- Graduate Students
- Recent Graduates and Placements
- Comprehensive List of Placements
- Graduate Students
- Why Choose Michigan Sociology?
- Application Procedures
- Degree Requirements
- Area Exams
- Workshops
- Joint Programs & Interdisciplinary Opportunities
- Financial Support
- Current Graduate Student Notable Accomplishments
- Grants and Fellowships Awarded to Graduate Students
- Recent Graduates and Placements
-
- Comprehensive List of Placements
- Graduate Students on the Job Market
- New Student Information
- Grad Life in Ann Arbor
- Graduate Students
- Why Choose Michigan Sociology?
- Application Procedures
- Degree Requirements
- Area Exams
- Workshops
- Joint Programs & Interdisciplinary Opportunities
- Financial Support
- Current Graduate Student Notable Accomplishments
- Grants and Fellowships Awarded to Graduate Students
- Recent Graduates and Placements
-
- Comprehensive List of Placements
- Graduate Students on the Job Market
- New Student Information
- Grad Life in Ann Arbor
2021 - 2022 Graduates
Matthew Alemu
(Ph.D, Public Policy & Sociology, Summer 2022)
Dissertation: "Better Than My Father: An Exploration of the Influence of Absent Fatherhood on the Minds and Lives of Disadvantaged Black Men." Co-chairs: Alford Young, Jr. & Sandra Danziger.
Initial Placement: Postdoctoral Scholar, Urban Labs, University of Chicago (2022-)
Nicole Bedera
(Ph.D, Sociology, Fall 2021)
Dissertation: "Settling for Less: How Organizations Shape Survivors' Expectations Around College Sexual Assault." Chair: Fatma Muge Gocek..
Initial Placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute for Research on Male Supremacism (2022-)
Finn Bell
(Ph.D, Social Work & Sociology, Spring 2022)
Dissertation: "Marginalized Food Growers in a Changing Environment: Tracing Collective Survival Strategies." Co-chairs: Fatma Muge Gocek & Sandra Danziger.
Initial Placement: Assistant Professor of Human Services, University of Michigan--Dearborn (2022-)
Anne C. Clark
(Ph.D, Sociology, Summer 2022)
Dissertation: "Internalizing Achievement Inequality: The Development of Racial/Ethnic Differences in Mathematics Attitudes and Their Implications for Persistence in STEM." Chair: Elizabeth Bruch.
Initial Placement: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Research on Educational Opportunity, University of Notre Dame (2022-)
Spencer Garrison
(Ph.D, Sociology, Fall 2021)
Dissertation: "“Trans Enough” for Tumblr? Gender Accountability, Identity Challenge, and the Duality of Sociotechnical Affordances in Online Communities for TNB+ Emerging Adults." Chair: Elizabeth Armstrong.
Initial Placement: Learning Ambassador, Amazon (2022-)
Jeffrey Lockhart
(Ph.D, Sociology, Winter 2022)
Dissertation: "Establishing Sex: The Scientific Quest to Support a Controversial Binary." Co-chairs: Elizabeth Bruch & Erin Cech.
Initial Placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, Knowledge Lab, University of Chicago (2022-)
Dylan Nelson
(Ph.D, Sociology, Winter 2022)
Dissertation: "Private Equity and Workers: The Distributional Consequences of Business Ownership Strategies." Chair: Mark Mizruchi.
Initial Placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, MIT Sloan School of Management (2022-)
Garrett Pace
(Ph.D, Social Work & Sociology, Spring 2022)
Dissertation: "Corporal Punishment Bans in Global Perspective: Conceptualization and Child- and Caregiver-Reported Outcomes." Co-chairs: Shawna Lee & Jeffrey Morenoff.
Initial Placement: Assistant Professor of Social Work, University of Nevada--Las Vegas (2022-)
Morgan Purrier
(Ph.D, Sociology, Spring 2022)
Dissertation: "Sexual Deserts: The Urban Stratification of Queer Sexuality." Chair: Elizabeth Armstrong.
Initial Placement: Research Associate, ISGMH, Northwestern University (2022-)
Kelly Russell
(Ph.D, Sociology, Fall 2021)
Dissertation: "Becoming Good Investments: Social Impact Bonds and the Politics of Finance in Social Service Provision." Co-chairs: Sandra R. Levitsky & Greta Krippner.
Initial Placement: Visiting Assistant Professor, Florida State University (2021-)
Xiao Wang
(Ph.D, Sociology, Winter 2022)
Dissertation: "Three Papers on Social Contexts and Older Adult Health in China." Chair: Sarah A. Burgard.
Initial Placement: Data Scientist, Meta Platforms, Inc. (2022-)
Lydia Wileden
(Ph.D, Public Policy & Sociology, Summer 2022)
Dissertation: "(Mis)Perceiving the Metropolis: The utility and consequences of imperfect neighborhood knowledge." Co-chairs: Elizabeth Bruch & Jeffrey Morenoff.
Initial Placement: Postdoctoral Scholar, Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation, University of Chicago (2022-)
Yang Zhang
(Ph.D, Sociology, Fall 2021)
Dissertation: "Three Essays on the Determinant and Consequences of Union Experiences." Chair: Sarah A. Burgard.
Initial Placement: Assistant Professor, Renmin University of China (2021-)
2020 - 2021 Graduates
Ian Bratcher
(Ph.D, Sociology, Summer 2021)
Dissertation: "Ideological Others and National Identifications in Contemporary Poland." Chair: Genevieve Zubrzycki.
Tia Clinton
(Ph.D, Sociology, Summer 2021)
Dissertation: "You Belong Here: Cultivating Community for Black Students Using Restorative Justice Practices." Chair: Alford A Young, Jr.
Initial Placement: Education Systems Researcher, American Institutes for Research, Arlington, VA (2021-)
Mercedez Dunn
(Ph.D, Sociology, Summer 2021)
Dissertation: "Respectability, Responsibility, and Resistance: Heterosexual HBCU Women’s Negotiations of Sexuality, Romance, and Sexual Health." Chair: Elizabeth A. Armstrong.
Initial Placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (2021-)
Michael Evangelist
(Ph.D, Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2021)
Dissertation: "Three Essays on Race and Trust in the United States." Chair: Sarah A. Burgard.
Initial Placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, Columbia University (2021-)
Subsequent Placement: Senior Policy Analyst, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Boston, MA (2022-)
Angela Perone
(Ph.D, Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2021)
Dissertation: "Safety, Autonomy, Discrimination, and Religious Exemptions: Three Papers on How Long-Term Care Facility Staff Navigate Conflicting Rights." Chair: Sandra R. Levitsky.
Initial Placement: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellow, Washington, D.C. (2021-2022)
Subsequent Placement: Assistant Professor, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley (2022-)
William Rothwell
(Ph.D, Sociology, Fall 2020)
Dissertation: "Professionally Queer: Queer Men and the World of Work." Chair: Erin A. Cech.
Initial Placement: Behavioral Scientist, Walmart eCommerce (2020-21)
Current Placement: Senior Applied Behavioral Scientist, WW International (2021-)
Daniel Thiel
(Ph.D, Student Initiated Dissertation Program, Health Management and Policy & Sociology, Summer 2021)
Dissertation: "A CRISPR View of Human Genome Editing in the 21st Century." Co-chairs: Rachel K. Best & Holly Jarman.
Initial Placement: Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Oakland University (2021-)
Ed-Dee Williams
(Ph.D, Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2021)
Dissertation: "Black Boy's Depression Help-Seeking: Beliefs, Barriers, and Social Process." Co-chairs: Alford A Young, Jr. & Jamie Mitchell.
Initial Placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Social Work, University of Michigan (2021-)
Subsequent Placement: Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Boston College (2022-)
Lisa Young Larance
(Ph.D, Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2021)
Dissertation: "Talking Back to the Web of Power: Women’s Legal, Child Protection, and Anti Violence Intervention Entanglement and Resistance." Co-chairs: Elizabeth A. Armstrong & Richard M. Tolman.
Initial Placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Social Work, University of Michigan (2021-)
Current Position: Research Associate, Graduate School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Bryn Mawr College (2022-)
2019 - 2020 Graduates
Shannon Ang
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2020)
Dissertation: “Three Papers on Social Participation over the Life Course.” Chair: Sarah Burgard.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2020-).
Jamie Budnick
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2020)
Dissertation: “The New Gay Science: Sexuality Knowledge, Demography, and the Politics of Population Measurement.” Chair: Karin Martin.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, Population Studies Center, University of Michigan (2020-).
Yuan Christian-He
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2020)
Dissertation: “Does Diversity Still Matter?—Revisiting the Role of School Racial and Socioeconomic Diversity in K-12 Education.” Chair: Sarah Burgard.
Jessica Gillooly
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Winter 2020)
Dissertation: “911, Is This an Emergency?”: How 911 Call-Takers Extract, Interpret, and Classify Caller Information. Chair: Jeff Morenoff.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Law, New York University. (2020-).
