2021 Archives
Sociology PhD students Gerald Nowak and Hannah Pierson published in Public Health Post
January 27, 2022
Pierson and Nowak, together with Dr. Hui Liu, published their research in the the article titled "Young LGB Americans Face Larger Health Disparities."
Dr. Jennifer Carrera featured by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
January 25, 2022
Dr. Carrera was awarded a NIEHS-funded Transition to Independent Environmental Health Research (TIEHR) Career Award to pursue her work in Flint, Michigan.
MSU Sociology Professor named top educational influencer
January 7, 2022
Barbara Schneider, John A. Hannah Chair and University Distinguished Professor in the College of Education and Department of Sociology, is ranked as the #74 (up from 79 in 2021) Educational Influencers in the nation.
Improving low-income households’ access to energy and internet needs to be a priority for federal, state and local programs
January 5, 2022 - Karessa Weir
Energy poverty and lack of internet access need to be addressed by federal and state programs, and the programs need to include several factors including communication, social and behavioral factors, according to a new paper published by Dr. Tom Dietz, MSU University Distinguished Professor of Sociology and founding director of the Environmental Science and Policy Program.
MSU Sociology Alumni Updates
December 21, 2021
In 2021, PhD alumni of MSU Sociology had several accomplishments ranging from new books, promotions and grants.
Dr. Isabel Ayala publishes methods to deal with microaggressions
December 20, 2021
MSU Sociology Professor Dr. Isabel Ayala has published research on Racial Microaggressions and Coping Mechanisms Among Latina/o College Students in Sociological Forum.
MSU Sociology PhD student Lalaki Awudu wins GenCen Fellowship
December 16, 2021
Congratulations to Lalaki Awudu who was awarded a $10,000 Dissertation Research Fellowship sponsored by the Center for Gender in Global Context and the Women’s and Gender Studies! This fellowship will assist Lalaki in completing her degree.
MSU Sociology's Dr. Linda Kalof and alum Dr. Cameron Whitley win Distinguished Article Award
December 15, 2021
Cameron Thomas Whitley, Linda Henry Kalof and Tim Flach won the Distinguished Article award from the American Sociological Association Section on Animals and Society.
Dr. Stephen Gasteyer receives USDA grant to study rural water, sewer infrastructure
December 9, 2021
The USDA grant is for a four year research project. The second grant is through the Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission.
MSU Sociology Professor Zhenmei Zhang shares her expertise on elder abuse with WalletHub
December 9, 2021 - Kayla McKaig
Michigan ranks #19 in U.S. elder abuse cases in WalletHub study - Dr. Zhenmei Zhang provides expert assistance with study methodology
MSU Sociology Professor Steve Gold wins Outstanding Academic Title award
December 7, 2021
Dr. Steve Gold's book Wandering Jews: Global Jewish Migration was selected by Choice as an Outstanding Academic Title.
Contradictions Between Pledges, Declarations, and Action at COP26
December 3, 2021 - Stephen Gasteyer
Dr. Stephen Gasteyer, Associate Professor of Sociology, has published "Contradictions Between Pledges, Declarations, and Action at COP26" in the Health and Human Rights Journal.
Two new Animal Studies publications are now available
December 2, 2021
Dr. Linda Kalof, Professor of Sociology and Director of the MSU Graduate Specialization in Animal Studies, announces two new publications relating to animal-human relations.
Kayleigh Ward receives 2022 Graduate Student Award for Community Engagement Scholarship
November 22, 2021
Ward, a dual major PhD student with Environmental Science and Policy Program, won the award for her project “Reviving community: rebuilding social recovery in rural post-disaster Japan.”
Thirsty cities need a human/nature infrastructure combo
November 22, 2021 - Sue Nichols
MSU Sociology University Distinguished Professor Thomas Dietz has published research finding that human construction alone doesn't make urban water ecosystem services sustainable.
MSU Sociology Chair Aaron McCright named top cited research for third year in a row
November 17, 2021
Dr. McCright is among 10 MSU faculty to be listed on the 2021 Highly Cited Researchers List compiled by Clarivate Analytics.
AART Anniversary Symposium celebrates 25 years of African Religious Diaspora Research
October 27, 2021 - Karessa Weir
Joyous drumming, spirited discussion and somber remembrances came together both in person and online to celebrate the mentoring collective and research legacy of the African Atlantic Research Team.
