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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 celebrates Juneteenth
June 19, 2024
The 2024 MSU Juneteenth Celebration is centered around the theme of “Acknowledging the Journey: Freedom, Resilience, Empowerment and Liberation.”
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.
MSU Sociology celebrates Pride Month
June 11, 2024
At the heart of our department, MSU Sociology strives to understand the vast and diverse factors that come together to create our human world. It has been our long-standing commitment and honor to include deep dives into the lives, policies, realities and obstacles faced every day by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, agender, and two-spirit individuals and their families. During June, which is Pride Month, our faculty, staff and students appreciate the opportunity to highlight work done by and in collaboration with our LBGTQIA2S+ community members. If you would like to learn more about our work in this area, please check out the Consortium for Sexual and Gender Minority Health here: https://socialscience.msu.edu/research/thematic/sgm/index.html
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.
Dr. Ning Hsieh receives Faculty Research Award
December 19, 2023
Dr. Ning Hsieh has been awarded a Faculty Research Award from the Consortium for Sexual Gender Minority Health.
Dr. Jennifer Carrera promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure
December 18, 2023
Dr. Jennifer Carrera's promotion was approved Friday Dec. 15, 2023 by the MSU Board of Trustees.
MSU Sociology Professor Emerita Jualynne Dodson inducted as a HistoryMaker
December 8, 2023
The U.S. Library of Congress’s digital repository for the Black experience, The HistoryMakers, now includes MSU Sociology Professor Emerita Jualynne Dodson.
Dr. Zhenmei Zhang honored for research in aging
November 27, 2023
MSU AgeAlive will present the Research in Aging Award to Dr. Zhenmei Zhang, Professor of Sociology, at their annual meeting Dec. 7.
Four Sociology undergraduates win PURI grants
November 22, 2023 - Karessa Weir
Four Sociology students have been awarded grants from the Provost’s Office to pursue research on climate change and campus sexual culture with faculty mentors.
MSU Sociology mourns the passing of administrative assistant Debbie Jesswein
October 26, 2023 - Karessa Weir
The MSU Sociology Department shared sad news this week with the passing of long-time administrative assistant Debbie Jesswein.
Dr. stef shuster discusses LGBTQ+ health with Dr. Anthony Fauci
October 25, 2023
MSU Sociology Associate Professor stef shuster shared the stage with Dr. Anthony Fauci this week as part of a panel discussion on LGBTQ+ healthcare.
Sociology alum Dr. Cameron Whitley receives prestigious NSF CAREER grant
October 23, 2023
Dr. Whitley, Associate Professor of Sociology at Western Washington University, will use the grant to partner with zoos, aquariums, and renowned wildlife photographer Tim Flach to research how imagery can positively impact the public's views on climate change and biodiversity loss.
MSU Sociology seeks new teaching faculty
October 16, 2023
MSU Sociology is currently accepting applications for a teaching-focused faculty to teach three courses in the Spring 2024 semester.
MSU Sociology alum works to create new sensory space
October 16, 2023 - Scott Pohl
MSU Sociology alumnus Anthony Ianni, a former MSU basketball player, has autism and encouraged the space's creation. During the dedication ceremony, he reflected on the moments in his childhood when he felt overwhelmed attending basketball games.
Sociology grad Larry Dean Thompson named Distinguished Alumni
September 25, 2023
Larry Thompson has an extensive career in government, in private practice and as a public company general counsel, where his actions reflect a commitment to equity and social justice. Thompson graduated cum laude from Culver-Stockton College in 1967, received his master’s in Sociology from MSU College of Social Science in 1969, and received his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1974.
MSU Sociology welcomes Dr. Maria Isabel Espinoza as new environmental and health sociologist
August 23, 2023 - Karessa Weir
MSU Sociology is pleased to welcome our newest faculty member: Assistant Professor Maria Isabel Espinoza, an environmental and health sociologist.
SOC Associate Professor Stephanie Nawyn awarded a partnership grant for women in STEM
August 8, 2023
Michigan State University has been awarded a partnership grant from the National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE program that will work to build equitable and inclusive work cultures for women in STEM by focusing on both women from racial minority groups and gender expansive/nonbinary faculty who are at higher risk of leaving academic STEM departments.