Subsequent Placement: Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Suffolk University (2021-).
Katrina Hauschildt
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2020)
Dissertation: “Whose Good Death? Understanding Inequality and the End of Life.” Chair: Sarah Burgard.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Hospital, Ann Arbor. (2020-).
Subsquent Placement: Faculty Research Associate, John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. (2022-)
Constance Hsiung
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2020)
Dissertation: “Three Studies of Occupational Sex Segregation and Working Women: Own-Group Effects, Occupational Rewards, and Devaluation.” Chair: Sarah Burgard.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Researcher in the Sociology of Work, Goethe-Univeristy Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt Germany. (2022-)
Dana Kornberg
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2020)
Dissertation: “Reclaiming Waste, Remaking Communities: Persistence and Change in Delhi's Informal Recycling Economy.” Chair: George Steinmetz.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor, Dept of Sociology, University of California, Santa Barbara (2020-).
Janette Norrington
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2019)
Dissertation: “Mental Health Across the Life Course.” Chair: Sarah Burgard.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Researcher, National Institutes of Health, (2020-).
Jeffrey Swindle
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2020)
Dissertation: “Cultural Diffusion and Intimate Partner Violence in Malawi.” Chair: Arland Thornton.
Initial placement: NICHD Postdoctoral Fellow, Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin (2020-).
Tarlise Townsend
(Ph.D., Individualized Interdepartmental Degree Program, Health Services Org & Policy & Sociology, Summer 2020)
Dissertation: "Contemporary Issues in Population Health: Disability, Pain Management, and Opioid Overdose in the United States." Co-Chairs: Sarah Burgard, Neil Mehta.
Initial Placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, New York University Langone Health (2020-).
Kennedy Turner
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2019)
Dissertation: “On the Battefield?: Using Cultural Schemas to Navigate the Racial Terrain of College” Co-Chairs: Kristin Seefeldt, Alford A. Young.
Initial placement: Director, Aspects of Leadership and LEDA Graduate School Initiative, (2019-2020); Director, Graduate Education and Fellowships, Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (2020-).
2018 - 2019 Graduates
Christina J. Cross
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Winter 2019)
Dissertation: "The Color, Class, and Context of Family Structure and Its Association with Children’s Educational Performance." Chair: Karyn R. Lacy.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Sociology, Harvard University (2019-2021); Assistant Professor of Sociology, Harvard University (effective 2021–).
Cheyney Dobson
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2019)
Dissertation: "Merging Criminal Justice and Social Welfare in Mental Health Court: The Disparate Impacts and Outcomes of Coercive Aid in the Era of Mass Incarceration." Co-chairs: Alford A. Young, Jr. & David J. Harding (University of California, Berkeley).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Law School, University of Pennsylvania (2019–).
Subsequent Placement: Researcher, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI. (2022-)
Michael Fang
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Winter 2019)
Dissertation: "Three Essays on the Relationships Between Social Ties and Mental Well-Being." Co-chairs: Elizabeth E. Bruch & Sarah A. Burgard.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University (2019–).
Jessica Garrick
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2019)
Dissertation: "Refocusing Rights “On the Books”: The State, Social Movement Organizations, and U.S. Labor Law." Chair: Sandra R. Levitsky.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Southern Methodist University (2019–).
Subsequent Placement: Visiting Teaching Assistant Professor, Sociology & Criminal Justice, University of Denver, Denver, CO. (2022-)
Mikell A. Hyman
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2018)
Dissertation: "Land of Broken Promises: Classification Struggles and the Reorganization of Municipal Pensions in Detroit's Bankruptcy." Co-chairs: Greta R. Krippner & Jason Owen-Smith.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, Cologne, Germany (2018–).
Subsequent Placement: Senior Design Researcher, Ford Motor Company, NYC, NY. (2021-)
Huiyun Kim
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Fall 2018)
Dissertation: "Housing Insecurity and Low-Income Housing Policy in the United States." Co-chairs: Sarah A. Burgard & Kristin S. Seefeldt (Social Work).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Minnesota Population Center, University of Minnesota (2018–).
Min Hee Kim
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Winter 2019)
Dissertation: "Geographic Distribution of Aging and Health-Related Resources in Urban Neighborhoods: Implications for Health Care Delivery to Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Physical and/or Cognitive Impairment." Co-chairs: Sarah A. Burgard & Ruth E. Dunkle (Social Work).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Scholar, Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco (2019–).
Johanna C. Massé
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2019)
Dissertation: "'Every B Closes the Door': The College Choice Process Among Silicon Valley High School Seniors." Chair: Elizabeth A. Armstrong.
Initial placement: Admissions Evaluator, University of California, Santa Cruz (2019–).
Subsequent Placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Center for International & Defence Policy, Queens University, Ontario, Canada (2021-)
David Mickey-Pabello
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2019)
Dissertation: "A Structural Investigation of Laissez Faire Racism: The Intended and Unintended Consequences of Affirmative Action Bans." Chair: Sarah A. Burgard.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Hutchins Center for African and African-American Studies, Harvard University (2019–).
2017 - 2018 Graduates
Ellen L. Compernolle
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2017)
Dissertation: "Spouses Crossing Borders: Husbands? International Migration and the Marital Relationship." Chair: William G. Axinn.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Affiliate, Center for Health and the Social Sciences, University of Chicago (2018–2019).
Current position: User Experience Researcher, Meta, Evanston, IL (2022-)
Danielle Czarnecki
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2017)
Dissertation: "Modern Crosses: How Christian Women Navigate Gender, Religion, and Assisted Reproductive Technologies." Co-chairs: Renee R. Anspach & Karin A. Martin.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Social Studies of Medicine, McGill University (2018–).
Subsequent Position: Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology, Case Western Reserve Univeristy, Cleveland, OH (2022-)
Danielle Czarnecki’s website: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/dczarnecki/
Elizabeth J. Ela
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2018)
Dissertation: "I Should Be Pregnant So Many Times By Now: Risk Perception, Numeracy, and Young Women's Contraceptive Use." Chair: Jennifer S. Barber.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Texas Policy Evaluation Project, University of Texas at Austin (2017–).
Subsequent Placement: Social Science Research Analyst, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Washington, DC (2021-)
Elizabeth J. Ela’s website: http://elizabethela.com/
Meagan Michelle Elliott
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2018)
Dissertation: "Imagined Boundaries: Discordant Narratives of Place and Displacement in Contemporary Detroit." Co-chairs: Geneviève Zubrzycki & Robert S. Jansen.
Initial placement: Chief Parks Planner, General Services Department, City of Detroit, MI (2014–).
Drew M. Foster
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2017)
Dissertation: "Being Sick Online: Exchanges of Medical Knowledge on the Internet." Chair: Geneviève Zubrzycki.
Initial placement: User Experience Researcher, Cox Automotive Inc., Burlington, VT (2017–2018).
Current position: User Experience Researcher, Meta, Seattle, WA (2018–).
Heidi M. Gansen
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2018)
Dissertation: "Building Blocks of Difference: How Inequalities are (Re)Produced through Disciplinary Practices and Interactions in Preschool." Chair: Karin A. Martin.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University (2018–).
Charity M. Hoffman
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2018)
Dissertation: "The 21st Century Mother: How New Moms Navigate Work, Family and the Struggle to Have it All." Co-chairs: Karin A. Martin & Katie E. Richards-Schuster (Social Work).
Initial placement: Research Coordinator, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan (2018–).
Charity M. Hoffman’s website: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/charityhoffman/
Lucie Kalousová
(Ph.D., Sociology and Health Services Organization and Policy, Fall 2017)
Dissertation: "Durable Disparity: The Emergence and Entrenchment of the Great American Smoking Gap." Co-chairs: Sarah A. Burgard & Scott L. Greer (Public Health).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Prize Research Fellow, Nuffield College, University of Oxford (2017–2019); Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of California, Riverside (effective 2019).
Current position: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (2022-)
Lucie Kalousová’s website: https://www.luciekalousova.com/
Anh P. Nguyem
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2018)
Dissertation: "The Determinants and Consequences of Solitary Confinement: Risk Factor, Future Criminal Justice Involvement, and Mortality." Co-chairs: Jeffrey D. Morenoff & David J. Harding (University of California, Berkeley).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado (2018–).
Richard M. Rodems
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2018)
Dissertation: "Hidden Hardship: Three Essays on Poverty and Material Welfare in the United States." Co-chairs: Fabian T. Pfeffer & H. Luke Schaefer (Social Work).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Poverty Solutions, University of Michigan (2018–).
Subsequent Placement: User Researcher, Spotify, Cleveland, OH (2022-)
Matthew B. Sullivan
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2018)
Dissertation: "The Expansion of Science Policy in the United States in Three Cases: rDNA Research, The Human Genome Project, and the National Nanotechnology Initiative." Co-chairs: Renee R. Anspach & Sandra R. Levitsky.
Initial placement: Lecturer and Director of the Sociology Opportunities for Undergraduate Leaders (SOUL) Program, Department of Sociology, University of Michigan (2018–).