Diversity Spotlight: Dr. Cameron Whitley
October 13, 2021 - Liz Schondelmayer
MSU Sociology PhD alum Dr. Cameron Whitley is an assistant professor at Western Washington University's College of Humanities and Social Sciences. But before he was a Viking, Dr. Whitley was a Spartan, earning both his Master's degree and PhD from the Michigan State University College of Social Science.
Sarah Prior named Undergraduate Program Director
October 11, 2021
Dr. Sarah Prior is the Undergraduate Program Director for the Department of Sociology. She works to improve the undergraduate curriculum and learning experiences for all our undergraduate students.
Plumbing Poverty: Dr. Stephen Gasteyer on the lack of basic indoor plumbing in the U.S.
October 6, 2021
Dr. Stephen Gasteyer, associate professor of sociology, discusses the plumbing poverty across the United States with The Guardian in this article published Sept. 27.
MSU Sociology alum and emeritus professor publish a new book focusing on aging in rural Japan
October 4, 2021
MSU Sociology PhD alumna Dr. Kimiko Tanaka and Professor Emerita Dr. Nan Johnson wrote "Successful Aging in a Rural Community in Japan" which provides the perspective that the quality of community may be a crucial factor that could buffer the negative effects of rurality on the well-being of the elderly.
MSU Sociology research team awarded First Generation Student Initiative Award to study racial disparities in PhD completion times
September 30, 2021 - Karessa Weir
A team of MSU Sociology researchers has been awarded $3,000 to study "Invisible Obstacles and Hidden Curriculum: Behind Racial Disparities in Times to Degree Completion in Sociology."
Wealthy people are both the cause and the solution to climate change
September 30, 2021 - Karessa Weir
MSU Sociology University Distinguished Professor Tom Dietz has co-authored a paper in the journal Nature Energy which identifies ways that people of high socioeconomic status have a disproportionate impact on global greenhouse gas emissions - and therefore an outsized responsibility to facilitate the progress in climate change mitigation.
Dr. Xuefei Ren has been selected as a fellow for the India China Institute of the New School
September 29, 2021
Xuefei Ren has been selected as a Fellow for the India China Institute’s International Research Seminar “Shifting Geographies of Expertise and Policymaking” in 2021-2022, hosted by the New School for Social Research in New York.
Same-Sex Couples and Cognitive Impairment: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study
September 20, 2021 - Karessa Weir
MSU Sociology Professors Hui Liu and Zhenmei Zhang, Assistant Professor Ning Hsieh and recent PhD alumnus Yan Zhang have published an article with University of Michigan's Kenneth M. Langa the provides the first nationally-representative population-based study of cognitive disparities among same-sex and different-sex couples in the United States.
Extra! Extra! New newsletter released from the Family and Population Health Laboratory
September 19, 2021
The FPH Chronicle has released its debut issue as the official annual newsletter of the Family and Population Health Laboratory.
Legalization of marijuana doesn't lead to an increase in teen use, an MSU Sociology PhD student has found
September 15, 2021 - Karessa Weir
In a research paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Sam Safford and three other authors share research that shows the use of marijuana in high school students did not increase following the passage of recreational marijuana legislation in those states.
American religious groups have a history of resettling refugees – including Afghans
September 1, 2021 - Dr. Stephanie Nawyn
Dr. Stephanie Nawyn writes about the efforts to resettle Afghanistan refugees in this article for The Conversation.
MSU Sociology PhD students awarded dissertation completion fellowships
August 23, 2021
Kayleigh Ward and Anna Wilcoxson each earned a Spring 2022 Dissertation Completion Fellowship from MSU.
Dr. Hui Liu accepts position as MSU Sociology Graduate Program Director
August 16, 2021
MSU Sociology Chair Aaron McCright announced that Dr. Hui Liu has accepted the position as Graduate Program Director.
MSU Sociology welcomes PhD student Drew Kirks-Cler
August 10, 2021
Drew Kirks-Cler is an incoming graduate student with interests at the intersection of health and LGBTQ+ identification, particularly in the relationship between gender identity/expression and medical diagnoses. Welcome Drew!