SOC Associate Professor Soma Chaudhuri named co-director for Center for Gender in Global Context
July 30, 2023
International Studies and Programs (ISP) has appointed Soma Chaudhuri as the new co-director for global research, outreach and engagement for MSU’s Center for Gender in Global Context (GenCen). Chaudhuri will lead the center alongside Aminda Smith, who was recently appointed GenCen’s co-director for academic programs, outreach, and engagement.
MSU Lyman Briggs/Sociology associate professor receives prestigious National Science Foundation award for their work in the social and historical aspects of reproductive health.
July 13, 2023 - Karessa Weir
Associate Professor stef shuster has received a CAREER grant from the US National Science Foundation, the most prestigious award offered for early-career researchers.
MSU Sociology hiring an Assistant Professor of Sociology in Environmental Justice
July 6, 2023
MSU Sociology is pleased to share that we are hiring an Assistant Professor of Sociology in environmental justice. Please share this posting widely!
Three Sociology faculty promoted this spring
June 18, 2023
MSU Sociology is pleased to congratulate Drs. Molly Copeland, stef shuster and Xuefei Ren on their recent promotions approved by the MSU Board of Trustees at its June meeting.
Sociology PhD student awarded CHI Fellowship
June 14, 2023
The 2023-2024 Cultural Heritage Informatics Graduate Fellowship program is open to MSU graduate students interested in the application of digital methods and computational approaches to cultural heritage materials, collections, data, questions and challenges.
MSU’s LGBTQ minor: a decade of preparing leaders and making change
June 13, 2023 - Mark Bullion and Pat Arnold
“Our experiential learning opportunities are probably the most unique part of our minor,” said Stephanie Nawyn, co-director of academic programs for GenCen. Nawyn shared an example of one such opportunity: a research study internship involving the Salus Center, a Lansing-based LGBTQIA+ community and advocacy organization. The internship led to the compilation of critical data regarding health care gaps for transgender people in the Lansing area.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jodi Yelinek
June 5, 2023
Assistant Professor of Sociology Jodi Yelinek worked closely with the winner of the College of Social Science's Undergraduate Research Award.
Student view: The importance of Pride Month
May 31, 2023
Angela Demas is a student in the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities majoring in the arts and humanities with a minor in sociology, graduating this December. Demas is the vice chair and public relations coordinator for The Alliance of Queer and Ally Students – one of the oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and two spirit organizations in Michigan that began in the 1970s.
High-skilled female migrants forgo professional aspirations and turn to home life after facing multiple barriers to their career advancement, MSU Sociology research finds
May 24, 2023 - Karessa Weir
Turkish women who migrate to the US for their husbands’ careers often find themselves unable to pursue their own professional ambitions and instead take on full-time care of children and homelife, according to new research by MSU Sociology Associate Professor Stephanie Nawyn.
Dr. Tom Dietz discusses sustainability decision making in this latest blogpost
May 23, 2023
In connection with the publication of his latest book "Decisions for Sustainability: Fact and Values," MSU Sociology University Distinguished Professor Tom Dietz has posted a blog, “What Should We Do?” on sustainability decision making at fifteen-eighty-four, the Cambridge University Press blogsite.
Sociology PhD candidate Inna Mirzoyan accepts position at Wayne State University
May 7, 2023
MSU Sociology PhD candidate Inna Mirzoyan has accepted a new position for the fall as an Assistant Professor of Teaching in Sociology at Wayne State University in Detroit.
MSU Sociology presents Stella Weinberg as the Ruth Hamilton Award recipient
April 26, 2023
The Ruth Hamilton Award is one of MSU's “All-University Awards for Excellence,” which has a perpetual endowment, and is named after Dr. Ruth Simms Hamilton, a distinguished sociologist whose work over decades made major contributions to the understanding of the African Diaspora. Dr. Hamilton also made significant contributions to sociological theory and to our understanding of international migration, urbanization, and inequality.
Sociology celebrates Spring 2023 Undergraduate Award Winners
April 24, 2023
MSU Department of Sociology is happy to recognize the achievements of our undergraduate students in the 2022-2023 academic year.
MSU Sociology names Carrie Nielsen as Outstanding Senior for 2023
April 24, 2023
Sociology and Economics senior Carrie Nielsen has been chosen to represent the graduating Sociology class for 2023.
Sociology student receive Board of Trustees' Award for earning a 4.0 GPA
April 20, 2023
This semester, a record-breaking 206 graduating students were recognized by the Michigan State University Board of Trustees for achieving the highest scholastic average — a 4.0 GPA. Each semester, students graduating with a 4.0 GPA are presented with the Board of Trustees’ Award for their academic excellence. Additionally, each awardee will be acknowledged during their individual commencement ceremonies in May and will receive $1,000 from the university in recognition of their accomplishment.