Jessica P. Wiederspan
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Fall 2017)
Dissertation: "How Bad Does It Have to Get?' How the Ideology of the American Dream Persists in an Era of Economic Insecurity." Co-chairs: Alford A. Young, Jr. & Sandra K. Danziger (Social Work).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Researcher, Basic Income Study, Y Combinator Research, San Francisco, CA (2018–).
Current position: Qualitative Researcher, Basic Income Study at OpenResearch, Des Moines, IA (2022-).
Elizabeth L. Young
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2018)
Dissertation: "Guardians of Religion: Islam, Nation, and Democratization in Post-Revolution Tunisia." Chair: Geneviève Zubrzycki.
Initial placement: Research Director, British High Commission and Wasafiri Consulting (n.d.).
Current position: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Tilburg University, Amsterdam (2022-)
Elizabeth L. Young’s website: http://www.elizabethyoung.net/
2016 - 2017 Graduates
Elizabeth Marie Armstrong
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2017)
Dissertation: " You Can't Just Get Up in the Morning and Do It': Bridging the Partner Violence and Substance Use Services Fields." Co-chairs: Elizabeth A. Armstrong & Beth Glover Reed (Social Work).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Social Work, University of Maine (2017–).
Elizabeth Marie Armstrong’s website: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/elimarie/
Jonathan S. Atwell
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2017)
Dissertation: "The Role of Niche Signals in Self-organization in Society." Co-chairs: Elizabeth E. Bruch & Mark S. Mizruchi.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute on Complex Systems, Northwestern University (2017–2019).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Graduate School of Business, Stanford University (2019–).
Jonathan S. Atwell's website: https://atwel.github.io/
Denise E. Bailey
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2017)
Dissertation: "Teaching Preschool is Hard: Embodiment, Ideology, Fallibility and Futurity." Chair: Karin A. Martin.
Initial placement: Staff Organizer, Graduate Employees Organization, AFT Michigan Local 3550, Ann Arbor, MI (2014–).
Subsequent Placement: City Letter Carrier, United States Postal Service, Detroit, MI (2021-)
Patricia V. Chen
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2017)
Dissertation: "Talk of Rights: The Rise and Fall of Collective Bargaining in Southern China." Chair: Kiyoteru Tsutsui.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, Barger Leadership Institute, University of Michigan (2017–).
Subsequent Placement: Qualitative Methodologist, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (2022-)
Patricia V. Chen’s website: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/pvchen/
Airan Liu
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Winter 2017)
Dissertation: "Family SES, Non-cognitive Skills and Achievement Inequality in Children's Early Life." Co-chairs: Yu Xie & Mary E. Corcoran (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor, Center for Social Research, Peking University, Beijing, China (2017–).
Airan Liu’s website: https://airanliu.weebly.com/
Everett J. Peachey
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Summer 2017)
Dissertation: "State Sponsored Political Socialization and Public Diplomacy Exchange Program Outcomes: The Case of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program." Co-chairs: Barbara A. Anderson & Philip B. K. Potter (University of Virginia).
Initial placement: Research Coordinator, Quality of Life Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Support Unit, Aga Khan Development Network, Geneva, Switzerland (2014–).
Sarah M. Seelye
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2017)
Dissertation: "Staying Put in Depopulated Neighborhoods: Evidence from a Mixed Methods Study." Co-chairs: Renee R. Anspach & Sarah A. Burgard.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Population Studies Center, University of Michigan (2017–2018).
Current position: Research Health Scientist, Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans' Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, MI (2018–).
2015 - 2016 Graduates
Jay W. Borchert
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2016)
Dissertation: "Prisoners, Prison Executives, and Correctional Officers: Three Explorations into the US Prison Experience During the Era of Mass Incarceration." Co-chairs: Jeffrey D. Morenoff & David J. Harding (University of California, Berkeley).
Initial placement: Emerging Diversity Scholar, National Center for Institutional Diversity, University of Michigan (2016–).
Current position: Assistant Professor of Sociology and Law & Society, Manhattan College (2022-).
Jay W. Borchert’s website: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/jayborchert/
José Henrique Bortoluci
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2016)
Dissertation: "Architectures of the People: Material and Cultural Politics of Housing in São Paulo, 1950-1995." Chair: George Steinmetz.
Initial placement: Lecturer, Contemporary Brazilian History Research and Documentation Center (CPDOC), Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), São Paulo, Brazil (2015–).
Mathieu Hikaru Desan
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2016)
Dissertation: "Order, Authority, Nation: Neo-Socialism and the Fascist Destiny of an Anti-Fascist Discourse." Chair: George Steinmetz.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Colorado Boulder (2016–).
Mathieu Hikaru Desan’s website: https://www.mathieudesan.com/
Claire W. Herbert
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2016)
Dissertation: "Property Rights in the Context of Urban Decline: Informality, Temporality, and Inequality." Chair: Sandra R. Levitsky.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Drexel University (2016–2019).
Current position: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Oregon (2019–).
Claire W. Herbert’s website: https://claireherbertphd.com/
Daniel Hirschman
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2015)
Dissertation: "Inventing the Economy: Or, How We Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the GDP." Chair: Greta R. Krippner.
Initial placement: Lecturer, Department of Sociology, University of Michigan (2016).
Current placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Cornell University (2022–).
Daniel Hirschman’s website: http://danhirschman.com/
Camilo Arturo Leslie
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2015)
Dissertation: "Trustworthiness and Jurisdiction in the Stanford Financial Group Fraud." Co-chairs: Margaret R. Somers & George Steinmetz.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Baldy Center for Law & Social Policy, State University of New York at Buffalo (2015–2017).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Tulane University (2017–).
Erica C. Morrell
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Summer 2016)
Dissertation: "Cultivating Local Food: Knowledge, Power, and (Trans)Formations in American Policy and Society." Co-chairs: Sandra R. Levitsky & Shobita Parthasarathy (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Mellon C3 Postdoctoral Fellow, Middlebury College (2016–2018).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, St. Lawrence University (2018–).
Erica C. Morrell’s website. https://www.ericamorrell.com/
Joshua Mound
(Ph.D., History and Sociology, Winter 2016)
Dissertation: "Inflated Hopes, Taxing Times: Fiscal Crisis, the Pocketbook Squeeze, and the Roots of the Tax Revolt." Co-chairs: Anthony S. Chen (Northwestern University) & Matthew D. Lassiter (History).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Smith Institute for Political Economy, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio (2016–2017).
Current position: Postdoctoral Fellow, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia (2017–).
Joshua Mound’s website: https://josh-mound.squarespace.com/
Christopher E. Near
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2016)
Dissertation: "Bridging the Income-Parenting Gap: Three Papers on the Interrelationships of Household Income, Parenting Resources, and Child Outcomes." Co-chairs: Sarah A. Burgard & Yu Xie.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Policy Analysis, Cornell University (2016–2018).
Current position: Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Northern State Univeristy, Aberdeen, SD (2020-).
Karen A. Reardon
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2016)
Dissertation: "Examining the Critical Role of Social Capital in Entrepreneurship: A Qualitative Study of Emerging Nonprofit Organizations." Co-chairs: Renee R. Anspach & David J. Harding (University of California, Berkeley).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Management and Leadership, School of Business, La Salle University (2012–2018).
Current position: Associate Professor of Management and Leadership, School of Business, La Salle University (2018–).
J. Lotus Seeley
(Ph.D., Women’s Studies and Sociology, Winter 2016)
Dissertation: "Repairing Computers and (Re)producing Hierarchy: An Ethnography of Support Work and Status." Chair: Elizabeth A. Armstrong.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Florida Atlantic University (2016–).
Subsequent placement: Associate Professor of Sociology, Florida Atlantic Univeristy, Boca Raton, FL (2022-)
Maria V. Wathen
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2016)
Dissertation: "Civic Culture Frameworks, Volunteerism, NGOs, & Glocalization: Implications for Social Services in Russia." Co-chairs: Barbara A. Anderson & Mary C. Ruffolo (Social Work).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Social Work, Loyola University Chicago (2016–).
2013 - 2014 Graduates
Susan Brower
Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2014)
Dissertation: "Daily Activities and Couples' Relationship Quality." Co-chairs: Jeffrey D. Morenoff & Pamela J. Smock.
Initial placement: State Demographer, Minnesota State Government, St. Paul, MN (2011–).
Jennifer Closson Torres
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2014)
Dissertation: "Negotiating care: The role of lactation consultants and doulas in the medical maternity system." Chair: Karin A. Martin.
Initial placement: Research Scientist, Michigan Public Health Institute, Okemos, MI (2014–).
Mariana Craciun
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2013)
Dissertation: "Embodied Expertise: The Science and Affect of Psychotherapy." Chair: Jason Owen-Smith.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Science in Human Culture Program and Department of Sociology, Northwestern University (2013–2015).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Tulane University (2017–).
