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Paula Fomby

Associate Research Scientist, University of Michigan Institute for Social Research

Topics of expertise
  • Child Welfare
  • Children & Adolescents
  • History & Trends on Gender, Marriage & Family Life
  • Marriage, Cohabitation, & Committed Relationships
  • Parenthood: Motherhood/Fatherhood
  • Step-Families
  • TANF & Public Assistance
  • Transition – Adolescents to Adulthood

Email: pfomby@umich.edu

Paula Fomby is a sociologist and family demographer. Her research focuses on how children fare when they experience repeated changes in family structure and family complexity. Her research pays particular attention to how parents’ prior exposure to economic disadvantage may shape both future family structure and children’s well-being. 

Last Updated: 12/15/25