durham, NC

Leading research on population dynamics.

Associate Director

2025-01-01 — Present

Duke University Population Research Institute • Durham, NC

Supporting research initiatives and collaborations.

Research Professor

2014-01-01 — Present

Global Health Department • Durham, NC

Contributing to global health research and education.

Professor

2014-01-01 — Present

Department of Sociology • Durham, NC

Conducting sociological research and teaching.

Requirements for Duke University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Multivariable Calculus Introduction to Physics (mechanics) Introduction to Chemistry
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($95)
  • Video Introduction
Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)