Russell J. Funk
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2014)
Dissertation: "Essays on Collaboration, Innovation, and Network Change in Organizations." Chair: Jason Owen-Smith.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota (2014–).
Russell J. Funk’s website: http://russellfunk.org/
Fiona Rose Greenland
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2014)
Dissertation: “Ruling Culture: Tomb Robbers, State Power, and the Struggle for Italian Antiquities." Co-chairs: Geneviève Zubrzycki & Shobita Parthasarathy (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Researcher, Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society, University of Chicago (2014–2017).
Current placement: Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Virginia (2022–).
Fiona Rose Greenland's website: http://fionarosegreenland.org
Saida Grundy
(Ph.D., Women’s Studies and Sociology, Summer 2014)
Dissertation: “The Making of Men: The Institutionalization of Class and Masculinity at a Historically Black College for Men." Chair: Alford A. Young, Jr.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology and African American Studies, Boston University (2014–).
Trevor Hoppe
(Ph.D., Women’s Studies and Sociology, Summer 2014)
Dissertation: “From Sickness to Badness: Enforcing Michigan HIV Law as a Site of Social Control." Co-chairs: Renee R. Anspach & David M. Halperin (Women’s Studies).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Criminology, Law, and Society, University of California at Irvine (2014–2015).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, State University of New York at Albany (2015–2018).
Current position: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2018–).
Trevor Hoppe’s website: http://www.trevorhoppe.com/
Qing Lai
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2014)
Dissertation: “World Culture and Individual Life Course." Chair: Yu Xie.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Global and Sociocultural Studies, Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, Florida International University (2014–).
Ya-Wen Lei
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2013)
Dissertation: “Uncovering the Roots of the Nationwide Counterpublic Sphere in China." Chair: Greta R. Krippner.
Initial placement: Junior Fellow, Harvard Society of Fellows, Harvard University (2013–2016).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, Harvard University (2022–).
Ya-Wen Lei’s website: http://www.yawenlei.com/
Zheng Mu
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2013)
Dissertation: “Three Papers on Marriage and Family in China." Chair: Yu Xie.
Initial placement: Senior Research Associate, Peking University, Beijing, China (2014).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, National University of Singapore (2016–).
Zheng Mu’s website: http://muzheng.net
Stephanie L. Osbakken
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2014)
Dissertation: “Gendered Intersections: Negotiating Power, Status, and Symbolic Boundaries in Interdisciplinary Science." Co-chairs: Renee R. Anspach & Raymond G. De Vries.
Initial placement: Lecturer, Department of Sociology, University of Texas at Austin (n.d.).
Subsequent placement: Associate Professor of Instruction, Univeristy of Texas at Austin (2022-)
Rachael S. Pierotti
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2013)
Dissertation: “Gender Ideologies: Insights into Health and Demographic Behaviors." Chair: Sarah A. Burgard.
Initial placement: Research Specialist, Africa Region Gender Innovation Lab, World Bank, Washington, DC (n.d.).
Jane Rochmes
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Summer 2014)
Dissertation: “Teachers’ Beliefs About Students’ Social Disadvantage: Exploring High School Contexts and Teachers’ Influence on the Achievement Gap." Co-chairs: David J. Harding (University of California, Berkeley) & David K. Cohen (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Center for Education Policy Analysis, Stanford University (2014–2017).
Current position: Associate Director & Assistant Professor of Sociology, Christopher Newport University (2017–).
Teri A. Rosales
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2013)
Dissertation: “Social Patterning of Health Risk Behaviors: The Mediating Roles of Exposure to Childhood Adversity." Co-chairs: Sarah A. Burgard & Pamela J. Smock.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Population Studies Center, University of Michigan (2014–2016).
Current position: Research Analyst, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, University of Michigan (n.d.).
Leslie Rott
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2013)
Dissertation: “Stretched to the Limit: Organization for Short Statured People and the Management of Stigma." Chair: Renee R. Anspach.
Initial placement: Patient Advocate, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City (2014–2015).
Current position: Health Data Analyst and Client Liaison, HealthCall of Detroit, MI (2016–).
Geoffrey T. Wodtke
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2014)
Dissertation: “Class Structure and Income Inequality in America, 1983-2010." Co-chairs: David J. Harding (University of California, Berkeley) & Yu Xie.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Toronto (2014–2019).
Geoffrey T. Wodtke’s website: http://gtwodtke.com/
2011 - 2012 Graduates
Ann V. Bell
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2012)
Dissertation: "Conceiving Infertility: How Social Class Shapes Infertile Experiences." Co-chairs: Karin A. Martin & Renee R. Anspach.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Delaware (2012–2018).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Delaware (2018–).
Rosalyn Denise Campbell
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Winter 2012)
Dissertation: "When Money Isn't the Issue: Socio-Cultural Factors in Help-Seeking among Black Americans with Depression." Co-chairs: Renee R. Anspach & Robert J. Taylor (Social Work).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Psychiatric Research Center, Dartmouth College (2012).
Current Position: Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Georgia (2020–).
Rosalyn Denise Campbell’s website: http://www.rosalyndenisecampbell.com/
Alfred W. DeFreece, Jr.
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2011)
Dissertation: "Black Visions through Colorblind Frames: Opposition in the Obama Era - A Discursive Exploration of Black Urban Adolescent Ideology." Chair: Alford A. Young, Jr.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Roosevelt University (2010–2015).
Current position: Full-time Instructor, Department of Sociology, Oakland Community College (2015–).
David Flores
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2012)
Dissertation: "Political Soldiers: Sources of Iraq War Veteran Support and Opposition to War." Chair: Howard A. Kimeldorf.
Initial placement: Presidential Management Fellow, Research Social Scientist, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Albuquerque, NM (2012–2014).
Current position: Research Social Scientist, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Fort Collins, CO (2014-)
Margaret M. Gough
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2012)
Dissertation: "Consequences of Family Events: Three Papers on Family Change and Subsequent Outcomes." Chair: Yu Xie.
Initial placement: ASA and NSF Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Sociology, Harvard University (2012–2014).
Subsequent placement: Associate Professor of Sociology (Health), University of La Verne (2014–).
Margaret M. Gough’s website: https://sites.google.com/site/margaretmgough/
Yoonsun Han
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2012)
Dissertation: "Mental Health and Health-Risk Behaviors in Adolescence: An Examination of Social Relationships." Co-chairs: Yu Xie & Andrew C. Grogan-Kaylor (Social Work).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Human Development & Family Sciences and Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin (n.d.).
Current position: Professor of Social Welfare, Population Reserach Center, Seoul National Univeristy, Seoul, South Korea (n.d.).
Laura E. Hirshfield
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2011)
Dissertation: "Authority, Expertise, and Impression Management: Gendered Professionalization of Chemists in the Academy." Chair: Karin A. Martin.
Initial placement: Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, New College of Florida (2010–2013).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Medical Education and Sociology, University of Illinois at Chicago (2013–).
Laura E. Hirshfield’s website: https://www.laurahirshfield.com/
Kristen Hopewell
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2012)
Dissertation: "Shifting Power: The Rise of Brazil, India and China at the WTO." Chair: Jeffery M. Paige.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of British Columbia (2012–2014).
Current position: Associate Professor in School of Public Policy & Global Affairs, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (2020-)
Kristen Hopewell’s website: https://sites.google.com/view/kristenhopewell/
David J. Hutson
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2012)
Dissertation: "Training Bodies, Building Status: Health, Physical Capital, and the Negotiation of Difference in the U.S. Fitness Industry." Chair: Karin A. Martin.
Initial placement: Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow, Deptartment of Sociology, Ripon College (2012–2014).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Penn State University-Abington (2015–).
David J. Hutson's website: http://www.davidjhutson.com/
Sun Jae Hwan
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2012)
Dissertation: "Socioeconomic Polarization and Personal Well-Being under Neoliberal Restructuring: Implications of South Korea after the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis." Chair: Yu Xie.
Initial placement: Research Fellow, Institute for Social Development Studies, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea (2012–2013).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea (2016-)
Katherine E. King
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2011)
Dissertation: "Biological, Psychosocial, and Social Capital Implications of the Neighborhood Built Environment." Co-chairs: James S. House & Jeffrey D. Morenoff.
Initial placement: NIA Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University (2011–2012).
Current position: Director of Data Science, Fidelity Investments, Marietta, GA (2021-)
Frédérique Laubépin
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2012)
Dissertation: "Experiments in Punishment: Explaining Differences in the Scope of Penal Sanctioning in the American States." Chair: Jeffrey D. Morenoff.
Initial placement: Instructional Learning Senior, Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR), University of Michigan (2012–2015).
Current position: Clinical Instructor in Informatics and Computing, School of Public Health, University of Michigan (2015–).
Byung Ho Lee
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2011)
Dissertation: "Forging the Imperial Nation: Imperialism, Nationalism, and Ethnic Boundaries in China's Longue Duree." Co-chairs: Barbara A. Anderson & James Z. Lee (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology).
