2024 Archives
Sociology senior graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA
December 9, 2024
Sophia L. Whitteaker earned a bachelor’s in sociology from the College of Social Science and is from Plymouth, Michigan.
MSU Sociology now offering Advanced Research Methods in Sociology
November 19, 2024
MSU Sociology Assistant Professor Rebecca Karam has created a new course focusing on qualitative in-depth interviewing that premiers this spring semester.
College of Social Science professors lead a new Study Abroad program in Ireland centered around sexual consent
November 8, 2024 - Karessa Weir and Katie Frey
Associate Professors Sarah Prior (MSU Sociology ) and Megan Maas (Human Development and Family Studies) have created a new Study Abroad program entitled “Sexuality, Culture and Consent in Ireland.”
MSU Sociology faculty Saleh Ahmed discusses climate migration
November 4, 2024
Saleh Ahmed, an assistant professor in the department of sociology at Michigan State University, does work with climate migration focused on the global south.
stef shuster receives prestigious research fellowship from the National Endowment for the Humanities
October 25, 2024 - Blythe White
stef m. shuster, associate professor of sociology in Michigan State University’s Lyman Briggs College and Department of Sociology, has been awarded a competitive 2024 National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship for their research.
National Research Translation Award presented to MSU Sociology’s Dr. stef shuster
October 24, 2024 - Karessa Weir
MSU Sociology Associate Professor stef shuster has been awarded the 2024 Council on Contemporary Families’ (CCF) Research Translation Award for their research on transgender joy.
Renowned environmentalist Dr. Robert D. Bullard speaks on campus as part of Kaplowitz Lecture Series
October 15, 2024 - Emily Jodway
The College of Social Science welcomed Robert D. Bullard, PhD to campus on Wednesday as part of the Stan & Toba Kaplowitz Distinguished Lecture Series, where he spoke to a diverse audience of faculty, students and avid fans at the Kellogg Center Auditorium. Bullard is considered the founder of environmental justice and is currently Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy and Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University.
Map Shows States With Highest Level of Elder Abuse
October 14, 2024
Dr. Zhenmei Zhang contributed to this report in Newsweek on the places with the highest levels of elder abuse.
MSU Sociology research group kicks off new lecture series on global environment, migration and health studies
September 25, 2024
The Global Environment, Migration, and Health Studies Initiative (GEMHS) is dedicated to advancing scholarly understanding at the intersection of environment, migration, and health.
Access Champion: Dr. M. Isabel Ayala
September 18, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Maria Isabel Ayala is the Director of the Chicano/Latino Studies Program and Associate Professor for the Department of Sociology, two academic disciplines housed within the College of Social Science. Ayala balances her roles as an educator and researcher, demonstrating an equal passion for both. She brings a humanistic lens inspired by social justice and inclusivity to her courses and is a strong advocate for the importance of Ethnic Studies in education. Ayala is our Access Champion as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Access Torch: Teresa Rivera
September 16, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Teresa Rivera is a dual-major PhD student in the Chicano/Latino Studies (CLS) Program and the Department of Sociology. Originally from Texas, Teresa leverages her experiences growing up in a border town to research the stories and lived experiences of Latinx immigrants. Her current research interests include understanding how Latina immigrants manage stress and exploring the life experiences of undergraduate Latinx students to enhance their access to resources and support. We are pleased to honor her as our Access Torch honoree for September in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sociology Professor Emeritus launches new distinguished lecture series with environmental justice trailblazer
September 13, 2024 - Karessa Weir
The Stan and Toba Kaplowitz Distinguished Lecture Series kicks off next month with a presentation from Dr. Robert D. Bullard. Dr. Bullard will speak on “Environmental Justice: From Footnote to Headline” at 3 p.m. Wednesday October 9 at the Kellogg Center Auditorium.
MSU Sociology welcomes Alexander Hill as new PhD student
September 5, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Alexander Hill is a first-year doctoral student in the Sociology Department at MSU. Their research interests focus on the experiences of trans individuals seeking medical care, including the documentation of queer family narratives, intra community resource exchange, and emerging care networks within trans communities. Alexander earned his B.A. in Sociology from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL and his M.A. in Social Science from the University of Chicago. During their prior studies, they trained in qualitative and archival research methodologies while conducting research on food insecurity in Central Florida, and queer young adult experiences.
MSU researcher examines relationship between water infrastructure, economic development in rural U.S. communities
September 4, 2024
Stephen Gasteyer, an associate professor in the Department of Sociology, is gaining deeper insight into the gap in U.S. water access by analyzing the link between water infrastructure and economic development in rural U.S. communities.
MSU Sociology is hiring for two tenure-track Assistant Professor of Sociology positions in the area of Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality
September 3, 2024
Michigan State University is hiring for two tenure-track Assistant Professor of Sociology positions in the area of Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality
MSU Sociology Professor Xuefei Ren wins a catalyst grant from Swiss National Science Foundation to study climate adaptation
July 17, 2024
This pilot project examines how cities’ climate action plans have addressed infrastructural vulnerability in two North American and two Swiss cities—Toronto, Chicago, Zurich, and Geneva. It will investigate both formal policies and community initiatives aimed to reduce carbon emission and improve resilience in the infrastructure sector, such as energy, water, transport, and buildings.