Dr. Sarah Prior awarded Outstanding Research Award
April 13, 2023
The ASMSU Senior Class Council awarded the Outstanding Research Award to Dr. Sarah Prior, Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Program Director.
Soc PhD student awarded P. Lea Martinez Endowed Scholarship
April 12, 2023
Teresa Rivera is a Dual Major Doctoral Degree student in Chicano/Latino Studies and Sociology. She has been awarded the P. Lea Martinez Endowed Scholarship award for 2023-24 school year from the Julian Samora Research Institute (JSRI).
Dr. stef shuster wins outstanding paper award "Reducing the Joy Deficit in Sociology: A Study of Transgender Joy"
April 12, 2023
A recent paper by Sociology Assistant Professor stef shuster has been named "the 2023 Outstanding Article award from the Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP), Theory Division.
Teen friendships have lasting consequences on depression, success as an adult
April 10, 2023 - Karessa E. Weir
Dr. Molly Copeland's most recent research, published in Social Science & Medicine, shows that teen friendships can have lasting consequences for mental health, decades later, in individuals' mid 30s and early 40s.
Dr. Jennifer Carrera receives 2023 Impact Award for community engaged research
April 9, 2023
An Assistant Professor of Sociology, Carrera named the 2023 winner of Ernest A. Lynton Award for the Scholarship of Engagement from Brown University's Swearer Center.
SOC PhD student publishes report on immigrant trauma
April 3, 2023
Teresa Rivera, Dual Major Doctoral Degree student in Chicano/Latino Studies and Sociology, has published "A Social Ecological Approach to Latino Immigrant Trauma and Intervention: An Integrative Review" in the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health.
MSU PhD student wins GenCen Student Leader Award
April 2, 2023
Angelica Ruvalcaba is the 2023 recipient of the Inspiration Award in the MSU Student Leader Award by the Center for Gender in Global Context (GenCen).
Dr. Ning Hsieh awarded National Institutes of Health grant
March 23, 2023
Dr. Ning Hsieh received the two-year RO3 grant worth $100,000 to support their work on primary care disparities among sexual and gender minorities.
MSU Sociology welcomes Maria Espinoza
March 22, 2023
MSU Sociology is pleased to announce Maria Espinoza has accepted our tenure-system faculty offer for environment and health sociology position. She’ll be joining our department in August 2023. Her spouse (Matthew Welsh) will be joining the Department of Mathematics in a 3-year Research Associate position starting in August 2024.
Black, Indigenous, Hispanic communities see less of a return on investment for water infrastructure, MSU Sociology research finds
March 20, 2023 - Karessa Weir
A new wide-ranging research paper “The ethnically and racially uneven role of water infrastructure spending in rural economic development,” by Drs. Stephen Gasteyer (MSU Sociology) and J. Tom Mueller (University of Oklahoma), has been published in the journal Nature Water.
Dr. Jennifer Carrera awarded the Distinguished Partnership Award for Community-Engaged Research
March 12, 2023
Dr. Carrera's "Engaging Community in the Development of Low-Cost Technologies for Environmental Monitoring to Promote Environmental Health Literacy in a Low-Trust Setting: The Community-Driven Flint Project" received the honor from the University Engagement and Outreach.
Dr. Molly Copeland selected for University of Michigan training program
March 3, 2023
Dr. Copeland, Assistant Professor of Sociology, was selected to participate in the Michigan Integrative Well-Being and Inequality Training Program run by the University of Michigan's School of Public Health.
Spring Semester '23 Career Fairs start March 13
February 27, 2023
Students from all majors have a wide variety of opportunities to check out careers in many fields over the next month.
We will endure this together
February 14, 2023
We experienced a collective trauma this evening, as a single shooter killed and injured multiple people in Berkey Hall before moving on to do the same in the MSU Union and ultimately heading north where he apparently took his own life. For approximately four hours tonight when the identity and location of the shooter was unknown, we were gripped with fear, desperation, and hopelessness. Even though the shooter is now deceased and our campus “shelter-in-place” order has been lifted, our fear, desperation, and hopelessness—among other feelings—may endure for a while.
MSU Sociology announces online courses for Summer 2023
December 13, 2022
Enroll today for online summer and earn your degree sooner!