Initial placement: Visiting Scholar, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2011–2013).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea (2018–).
Alwyn Lim
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2012)
Dissertation: "The Global Expansion of Corporate Social Responsibility: Emergence, Diffusion, and Reception of Global Corporate Governance Frameworks." Co-chairs: Mark S. Mizruchi & Kiyoteru Tsutsui.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Southern California (2012–2017).
Current position: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Singapore Management University (2017–).
David Diego Torres
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2012)
Dissertation: "Condition for Effective Knowledge Acquisition." Chair: David J. Harding.
Initial placement: ASA and NSF Postdoctoral Fellow, Kinder Institute for Urban Research, Rice University (2012–2014).
Current position: Research Specialist, Department of Research and Accountability, Houston Independent School District, TX (2015–).
Jessica J. B. Wyse
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2011)
Dissertation: "Race, Gender and the Administration of Justice in a Community Corrections System." Co-chairs: Jeffrey D. Morenoff & David E. Thacher (Public Policy).
Initial placement: NIA Postdoctoral Fellow, Population Studies Center, University of Michigan (2011–2013).
Current position: Research Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University (OHSU-PSU) (2017–).
Jennifer Eckerman Yarger
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2011)
Dissertation: "Three Essays Examining Social Determinants of Fertility Attitudes and Behavior: Evidence from Longitudinal Studies." Co-chairs: Jennifer S. Barber & Mary E. Corcoran (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Project Director, Bixby Center for Reproductive Health and the Philip R. Lee Institute of Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco (2011–).
Subsequent placement: Associate Researcher, Univeristy of California - San Franciso, CA (2021-).
2010 - 2011 Graduates
Avi Astor
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2011)
Dissertation: "Mobilizing against Mosques: The Origins of Opposition to Islamic Centers of Worship in Spain." Co-chairs: Howard A. Kimeldorf & Margaret R. Somers.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Political and Social Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalonia (2011–2013).
Current position: Associate Professor, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (n.d.).
Mandi Bane
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2011)
Dissertation: "Social Change in the Neoliberal Era: The Indigenous Movement in Saquisili, Ecuador." Chair: Jeffery M. Paige
Initial placement: Research Analyst, Department of Public Health, Los Angeles County, CA (2011–).
Helena Buhr
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2010)
Dissertation: "Network Dynamics in Small Business Financing: Institutional Changes and Transformations of Inter-organizational Relations." Chair: Jason Owen-Smith.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Researcher, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University (n.d.).
Current position: Director of Product Management, Spotify (2020–); External Faculty, Institute on Complex Systems, Northwestern University (n.d.), Stockholm.
Lulu Chen
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2011)
Dissertation: "Three Essays on the Economic Integration of Foreign-educated Immigrants: A Test of Classical Assimilation." Chair: Yu Xie.
Initial placement: Statistician, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC (2012–).
Subsequent placement: Senior Research Analyst, Georgetown University Center on Education, Washington, DC (2021-).
Eric R. Eide
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2011)
Dissertation: "Industrial Upgrading in India's Information Technology Enabled Service Industry." Chair: Jeffery M. Paige.
Initial placement: Innovation and Technology Analyst, Office of Investment and Innovation, U.S. Small Business Administration, Washington, DC (2011–2013).
Current position: Managing Director , Alliance for Southern California Innovation, Los Angeles (2022–).
Melissa Forbes
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2010)
Dissertation: “Climate Change ‘Resolution:’ Dynamics of Shareholder Engagement Between U.S. Firms and Investors." Co-chairs: Mark S. Mizruchi & Barry G. Rabe (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Presidential Management Fellow, Office of Risk Management and Analysis, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC (n.d.).
Current position: Deputy Assistant Administrator, Recovery Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC (n.d.).
Alice B. Gates
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2011)
Dissertation: “Narrowing the Citizenship Gap for Undocumented Immigrants: A Case Study of the Mid-Michigan Worker Center." Co-chairs: Margaret R. Somers & Lawrence S. Root (Social Work).
Initial placement: Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, University of Portland (2011–2013).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology and Social Work, University of Portland (2013–2017).
Current position: Associate Professor, Departments of Sociology and Social Work, University of Portland (2017–).
Alexandra Gerber
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2011)
Dissertation: "Being Polish/Becoming European: Gender and The Limits of Diffusion in Polish Accession to the European Union." Co-chairs: Geneviève Zubrzycki & Michael D. Kennedy (Brown University).
Initial placement: Analyst, Defense Intelligence Agency, U.S. Department of Defense, Washington, DC (n.d.).
Current position: Deputy National Intelligence Officer, Office of Director of National Intelligence, Washington, DC (2021-)
Alexandra Gerber’s website: http://www.alexandragerber.com/
Megan E. Gilster
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Fall 2010
Dissertation: “Neighborhood Activism in Context: Three Studies of the Neighborhood Antecedents and Individual Effects of Participation in Neighborhood Activism." Co-chairs: Jeffrey D. Morenoff & Michael S. Spencer (Social Work).
Initial placement: Associate Professor, University of Iowa School of Social Work, IA (2022-)
Megan E. Gilster’s website: https://meganegilster.com/
Lloyd D. Grieger
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2010)
Dissertation: “Three Essays Examining the Behavioral and Socioeconomic Transition to Adulthood in the United States and Africa: Evidence from Longitudinal Studies." Co-chairs: Yu Xie & Sheldon H. Danziger (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Center for Research on Inequalities and the Life Course, Yale University (2010–2012).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology and Global Affairs, Yale University (2012–).
Lloyd D. Grieger’s website: https://campuspress.yale.edu/lloydgrieger/
Sarah Lee Jirek
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2011)
Dissertation: “Posttraumatic Growth in the Lives of Young Adult Trauma Survivors: Relationships with Cumulative Adversity, Narrative." Co-chairs: Karin A. Martin & Daniel G. Saunders (Social Work).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Tampa (2011–2014).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, Westmont College (2017–).
Maria S. Johnson
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2010)
Dissertation: “Through a Daughter’s Eyes: Understanding the Influences of Black Fathers on Their Daughters." Co-chairs: Alford A. Young, Jr. & Sheldon H. Danziger (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Program Director and Research Fellow, Center for Public Policy in Diverse Societies, University of Michigan (2010–2012).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Delaware (2014–2019).
Current position: Founder and Chairperson, Black Women and Girls Fund, Baltimore, MD (2019–).
Maria S. Johnson’s website: https://drmariajohnson.com/
Tiffany D. Joseph
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2011)
Dissertation: “Race and Making American in Brazil: How Brazilian Return Migrants Negotiate Race in the US and Brazil." Co-chairs: Sarah A. Burgard & Alford A. Young, Jr.
Initial placement: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health and Society Scholar, Harvard University (2011–2013).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, State University of New York at Stony Brook (2013–2018).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, Northeastern University (2018–).
Tiffany D. Joseph's website: https://www.tiffanydjoseph.com/
Jin-Yeon Kang
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2011)
Dissertation: “Nation, State, and People: Colonialism and the Formation of Divided Nation-States in Korea." Chair: Howard A. Kimeldorf.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Sociology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea (n.d.).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea (n.d.).
Rebecca A. Karb
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Fall 2010)
Dissertation: “Neighborhood Social and Physical Environments and Health: Examining Sources." Co-chairs: Jeffrey D. Morenoff & Andrew C. Grogan-Kaylor (Social Work).
Initial placement: M.D. Program, Medical School, Harvard University (2010–2014).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University (2018–).
Michelle Kelso
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2010)
Dissertation: “Recognizing the Roma: A Study of the Holocaust as Viewed in Romania." Co-chairs: Renee R. Anspach & Michael D. Kennedy (Brown University).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology and International Affairs, George Washington University (2010–).
Alexandra A. Killewald
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Winter 2011)
Dissertation: “What Money Buys and Family Costs: Three Papers on the Work-Family Intersection." Co-chairs: Yu Xie & Sheldon H. Danziger (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Researcher, Mathematica Policy Research, Cambridge, MA (2011–2012).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Harvard University (2012–2015).
Current position: Professor of Sociology, Harvard University (2016–).
Alexandra A. Killewald’s website: https://scholar.harvard.edu/akillewald
Cynthia F. Link
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2010)
Dissertation: “Husbands Wives and In-Laws: Family Dynamics and Childbearing Behavior in Nepal." Chair: William G. Axinn.
Initial placement: Senior Project Researcher, Harris Interactive Inc., New York City (2010–2012).
Current position: Owner, Link Research & Insights, New York City (2017–).
Zakiya Luna
(Ph.D., Women’s Studies and Sociology, Summer 2011)
Dissertation: “Domesticating Human Rights: Possibilities and Ambiguities in the Emerging Reproductive Justice Movement." Co-chairs: Margaret R. Somers & Elizabeth R. Cole (Women’s Studies).
Initial placement: Mellon Sawyer Seminar Postdoctoral Fellow, Departments of Gender & Women’s Studies and Sociology, University of Wisconsin, Madison (2011–2012).
