Professor Dr. Stanley Collins

Biography

Stanley Jamal Collins is a Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania's Weitzman School of Design in the Department of City and Regional Planning. His current research examines soundscapes, including musical genres and the influence of music venues on place reputation and neighborhood change. By utilizing a case study of Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, his research employs ethnographic methods and engages with scholarship from urban sociology, city regional planning, music sound studies, urban policy, and critical geography. His agenda is particularly relevant as music venues become increasingly central features in residential areas rather than merely in entertainment districts, paying attention to the institutions' capacity for change and how they shape urban landscapes. Previously, Stanley earned a Ph.D. in sociology from Temple University, where he was a Graduate Fellow in the College of Liberal Arts’ Public Policy Lab. He also holds an MS in sociology from Oklahoma State University and a BS in economics from Morehouse College. Beyond his academic pursuits, Stanley is a photographer, aspiring cinephile, and guitarist, actively engaging with Philadelphia's cultural scene.

Research Interests