MSU Sociology welcomes PhD student Hannah Pierson
August 9, 2021
Hannah Pierson is an incoming graduate student who has worked on research on racial infant mortalities disparities and health care inequality. Welcome, Hannah!
MSU Sociology welcomes PhD student Sam Safford
August 8, 2021
Sam Safford is an incoming graduate student working in the research area of Health and Medicine. We are excited to welcome Sam to MSU!
From Michigan to Yerevan: a photo journey through street art
August 5, 2021 - Inna Mirzoyan
Sociology doctoral student Inna Mirzoyan is currently in Armenia on a Fulbright Award researching migration from Armenia to Los Angeles. This is her blog post published by Repatarmenia.org.
Dr. stef shuster wins the Donald W. Light Award for Applied or Public Practice of Medical Sociology
August 2, 2021 - Karessa Weir
MSU Sociology Assistant Professor stef shuster's article "Performing Informed Consent in Transgender Medicine" published in Social Science & Medicine has received the 2021 Donald W. Light Award for applied medical sociology from the American Sociological Association Medical Sociology section.
Diversity Spotlight: Anthony Ianni
July 25, 2021 - Liz Schondelmayer
Anthony Ianni is an MSU Sociology Alumnus and an advocate for people with autism. A former award-winning basketball player, and change agent, Ianni is a motivational speaker who works with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and Autism Alliance of Michigan to provide hope and inspiration to people in the autism community.
Dr. Xuefei Ren selected as a Public Intellectuals Program VII Fellow
July 12, 2021
Dr. Ren, Associate Professor of Sociology, was selected as part of the seventh cohort by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations.
MSU Sociology seeking applicants for Assistant/Associate Professor of sexual and gender minority (SGM) health
July 5, 2021
The Department of Sociology at Michigan State University (MSU) seeks candidates for a tenure-system Assistant or Associate Professor position in sociology of health and medicine. As part of an initiative within the College of Social Science, this position will strengthen the leadership in the emerging MSU Consortium for Sexual and Gender Minority Health, which is housed in the School of Social Work. The 9-month academic year position begins on August 16, 2022.
The widespread and unjust drinking water and clean water crisis in the United States
June 24, 2021 - Stephen Gasteyer and J. Tom Mueller
MSU Sociology Associate Professor Stephen Gasteyer, together with Utah State University's J. Tom Mueller, has published an article in Nature Communications documenting the full scope of water hardship in the United States and showing evidence of a regionally-clustered, socially unequal nationwide household water crisis.
Health disadvantages of LGB communities increase among younger generations
June 21, 2021
While the LGBTQ+ community has seen significant advancements in legal rights, political representation and social acceptance over recent years, mental and physical health disparities still exist for queer Americans - and are even worse among younger generations, says a new study by MSU Sociology Professor Dr. Hui Liu.
Dr. Jennifer Carrera wins the Practice & Outreach Award
June 20, 2021
Dr. Carrera, Assistant Professor of Sociology, is one of two winners of the award, given by the Environmental Sociology section of the American Sociological Association.
Diversity Champion: Dr. Stephanie Nawyn
June 16, 2021 - Liz Schondelmayer
Dr. Stephanie Nawyn joined MSU's faculty in 2006, bringing with her a passion for humanitarianism that included rigorous research into the experiences of refugees and the people that provide them assistance. A 2013-14 Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Nawyn is also the Co-director of Academic Programs at the MSU Center for Gender in Global Context .
Diversity Spotlight: Dr. Breanne Grace
June 15, 2021 - Liz Schondelmayer
Dr. Breanne Grace earned her PhD in Sociology from Michigan State University in 2013. Since then, she has joined the faculty of the University of South Carolina's School of Social Work as an associate professor. A humanitarian at heart, Dr. Grace's research surrounds the refugee community around the world with a focus on finding solutions for the compassionate resettling of displaced people.
MSU Sociology Seeking Two Fixed-Term Faculty Members
June 9, 2021
MSU Sociology is currently seeking applications for two Fixed-Term Faculty positions for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Reclaiming Space: The Narratives of Female Doctoral Students of Color
May 25, 2021 - Angelica Ruvalcaba, Madeline Nash, Jennifer Lai and Jihan Mohammed
Four MSU Sociology PhD students have shared their experiences as Female Doctoral Students of Color in this new essay published in the journal Women, Gender, and Families of Color.