Current placement: Associate Professor, Washington University, St. Louis, MO (2021-)
Zakiya Luna’s website: http://www.zakiyaluna.com/
Margaret Ann Murphy
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2010)
Dissertation: “Medicalization of Birth: The Social Construction of Cesarean Section. A Qualitative Analysis." Chair: Renee R. Anspach.
Initial placement: Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Oakland University (2008–2011).
Current position: Research Area Specialist, Medical School, University of Michigan (2011–).
Daniela Pineda
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2010)
Dissertation: “A Federal Intervention to Improve Latino College Participation: Evidence from the Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program." Co-chairs: Alford A. Young, Jr. & Sheldon H. Danziger (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Research Analyst, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Washington, DC (2010–2012).
Current position: Social & Economic Justice Researcher, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC (n.d.)
Meeta Sainju Pradhan
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2011)
Dissertation: “Social Exclusion and Social Change: Access To, and Influence of, Community-Based Collective Action Programs in Nepal." Chair: William G. Axinn.
Initial placement: Development Consultant, Various Contracts, Kathmandu, Nepal (2011–2013).
Current position: Senior Fellow, The Mountain Institute, Kathmandu, Nepal (2018–).
Besnik Pula
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2011)
Dissertation: “State, Law, and Revolution: Agrarian Power and the National State in Albania, 1850-1945." Chair: George Steinmetz.
Initial placement: Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, State University of New York at Binghamton (2011-12).
Current placement: Associate Professor of Political Science, Virginia Tech (n.d.).
Christopher N. J. Roberts
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2010)
Dissertation: “Exploring Fractures within Human Rights: An Empirical Study of Resistance." Co-chairs: Margaret R. Somers & Susan E. Waltz (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Associate Professor of Law, University of Minnesota (2011–).
Christopher N. J. Robert’s website: https://www.christophernjroberts.com
Daniel J. Ross
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2010)
Dissertation: “Captive Audience?: Strategies for Getting Food and Physical Activity in Two Detroit Neighborhoods." Chair: Renee R. Anspach.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Behavioral Sciences (Sociology), Chattanooga State Community College (2011–2016).
Current position: Assistant Professor of Behavioral Sciences (Sociology), Winston-Salem State University (2017–).
Karen E. Ross
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2010)
Dissertation: “Charter Schools and Segregation: The Cases of Michigan and North Carolina." Co-chairs: Alford A. Young, Jr. & David K. Cohen (Public Policy).
Sadia Saeed
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2010)
Dissertation: “Politics of Exclusion: Muslim Nationalism State Formation and Legal Representations of the Ahmadiyya Community in Pakistan." Chair: George Steinmetz.
Initial placement: Jerome Hall Postdoctoral Fellow, Maurer School of Law, Indiana University (2010–2011).
Current placement: Associate Professor of Sociology, University of San Francisco (n.d.).
Kristin S. Scherrer
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2011)
Dissertation: “The Intergenerational Family Relationships of Grandparents and GLBQ Grandchildren." Co-chairs: Karin A. Martin & Ruth E. Dunkle (Social Work).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Social Work, Rutgers University (2011–2014).
Current position: Associate Professor of Social Work, Metropolitan State University of Denver (2016–).
Jonathan L. Zelner
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Winter 2011)
Dissertation: “Integrating Social and Biological Processed to Understand the Origins and Dynamics of Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreaks." Co-chairs: James S. House & Joseph N. Eisenberg (Public Policy).
Initial placement: NIH Research and Policy for Infection Disease Dynamics (RAPIDD) Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University (2011–2014).
Current placement: Associate Professor of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan (n.d.).
Jonathan L. Zelner’s website: http://www.jonzelner.net/
2009 - 2010 Graduates
Barış Büyükokutan
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2010)
Dissertation: "Dynamics of Politicization in the Twentieth-Century U.S. Poetry Field." Chair: George Steinmetz.
Initial placement: Instructor, Department of Sociology, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey (2010–2011).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey (2011–2017).
Current position: Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey (2017–).
Barış Büyükokutan’s website: http://barisbuyukokutan.academia.edu/
Haijing Dai
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2010)
Dissertation: "Social Capital in the "New Socialist Countryside": Guanxi Community Solidarity and Resistance in Two Post-Socialist Chinese Townships." Co-chairs: Ching Kwan Lee (UCLA) & Barry N. Checkoway (Social Work).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2010–2016).
Current position: Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2016–).
Amie Emens Conley
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2010)
Dissertation: "Three Essays on the Intergenerational Transmission of Family Attitudes and Behaviors." Chair: Jennifer S. Barber.
Initial placement: Senior Research Analyst, National Opinion Research Center, University of Chicago (2009–2012).
Current position: Survey Director, National Opinion Research Center, University of Chicago (2013–).
Lisa C. Fein
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2009)
Dissertation: "Negotiating Integration in a Nationalizing State: Contested Boundaries of Belonging in Estonia." Co-chairs: Barbara A. Anderson & Michael D. Kennedy (Brown University).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Westminster College (2009–2016).
Current position: Lecturer, Interdisciplinary Program in Organizational Studies, University of Michigan (2018–).
Pilar S. Horner
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Winter 2010)
Dissertation: "Labor Control and Worker Identity Meaning Making: The Culture of Motherhood and Education." Co-chairs: Pamela J. Smock & Karen M. Staller (Social Work).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Social Work, Michigan State University (2009–2016).
Current position: Associate Professor of Social Work, Michigan State University (2016–).
Heejin Jun
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2010)
Dissertation: "Formation of the Modern Literary Field: Intersection of Gender and Coloniality in Korean History." Chair: Fatma Müge Göçek.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, Brain Korea 21 Program, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea (n.d.).
Emily A. Kazyak
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2010)
Dissertation: "The Space and Place of Sexuality: How Rural Lesbians and Gays Narrate Identity." Chair: Karin A. Martin.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology and Women’s & Gender Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2010–2017).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology and Women’s & Gender Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2017–).
Emily A. Kazyak’s website: https://www.emilykazyak.com/
Colter M. Mitchell
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2009)
Dissertation: "Three Essays on Worldviews, Autonomy and the Family in Nepal." Chair: Arland Thornton.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing and Office of Population Research, Princeton University (2009–2012).
Current position: Research Associate Professor, PSC, University of Michigan (n.d.).
Emily Joy Nicklett
(Ph.D., Sociology and Health Services Organization & Policy, Summer 2010)
Dissertation: "Diabetes Health and Disability Pathways: Racial/Ethnic Socioeconomic and Gender Disparities." Co-chairs: Renee R. Anspach & Jersey Liang (Public Health).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University (2010–2011).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Social Work, University of Michigan (2011–2017).
Current position: Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Texas at San Antonio
Kristin S. Seefeldt
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Summer 2010)
Dissertation: "Three Essays on Women, Low-wage Work, and Economic Well-being." Co-chairs: Pamela J. Smock & Sheldon H. Danziger (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Public Health and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University (2010–2012).
Current position: Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Michigan (2018–).
Kristin S. Seefeldt's website: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~kseef/
Jeannie S. Thrall
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2010)
Dissertation: "Strategic Parenting: Making the Middle Class through Distinction and Discipline." Co-chairs: George Steinmetz & Karin A. Martin.
Nathalie E. Williams
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2009)
Dissertation: "Living with Conflict: The Effect of Community Organizations, Economic Assets, and Mass Media Consumption on Migration during Armed Conflict." Chair: William G. Axinn.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Scholar, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2009–2012).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology and International Studies, University of Washington (2012–2016).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology International Studies, University of Washington (2016–).
Erica Ryu Wong
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2009)
Dissertation: "Can Religion Trump Race? Interracial Friendship in Protestant Churches." Chair: Mark S. Mizruchi.
Initial placement: Secretary, International School of Kuala Lumpur (n.d.)
2008 - 2009 Graduates
Jennifer A. Ailshire
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2009)
Dissertation: "The Social Determinants of Obesity." Co-chairs: James S. House & Jeffrey D. Morenoff.
Initial placement: NIA Postdoctoral Fellow, Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California (2009–2012).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Gerontology and Sociology, University of Southern California (2014–).
Jennifer A. Ailshire’s website: http://jenniferailshire.com/
Michael D. M. Bader
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2009)
Dissertation: "Spatial and Temporal Contexts of Neighborhood Environments in Metropolitan Chicago." Chair: Jeffrey D. Morenoff.
Initial placement: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health and Society Scholar, University of Pennsylvania (2009–2011).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, American University (2011–2018).
Current placement: Associate Professor, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (n.d.).
Michael D.M. Bader's Website: https://mikebader.net/
Jessica Charbeneau
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2009)
Dissertation: "Enactments of Whiteness in Pedagogical Practice: Reproducing and Transforming White Hegemony in the University Classroom." Chair: Mark A. Chesler.