Sociology Faculty, PhD student awarded Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion grants
July 1, 2024 - Jalen Smith
Four MSU Sociology faculty and one Sociology PhD student were among the inaugural winners of the College of Social science Diversity Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Small Grants Program. The program is aimed at providing faculty, staff and graduate students with funding to support multi/interdisciplinary, collaborative projects that are aligned with the College Strategic Plan for DEI.
MSU Sociology Assistant Professor PJ Pettis wins second dissertation award
June 12, 2024 - Karessa Weir
A month after winning Best Dissertation Award for the Mental Health Section of the American Sociological Association, Assistant Professor PJ Pettis has won the 2024 Roberta G. Simmons Outstanding Dissertation in Medical Sociology Award for his dissertation “Contextualizing Heterosexism: An Intersectional Approach to Sexual Minority Health Inequalities.”
A mentor who “listens, reflects and meets people where they are”: MSU Sociology professor stef shuster named 2023 Outstanding Faculty Mentor
June 11, 2024 - Karessa Weir
MSU Sociology associate professor stef shuster has been named the 2023 Outstanding Faculty Mentor from the MSU Graduate School.
Sociology Assistant Professor wins best dissertation award
May 20, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Dr. Philip J. “PJ” Pettis was awarded best dissertation for his work “Contextualizing Heterosexism: An Intersectional Approach to Sexual Minority Health Inequalities” at Vanderbilt University.
Sociology student Kaylin Casper awarded the nationally-competitive Udall Scholarship
May 5, 2024 - Brandi Stover, Anneliese Mackel and Karessa Weir
Kaylin Casper, a second-year double major in Sociology and English, is has been awarded the nationally-competitive Udall Undergraduate Scholarship.
Sociology Assistant Professor PJ Pettis emphasizes pride and resilience in his commencement speech as Outstanding Teacher
May 2, 2024 - Karessa Weir
“As I address you, I am mindful of the diverse paths that brought us here. Many of you, like myself, are first-generation college students, immigrants, children of immigrants, returning adults, or servicemen and women. Your presence exemplifies the resilience and excellence of your families and communities, of which you should be immensely proud,” said Dr. Philip J. “PJ” Pettis, Assistant Professor of Sociology and this year’s College of Social Science Outstanding Teacher.
MSU University Distinguished Professor of Sociology elected to the National Academy of Sciences
April 30, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Dr. Tom Dietz, who retired last year as a University Distinguished Professor of Sociology, was elected to the esteemed National Academy of Sciences this week.
MSU Sociology inducts 13 students into international sociology honor society
April 23, 2024
MSU Sociology is proud of our newest Alpha Kappa Delta Inductees, who joined the international sociology honor society on Friday April 19, 2024.
Ruth Hamilton Award 2024 presented to Sociology student Kaylin Casper
April 22, 2024 - Karessa Weir
MSU Sociology has awarded the 2024 Ruth Hamilton Award to second-year Sociology and Humanities double major student Kaylin Casper.
Meet Urvi Chakraborty, Sociology's Outstanding Senior for 2024
April 21, 2024 - Karessa Weir
MSU Department of Sociology has selected Urvi Chakraborty as the Outstanding Senior for 2024 in recognition of her academic achievements, involvement in student groups, and professional development activities while attending MSU.
Faculty voice: Arab Americans changing racial categories and the future of inclusion
April 15, 2024 - Dr. Rebecca Karam
Expanding federal classifications is necessary for understanding the Middle Eastern and North African experience in the United States
MSU Soc PhD candidate hired as new Assistant Director of the Center for Gender in a Global Context
April 7, 2024 - Karessa Weir
MSU Sociology PhD candidate Alaina Bur has been selected as the new Assistant Director of Michigan State University’s Center for Gender in Global Context, starting in August.
Sociology student nominated for Udall Scholarship
March 12, 2024
Kaylin Casper, a second-year double major in Sociology and English, is one of three Michigan State University students nominated for the prestigious Udall Undergraduate Scholarship.
MSU Sociology assistant professor named College of Social Science Outstanding Teacher
March 1, 2024 - Karessa Weir
MSU Sociology Assistant Professor Philip J. "PJ" Pettis's passion for teaching as well has his ability to support and empower his students led MSU Sociology Chair Carla Pfeffer to nominate Pettis for the 2024 College of Social Science Outstanding Teaching Award. Dr. Pettis was announced as this year's winner of the award.
MSU Sociologist hopes to improve island wastewater infrastructure with NSF Convergence Accelerator Award
February 29, 2024 - Karessa Weir
MSU Sociology Associate Professor Stephen Gasteyer. together with principal investigator Dr. Daniel Yeh (Professor of Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida) and researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Swiftwater Solutions LCC, were announced as recipients of the National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator award for $650,000 for the proposal “Towards Resilient, Equitable, Safe and Sustainable Water for Islands.”
Professor Emeritus publishes new book on social science research ethics, integrity
February 14, 2024
Sociology emeritus faculty member, Harry Perlstadt recently published a new book: Assessing Social Science Research Ethics and Integrity: Case Studies and Essays.
MSU takes new science teaching approach to the rural South
January 29, 2024 - Kim Ward
MSU Sociology Distinguished Professor Barbara Schneider (co-appointed with College of Education) is leading a new science approach to rural education.
Dr. Carla Pfeffer takes the helm at MSU Sociology
January 3, 2024
Dr. Carla Pfeffer is Professor of Sociology and previously served as inaugural Director for the MSU Consortium for Sexual and Gender Minority Health thematic research area.