Dr. Soma Chaudhuri named Sociology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator
May 16, 2021
Dr. Soma Chaudhuri, Associate Professor of Sociology, has been named the Department of Sociology's first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator. She begins her work this week.
Doctors treating trans youth grapple with uncertainty, lack of training
May 10, 2021 - Dr. stef shuster, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Lyman Briggs College
In this article for The Conversation, Dr. stef shuster discusses their upcoming book and the lack of scientific evidence that exists to support the use of current trans medical treatments, therapy or decision-making that meets evidence-based standards.
Dr. Molly Copeland receives Provost's Award for NCFDD Faculty Success
May 6, 2021
Dr. Copeland, an Assistant Professor of Sociology, received the award to attend the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity.
Dr. Monique Kelly awarded a Partnership for Innovative Research in Africa Grant
April 27, 2021 - Karessa Weir
Dr. Kelly's project is entitled "Race/Ethnicity and the Question of Postcolonial Citizenship: A Comparative Study of East Africa and the Anglophone Caribbean."
Faculty voice: Starting the dialogue
April 26, 2021 - Stephen Gasteyer
Stephen Gasteyer is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology and MSU AgBioResearch. Recently, Gasteyer participated in MSU Dialogues, an intergroup dialogue program for students, faculty and staff that brings together people from different identity groups and aims to equip participants with the tools to engage in conversation (rather than debate) and to facilitate understanding regarding commonalities and differences by examining the impact of social inequalities.
Dr. Jennifer Carrera awarded the inaugural Faculty Outreach and Engagement Award for her work with the Flint community
April 26, 2021 - Karessa Weir
MSU Sociology Assistant Professor Jennifer Carrera may be the recipient of the first College of Social Science Faculty Outreach and Engagement Award but the honor was earned by the entire Flint-based research team, she said.
MSU Sociology PhD student Mark Suchyta earns College Graduate Teaching Award
April 25, 2021 - Karessa Weir
Mark Suchyta knew even as an undergraduate that he wanted to be a university professor. Now about to complete his PhD, Suchyta’s focus, determination and innovation have earned him the College of Social Science’s Graduate Student Teaching Award for 2020-2021.
Please join us in welcoming the incoming class of MSU Sociology PhD students
April 23, 2021
We are proud to announce the incoming class of sociology graduate students for fall 2021. This is a highly qualified group, characterized by significant accomplishments and diverse backgrounds. All three are interested various aspects of the sociology of health and medicine.
The intersection of race, gender and marital loss in predicting dementia risk
April 22, 2021 - Liz Schondelmayer
New research from MSU sociologists Dr. Zhenmei Zhang (lead researcher) and Dr. Hui Liu, together with MSU alumna and assistant professor of sociology at Texas Tech University, Seung-won Emily Choi, explores the connection between marital dissolution and dementia, paying special attention to the intersection of race and gender.
MSU Sociology Outstanding Senior: Daisy Genson
April 19, 2021
MSU Sociology senior Daisy Genson has been named the Outstanding Senior for 2021. Daisy is graduating from the Honors College with High Honor.
MSU Sociology undergraduate Carrie Nielsen wins all-university excellence award
April 19, 2021
Sophomore Carrie Nielsen received the Ruth Hamilton Award for high-level achievement in coursework, co-curricular activities and extra-curricular activities.
MSU Sociology celebrates the achievements made by faculty, students, alumni, emeriti faculty and staff for 2020-2021
April 18, 2021
Congratulations to all for the awards, promotions, publications, new jobs and personal successes you've managed to achieve in this unprecedented time.
MSU Sociology Associate Professor Awarded a Fulbright Fellowship
April 11, 2021
Dr. Brendan Mullan will use his Spring 2022 four-month Fulbright Fellowship at the University of the Aegean in Greece to develop and expand his research agenda on the demography of inequality in Greece.
Summer 2021 Online Courses Now Available
April 6, 2021
MSU Sociology is happy to announce a full list of Summer 2021 Online Courses are now available.
Jihan Mohammed wins Best Graduate Paper Award
April 1, 2021
MSU Sociology PhD student Jihan Mohammed has been awarded the Best Graduate Student Paper Award from the Muslim Studies Student Research Showcase.