Andrew J. Clarno
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2009)
Dissertation: "The Empire’s New Walls: Sovereignty, Neo-Liberalism, and the Production of Space in Post-Apartheid South Africa and Post-Oslo Palestine/Israel." Co-chairs: George Steinmetz & Fatma Müge Göçek.
Initial placement: Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Illinois at Chicago (2008–2011).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology and African American Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago (2011–2017).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology and African American Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago (2017–).
Claire Laurier Decoteau
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2008)
Dissertation: "Bio-Politics of HIV/AIDS in Post-Apartheid South Africa Part 1 & 2." Chair: George Steinmetz.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Illinois at Chicago (2008–2014).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Illinois at Chicago (2014–).
Kathryn Bondy Fessler
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2008)
Dissertation: "Reclaiming a Spoiled Maternal Identity: Young Mother’s Experiences and Rejection of Stigma." Chair: Mark A. Chesler.
Initial placement: Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Michigan (n.d.).
Current position: Medical Director, The Corner Health Center, Ypsilanti, MI (n.d.).
Amy C. Hammock
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2009)
Dissertation: "Everybody's so Different and yet Everybody has this Common Bond: Identity Construction, Exploration, and Negotiation among Adolescents in Two Youth Development Programs." Co-chairs: Karin A. Martin & Mieko Yoshihama (Social Work).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, State University of New York at Stony Brook (2009–2021).
Current position: Associate Professor of Social Welfare, Stony Brook Univeristy, New York City, NY (2021-)
Debra Hevenstone
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2008)
Dissertation: "Labor Market Inequality and Atypical Employment." Co-chairs: Yu Xie & Carl P. Simon (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Research Economist, Policy Studies Institute, University of Westminster, London, UK (2009–2011).
Current position: Lecturer, Department of Social Work, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland (2017–).
Debra Hevenstone’s website: https://hevenstone.wordpress.com/
Katherine Pavelka Luke
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2009)
Dissertation: "Gender, Heterosexuality, Sexual Violence and Identity among Heavy-Drinking White and Asian American College Students." Co-chairs: Karin A. Martin & Beth Glover Reed (Social Work).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, Addiction Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan (2009).
Christina Mendoza
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2009)
Dissertation: "Crossing Borders: Women, Migration, and Domestic Work at the Texas-Mexico Divide." Co-chairs: Sonya O. Rose & Jayati Lal (Institute for Research on Women and Gender).
Current position: Instructor, Department of Sociology, Chabot College (2012–).
Rachel Meyer
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2008)
Dissertation: "Perpetual Struggle: Sources of Working Class Identity and Activism in Collective Action." Chair: Howard A. Kimeldorf.
Initial placement: Preceptor in Expository Writing, Harvard College Writing Program, Harvard University (2008–2009).
Current position: Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Harvard University (2009–).
Rachel Meyer’s website: https://scholar.harvard.edu/rachelmeyer
Carla A. Pfeffer
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2009)
Dissertation: "Trans(Formative) Relationships: What We Learn About Identities, Bodies, Work and Families from Women Partners of Trans Men." Co-chairs: Karin A. Martin & Esther Newton (Women’s Studies).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Purdue University North Central (2009–2015).
Subsequent placement: Associate Professor of Sociology and Women's & Gender Studies, University of South Carolina (2017-2021).
Current placement: Associate Professor of Social Work and Director of the Consortium for Sexual and Gender Minority Health, Michigan State University (2021-)
Carla A. Pfeffer’s website: http://carlapfeffer.com/
Hirohisa Saito
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2009)
Dissertation: "Intimations of Cosmopolitanism: The Education of Japanese Youth in a Global World." Co-chairs: Michael D. Kennedy & Julia Adams (Yale University).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (2009–2014).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, Singapore Management University (n.d.).
Tanya L. Saunders
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2008)
Dissertation: "The Cuban Remix: Rethinking Culture and Political Participation in Contemporary Cuba Parts 1 & 2." Co-chairs: Sonya O. Rose & Alford A. Young, Jr.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Lehigh University (2008–2009).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Lehigh University (2009–2013).
Current position: Associate Professor, Univeristy of Maryland, Baltimore, MD (n.d.).
Tanya L. Saunders’s website: http://drsaunders.squarespace.com/
Michelle J. Sternthal
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2008)
Dissertation: "The Social Determinants of Health Disparities: The Role of Social and Temporal Contexts." Co-chairs: Jeffrey D. Morenoff & Sheldon H. Danziger (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Public Health, Harvard University (2008–2010).
Current position: Director of Advocacy and Policy, Roosevelt Institute, Washington, DC (2019–).
Barbara C. Thomas
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Fall 2008)
Dissertation: "The Childhood Shows the Man, as Morning Shows the Day (Milton, 1671): Three Essays on Childhood Maltreatment, Current Social Relationships and Physical Health." Co-chairs: Renee R. Anspach & Ruth E. Dunkle (Social Work).
Haiyan Zhu
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2008)
Dissertation: "Three Essays on Health, Aging and the Family in Contemporary China." Chair: Yu Xie.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Virginia Tech (2009–2018).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, Virginia Tech (2018–).
2007 - 2008 Graduates
Mucahit Bilici
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2008)
Dissertation: "Finding Mecca in America: American Muslims and Cultural Citizenship." Chair: Fatma Müge Göçek.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, John Jay College, City University of New York (2008–2015).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, John Jay College, City University of New York (2015–).
Mucahit Bilici’s website: http://mucahitbilici.net
Anne Bowers
(Ph.D., Sociology and Business Administration, Summer 2008)
Dissertation: "The Creation and Performance of Classification Schemes: Rating Systems in United States Broker-Dealers 1993-2000.." Co-chairs: Mark S. Mizruchi & Gautam Ahuja (Business Administration).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Strategic Management, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto (2008–2015).
Current position: Associate Professor of Strategic Management, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto (2015–).
Sarah R Brauner-Otto
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2007)
Dissertation: "Health Services, Schools, Attitudes, and Contraceptive Use." Chair: William G. Axinn.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (2007–2009).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Mississippi State University (2009–2013).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, McGill University (2017–).
David S. Dobbie
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2008)
Dissertation: "More Than the Sum of Their Parts? Labor-Community Coalitions in the Rust Belt." Co-chairs: Howard A. Kimeldorf & Michael S. Reisch (Social Work).
Current position: Assistant to the President, AFT Michigan, Detroit, MI (n.d.).
Emily Greenman
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2007)
Dissertation: "Intersecting Inequalities: Four Essays on Race, Immigration, and Gender in the Contemporary United States." Co-chairs: Yu Xie & Mary E. Corcoran (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Pennsylvania State University (2007–2015).
Current position: Administrator, Pennsylvania State University Federal Statistical Research Data Center, U.S. Census Bureau, State College, PA (2015–).
Susan M. Lee-Rife
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2008)
Dissertation: "Household Disruption and Sexual Victimization Among Young South Africans." Co-chairs: Pamela J. Smock & David L. Featherman.
Initial placement: Portfolio Leader and Social Demographer, International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), Washington, DC (2008–2011).
Current position: Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Center of Innovation and Excellences, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, MN (2012–).
Jennifer E. Lerner
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2007)
Dissertation: "Making Sense of the Critical Curriculum." Co-chairs: Howard A. Kimeldorf & Julia Adams (Yale University).
Initial placement: Associate Professor of Sociology, North Virginia Community College (2008–2012).
Current position: Senior Director for the Professional & Adult Education Forum, Education Administration Programs, Washington, DC (2021-)
Ronald L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Winter 2008)
Dissertation: "Educational Inequality in an Affluent Setting: An Exploration of Resources and Opportunity." Co-chairs: Alford A. Young, Jr. & David K. Cohen (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology and Black Studies, City College of New York (2007–2014).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology of Education, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York University (2018–).
Ronald L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy’s website: http://professorlewismccoy.com/
Tasleem Juana Padamsee
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2007)
Dissertation: "Infusing health into the welfare state: HIV/AIDS policy making in the United States and the United Kingdom." Co-chairs: Renee R. Anspach & Julia Adams (Yale University).
Initial placement: Adjunct Instructor, Sociology Department, Ohio Wesleyan University (2008–2009).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University (2015–).
Blyden B. Potts
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2008)
Dissertation: "The Relational Bases of Lifestyle Similarity and Clustering of Local Populations." Chair: Mark S. Mizruchi
Initial placement: Instructor, Department of Sociology, Millersville University (2008).
Current position: Independent Contractor, Endleofan, Shippensburg, PA (n.d.).
David H. Sommerfeld
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Fall 2007)
Dissertation: "Environmental Influences on Local Nonprofit and For-Profit Market Structure: A National Study of the Nursing Home Industry." Co-chairs: Mark S. Mizruchi & David J. Tucker (Social Work).
Current position: Assistant Project Scientist, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (2013–).
2006 - 2007 Graduates
Inna Altschul
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Fall 2006)
Dissertation: "Establishing an Evidence Base for Policy & Program Intervention: Testing a Combined Model of Family, School, and Student Factors Underlying the Academic Outcomes of Mexican American Youth." Co-chairs: Alford A. Young, Jr. & Lorraine M. Gutierrez (Social Work).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Social Work, University of Denver (2006–2012).
