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2017 Graduates

           David Baker

Hometown: Belding, MI

Major/Minor: Sociology major & Political Science major

Thesis topicFactors Encouraging or Discouraging Green Transportation Behavior

What is a skill that you gained through your experiences in the Sociology Honors Program?Statistical Data Analysis and the use of SPSS software for that purpose.

What are your current plans for after graduation?: Return to State Government in a new Public Policy-oriented role. Investigate Masters programs. Write for publication. Work for electoral system reform.

What is your super power?: Writing, humor, and balance.

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           Hannah May

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Major/Minor: Sociology major w/ subplan in LJSC & Women's Studies Major

Thesis TopicUnderstanding the Family Planning Debate: Actor Representation and Frame Adoption of "Family Planning" in the NYT 1970-2015

What is a skill that you gained through your experiences in the Sociology Honors Program?I learned a lot about research and through the Sociology Honors Program, I was able to realize that I have a passion for research. I look forward to continue to expand my research skills as I look for different research jobs. Independent research has put my critical thinking skills to the test and it has allowed me to use my knowledge to better understand the different ways in which society affects the lives of individuals.

What are your current plans for after graduation?: I plan to continue to do public policy research in a non-profit setting while beginning to think about Law School or a PhD in Sociology. Immediately after graduation I plan to go backpacking in Europe.

What is your super power?: Spontaneity. I am always willing to try new things and jump into new and exciting situations.

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   Maham Shaikh

Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI

Major/Minor: Sociology major w/ subplan in LJSC

Thesis TopicColorism within the South Asian American Community

What is a skill that you gained through your experiences in the Sociology Honors Program?:  I learned how to re-write and work on continuously improving my writing. Prior to writing a honors thesis, I never had to write so many drafts for a research paper. Writing my thesis allowed me to understand how writing is a process and also an opportunity for self-growth.

What are your current plans for after graduation?: Currently, I plan on finding a job and working for a little bit before returning to do graduate/law school.

What is your super power?Invisibility - I have an invisibility cloak. I can disappear and re-appear when I want. People can't tell my age, religion, or ethnic identity usually, so I have the power to decide when I want to be visible and when I don't. 

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          Noah Betman

Hometown: West Bloomfield, MI

Major/Minor: Sociology major w/ subplan in LJSC

Thesis Topic"No Religion, No Politics": Young Adults and Political Conversation - How They Engage or Avoid

What is a skill that you gained through your experiences in the Sociology Honors Program?I learned how to create my own research project. It is crazy to think that I did all of this starting from nothing.

What are your current plans for after graduation?: I will be sticking around Ann Arbor for the summer doing DSIP, and after that I'm not sure! Currently applying to some jobs and fellowships.

What is your super power?Drinking a cup of coffee and being able to go to sleep right after.

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           Michelle Rabaut

Hometown: Grosse POinte Woods, MI

Major/Minor: Sociology major, American Culture minor, & Urban Studies minor

Thesis TopicBorders and Brokerage: 
An Ethnography of a Detroit Urban Farm

What is a skill that you gained through your experiences in the Sociology Honors Program?: Being a part of the Sociology Honors Program has taught me optimism and acceptance. I've learned that doubting myself and being frustrated is part of the process of creating, and that these are okay feelings to have. My project has changed so much from my original vision, and through this process I have gained the skill of being flexible and knowing what to let go of and hold onto in order to allow my project to grow blossom.

What are your current plans for after graduation?: I work at a K-8 independent school in Ann Arbor and will be working there this summer and potentially continue to work there during next year. I have been thinking about PhD programs, but I am in no rush to jump into anything new. I am looking forward to time after graduation to just decompress and reflect on where these four years have brought me.

What is your super power?Psychic Abilities. I can always tell someone's intentions.

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Rebecca Wren

Hometown: Dearborn, MI

Major/Minor: Sociology major & Sustainability minor

Thesis Topic"Low-Income First Generation College Students on an Elite Campus: Ease, Hardship, and Access to Capital"

What is a skill that you gained through your experiences in the Sociology Honors Program?I learned how to design and execute my own research project while also learning the importance of qualitative research that allows marginalized students the opportunity to talk about their experiences. The hard lesson of learning how not to procrastinate will never be forgotten as well.

What are your current plans for after graduation?: I hope to go on to get a Masters in Sociology.

What is your super power?Empathy! Which is why I think Sociology was appealing to me but also why any of my Sociology courses have the potential to make me cry from the readings.

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         Rebecca Lynn

Hometown: Alanson, MI

Major/Minor: Sociology major & CASC minor

Thesis TopicIdentity Formation and Experiences of LGBTQ & Two Spirit Native Americans

What is a skill that you gained through your experiences in the Sociology Honors Program?One of the most important skills I gained through this experience is the ability to conduct powerful, insightful, culturally sensitive in-depth interviews.

What are your current plans for after graduation?: I plan to take a year or two off before applying to Sociology PhD programs. I am hoping to continue my studies on gender and sexuality within Native American communities and bring Native American experiences further into the post-colonial theory field.

What is your super power?My superpower is being indigenous! As an Anishinaabekwe (Odawa woman), I experience and make sense of the world in a unique way that expands beyond colonial, Western thought. If that isn't a superpower, I don't know what is!

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