Trans Visibility Day Statement from MSU Sociology
March 30, 2021
Today is Transgender Day of Visibility! The MSU Sociology Departments stands in support of our trans and nonbinary MSU students, faculty and alum.
MSU Sociology Supports the Asian American Community
March 18, 2021
The MSU Sociology Department stands in solidarity with all Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans (APIDA) and the larger Asian community after the recent shootings in Atlanta.
Dr. Monique Kelly hired as new MSU SOC Assistant Professor
March 16, 2021
Currently a Dean's Research Associate, Dr. Kelly's research broadly focuses on racial and ethnic identities, attitudes, and inequality, as well as on immigration processes connected to those social dynamics.
Dr. Wynne Wright recognized for promoting international understanding
March 14, 2021 - Karessa Weir
Michigan State University International Studies and Programs has presented Dr. Wynne Wright with a Special Recognition Award for Promoting International Understanding.
MSU, College of Social Science remembers former trustee Barbara Sawyer-Koch
March 9, 2021 - Karessa Weir
The College of Social Science joins the entire Michigan State University community in remembering alumna, trustee emerita and philanthropist Barbara Sawyer-Koch, 72, who died March 6, 2021.
A remedy for COVID-19 learning loss?
February 23, 2021 - Kim Ward
Dr. Barbara Schneider, John A. Hannah University Distinguished Professor in the MSU’s College of Education and the Department of Sociology, said the results will turn science education on its head.
Diversity Spotlight: Dr. Philip Hart
February 17, 2021 - Liz Schondelmayer
MSU Sociology alumnus Dr. Philip Hart epitomizes what it means to be a social scientist: through his work as a city planner, filmmaker, lecturer, and activist, Dr. Hart has had a successful career of transforming the human experience and inspiring leaders.
MSU Sociology PhD Student Brittany Tucker awarded Fellowship
February 4, 2021
Brittany Tucker has been selected as the recipient of the Barbara Stewart Thomas and Jim Thomas Graduate Fellowship for Spring 2021.
MSU Department of Sociology Statement on the Events of January 6, 2021
January 29, 2021
What we witnessed in the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 is nothing short of a violent attempt to overthrow the valid results of a fair, legal election and prevent the peaceful transfer of power in our country. Emboldened by a virulently racist President (and his closest enablers) and intoxicated with the dangerous elixir of rage and misinformation, coordinated, faux-paramilitary groups stormed the Capitol in a desperate attempt to defend our country’s white supremacist order. The acts of violence perpetrated during the storming of the US Capital are abhorrent and should not—will not—be tolerated or viewed as anything other than domestic terrorism.
Dr. Hui Liu Wins GenCen 2021 Inspiration Award
January 21, 2021
MSU Sociology Professor Dr. Hui Liu was been awarded the 2021 Inspiration Award in the category of Professional Achievement, administered by MSU's Center for Gender in Global Context and Women's Student Services.
Dr. stef shuster awarded a HARP grant
January 20, 2021
Dr. stef shuster, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Lyman Briggs, has been awarded a HARP grant in relation to a book they are publishing this June.
MSU Sociology Professor Steven Gold publishes new book on Jewish migration
January 13, 2021
"Wandering Jews: Global Jewish Migration" was edited by Dr. Steven Gold, professor and graduate program director for MSU Sociology. It provides readers with a broader understanding of the Jewish experience in the United States and elsewhere.
‘These Were Haunting Events’: Researchers Study Migrant Precarity During Pandemic in US, India
January 5, 2021 - Anna Zarra Aldrick, University of Connecticut Office of the Vice President of Research
An interdisciplinary team of researchers, including MSU Assistant Professor of Sociology Dr. Soma Chaudhuri, is developing a set of research tools that will help understand the multiple dimensions of precarity faced by migrant workers, and to recommend ways that policymakers can ease those burdens. The two-year project is funded by the Social Science Research Council.
MSU Sociology welcomes Vilitcia Barghouti as incoming doctoral student
July 14, 2020
Vilitica Barghouti is joining the MSU Sociology Doctoral Program starting in Fall 2020. She is a Palestinian journalist whose published writing in Arabic covers a range of political, social, and cultural issues that concern Palestinian society.