Current position: Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Denver (2012–).
Cara Bergstrom-Lynch
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2007)
Dissertation: "Becoming Parents, Remaining Childfree: How Same-Sex Couples Are Creating Families and Confronting Social Inequalities." Chair: Karin A. Martin.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Eastern Connecticut State University (2007–2013).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, Eastern Connecticut State University (2013–).
Ou-Byung Chae
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2006)
Dissertation: "Non-Western Colonial Rule and Its Aftermath: Postcolonial State Formation in South Korea." Chair: George Steinmetz.
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Kookmin University, Seoul, South Korea (n.d.).
Amy D. Corning
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2007)
Dissertation: "When the Past Is Another Country: The Impact of Emigration on Memories." Co-chairs: James S. House & Howard Schuman
Current position: Assistant Professor, Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy, Richmond, VA (n.d.).
Chandan Gowda
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2007)
Dissertation: "Development, Elite Agency and the Politics of Recognition in Mysore State, 1881-1947." Co-chairs: Jeffery M. Paige & George Steinmetz.
Initial placement: Associate Professor of Sociology, National Law School of India (2008–2011).
Current position: Professor of Decentrilization & Development, Institute for Social & Economic Change, Bengaluru, India (2021–).
Burçak Keskin-Kozat
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2007)
Dissertation: "Negotiating Modernization Through U.S. Foreign Assistance: Turkey’s Marshall Plan (1948-1952) Re-interpreted." Chair: Fatma Müge Göçek.
Initial placement: Associate Director, Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies, Stanford University (2008–2017).
Current position: Director of Finance and Operations, Department of History, Stanford University (2019–).
Tamara G. J. Leech
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2006)
Dissertation: "Sex, Violence, Man, Woman: Adolescent Health Risk Behavior from a Contextual Resource Perspective." Co-chairs: James S. House & Jeffrey D. Morenoff.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Butler University (2006–2008).
Current position: Associate Professor of Public Health, Montclair State University (2017–).
Brienna Perelli-Harris
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2006)
Dissertation: "Social Change and Behavior: Fertility Decline in post-Soviet Ukraine and Russia." Co-chairs: Barbara A. Anderson & William G. Axinn.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Demography and Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2006–2008).
Subsequent placement: Lecturer [Assistant Professor] of Demography, University of Southampton, UK (2011–2013).
Current position: Associate Professor of Demography, University of Southampton, UK (2013–).
Anthony Daniel Perez
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2006)
Dissertation: "Muddy Waters: The Fluidity and Complexity of Racial and Ethnic Identification in the U.S." Chair: Yu Xie.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Sociology and Center for Studies in Demography & Ecology, University of Washington (2006–2009).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2009–2018).
Current position: Coinvestigator, Data Collection Project, National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2015–).
Keith Robinson
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2006)
Dissertation: "Achievement Inequality Across K-12 Schooling." Chair: Yu Xie.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Texas at Austin (2007–2015).
Current position: Co-founder and Partner, E.D.A. Partners, LLC., Los Angeles (2019–); Partner, Klaren Data, Los Angeles (2019–).
Amanda K. Toler
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Summer 2007)
Dissertation: "Help-Seeking for a Mental Disorder: Understanding the Use of Professional Services and Informal Support Using the National Survey of American Life." Co-chairs: David R. Williams (Harvard University) & Robert Joseph Taylor (Social Work).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Social Work, Michigan State University (2008–2013).
Current position: Professor of Social Work, Michigan State University (2019–).
Amanda K. Toler’s website: https://www.amandatolerwoodward.com/
Deborah S. Willis
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2007)
Dissertation: "Overweight Black, White, and Hispanic Girls: The Relationship of SES, Religion, and Self-Esteem." Co-chairs: David R. Williams (Harvard University) & John M. Wallace, Jr. (University of Pittsburgh).
Initial placement: Research Assistant, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan (2003–2008).
Current position: Assistant Vice Provost, Univeristy of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2022-)
2005 - 2006 Graduates
Thomas Blackwood
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2005)
Dissertation: "Through Sweat and Tears: High School Baseball and the Socialization of Japanese Boys." Co-chairs: Karin A. Martin & Julia Adams (Yale University).
Initial placement: Lecturer, Bunkyo Gakuin University, Tokyo, Japan (2006–2007).
Subsequent placement: Associate Professor of Sociology and Japanese Studies, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Beppu, Japan (2007–2008).
Current position: Professor of Sociology and Social Psychology, Tokyo International University (n.d.).
George R. Carter III
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2006)
Dissertation: "From Exclusion to Destitution: Race, Affordable Housing, and Homelessness." Co-chairs: Jeffrey D. Morenoff & Alford A. Young, Jr.
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Survey Methods Research, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC (2006–2008).
Current position: Survey Statistician, Office of Policy Development and Research, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Washington, DC (2013–).
Zaire Z. Dinzey-Flores
(Ph.D., Public Policy and Sociology, Fall 2005)
Dissertation: "Fighting Crime, Constructing Segregation: Crime, Housing Policy, and the Social Brands of Puerto Rican Neighborhoods." Co-chairs: Alford A. Young, Jr. & Mary E. Corcoran (Public Policy).
Initial placement: Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow, Vera Institute of Justice, New York City (2005–2007).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology and Latino & Hispanic Caribbean Studies, Rutgers University (2007–2013).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology and Latino & Hispanic Caribbean Studies, Rutgers University (2013–).
Kristie A. Ford
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2006)
Dissertation: "Masculinity, Femininity, Appearance Ideals, and the Black Body: Developing a Positive Raced and Gendered Bodily Sense of Self." Chair: Karin A. Martin.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Skidmore College (2006–2012).
Current position: Professor of Sociology, Skidmore College (2017–).
Daniel P.S. Goh
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2005)
Dissertation: "Ethnographic Empire: Imperial Culture and Colonial State Formation In Malaya and The Philippines, 1880-1940, Part 1; Ethnographic Empire: Imperial Culture and Colonial State Formation In Malaya and The Philippines, 1880-1940, Part 2." Chair: George Steinmetz.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, National University of Singapore (2005–2012).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, National University of Singapore (2013–).
Daniel P.S. Goh’s website: http://www.danielpsgoh.com/
Jung-Hwa Ha
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Winter 2006)
Dissertation: "Determinants and Consequences of Changing Social Support Following Late-Life Widowhood." Co-chairs: James S. House. & Berit Ingersoll-Dayton (Social Work).
Initial placement: Research Associate, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2006–2008).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago (2008–2011).
Current position: Professor of Social Welfare, Seoul National University (2019–).
Helen K. Kim
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Fall 2005)
Dissertation: "Twinkies, FOBs and Everything in Between: Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Identity Among Second Generation Korean American Women." Chair: Karin A. Martin.
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Whitman College (2005–2011).
Current position: Professor of Sociology, Whitman College (2017–).
Darcy K. Leach
(Ph.D., Sociology, Winter 2006)
Dissertation: "The Way is the Goal: Ideology and the Practice of Collectivist Democracy in German New Social Movements." Chair: Howard A. Kimeldorf.
Initial placement: Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Boston College (2006–2008).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, Bradley University (2009–2015).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, Bradley University (2015–).
Enid Lynette Logan
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2005)
Dissertation: "Holy Sacraments & Illicit Encounters: Marriage, Race, Religion, and the Transformation of Status Hierarchies in Cuba, 1899-1940." Co-chairs: Howard A. Kimeldorf & Julia Adams (Yale University).
Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Minnesota (2005–2011).
Current position: Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Minnesota (2011–).
Jennifer B. Lyle
(Ph.D., Social Work and Sociology, Fall 2005)
Dissertation: "The Association between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Negative Adult Outcomes: an Approach to Teen Childbearing Using New Formulations." Co-chairs: Alford A. Young, Jr. & Carol T. Mowbray (Social Work).
Initial placement: Vice President, Youth Leadership Institute, San Francisco, CA (2006–2010).
Current position: Executive Director, MISSSEY Inc., Oakland, CA (2018–).
Amy L. Stone
(Ph.D., Sociology, Summer 2006)
Dissertation: "More than Adding a T: Transgender Inclusion in Michigan Gay Rights Ordinances, 1992-2000." Chair: Karin A. Martin.
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, Trinity University (2007–2013).
Current position: Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, Trinity University (2019–).
Sapna Swaroop
(Ph.D., Sociology, Fall 2005)
Dissertation: "The Social Consequences of Racial Residential Integration." Co-chairs: James S. House & Jeffrey D. Morenoff
Initial placement: Postdoctoral Fellow, Population Research Center, University of Chicago (2005–2007).
Subsequent placement: Assistant Professor of Sociology, State University of New York at Albany (2007–2008).
Current position: Vice President of Health Plan Analytics, Livongo, Minneapolis, MN (2019–).