Alumni Spotlight

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Major: Sociology

Minor: Psychology

Graduate Education: M.S. Counselor Education: Student Development in Higher Education, Central Connecticut State University

Current Position: Director, Academic Center for Student Athletes at Central Connecticut State University

What do you most appreciate about your sociology education at Central?

As I reflect on my educational experiences, I appreciate the relationships I created with faculty and peers in the Sociology department. I have been able to lean on those connections throughout my academic and professional journey. My Sociology education also provided me with an opportunity for personal growth and self-awareness. As a first-generation Latina immigrant, I made connections with scholarly readings and class discussions that ultimately led to my activism and advocacy for marginalized populations.

How does your education in sociology inform what you are doing now?

As a higher education administrator, I understand how systems impact my students' academic experiences. Therefore, I am able to personalize my interactions with students based on their needs and assess how I can support them. I recognize the intersectionality of race, class and gender and the affects it has on their previous academic and collegiate experiences. Using my sociological perspective, I have the ability to observe and question systems and policies that create social inequalities in an education institution, therefore advocating on behalf of my students (and empowering them to advocate for themselves!)

Major: Sociology

Minor: English

Graduate Education: University of Connecticut (2000-2008), Ph.D. Sociology

Current Position: Associate Professor of Sociology, Tulane University; Faculty Fellow at the Center for Cultural Sociology, Yale University; Senior Researcher, User Experience, Ipsos

What do you most appreciate about your sociology education at Central?

Central and my sociology professors were just what I needed at that time in my life. I was 22 when I started at Central and up until then was completely disinterested in education. I was a weak reader and writer, having barely graduated high school and needing to take remedial courses at a local community college. I eventually attended a Vermont state college for three years, before returning home and enrolling at Central. As a commuter, I was determined to make my time there feel like something more. I got involved in student activities, spending time running different student organizations, was an RA in Sheridan Hall for a semester and worked in the children's section of the library. Central provided the things I needed to feel part of a university. With this, I was able to work on changing my mindset, determined to improve my education, put in serious effort and learn. I didn't know what sociology was, but I enrolled in a course and loved it. Besides being fascinated in the course topics, I also really enjoyed my sociology professors. Professors Adair, Day and Mitrano taught interesting courses, were approachable and fun, and provided the intellectual climate I needed to grow. I spent as much time as I could on campus, and 20 years later, I still draw on some of the material I learned from my sociology professors at Central in the courses I teach today.

How does your education in sociology inform what you are doing now?

My education in sociology pretty directly informs what I'm doing now. I'm currently a sociologist at Tulane University. My time at Central sparked my interest in sociology and thanks to the support of my professors I was able to attend the University of Connecticut as a graduate student in sociology. I graduated with my Ph.D. in sociology in 2008, then worked for a year in the SUNY system before starting at Tulane University in 2009. I currently teach, research and write in sociology, focusing on the areas of culture and media, as well as racism and the criminal justice system. I have published over a dozen articles, have a book coming out in June 2023, and sit on the editorial board of four sociology journals.

I also recently started exploring non-academic work and my sociology has been important in this transition. Besides being a professor, I'm also a User Researcher, where I use my sociological skills in research methodologies and analysis to conduct research on how people use different products and services. The team I work on focuses on Google products, and helps Google figure out how people use their various products and services so they can improve upon them and make them easier to use.

What advice would you give to our students majoring in sociology?

You have lots of skills that you can apply in almost any setting. You know how to think and be creative and consistent in your thinking. You know how to understand research and data, and how to determine what data does and doesn't suggest. You know how to analyze and draw conclusions based on evidence. You know how to present research and findings to others. You're a thinker, researcher, analyst and presenter. These are skills you will take with you wherever you go. They are not unique to a certain field, but generalizable and applicable almost everywhere. This makes you very valuable. Be confident in this and advocate for yourself based on these skillsets.

If you are a graduate of the Central Sociology Department and would like to share your story in our "CCSU Sociology Department Alumni Spotlight" series, please contact Dr. A. Fiona Pearson at pearsonaf@ccsu.edu. We want to hear from you!

Major: Sociology

Graduate Education: UCONN Sustainable Environmental Planning and Management Graduate Certificate

Current Position: Project Coordinator - Waste Zero

What do you most appreciate about your sociology education at Central?

My sociology education at Central significantly shaped the lens through which I see the world. The program helped me understand my unique position in the world and gave me context to understand my own identity as well as empathy and understanding for the identities of others in relation to our social structures. My Central sociology education is how I came to know how the world works and how I want to move within it.

How does your education in sociology inform what you are doing now?

My sociology education inspired me to understand that the mechanisms through which our society operates are changeable because they are socially constructed. This helped me to find where I want to effect social change-- and now helps me do it effectively. In my career in recycling and waste management, I am able to understand how the systems that create environmental damage are really made up of small decisions by individuals, and the individuals that make decisions for businesses and governments. Viewing environmental issues as social issues helps me, and others in my field, make changes on a structural and systemic level.

What advice would you give to our students majoring in sociology?

Talk to everyone! Make friends with people in your classes and keep in touch. If you have shared passions with people, team up on a project. Talk to your professors, call any non-profit that interests you and ask them questions, call your local legislators, and have your voice heard. All these connections will help you find what you want to do with your career and make you really effective at getting things done once you graduate.

Graduate Education: Master of Public Administration (MPA), UCONN

Current Position: Executive Director - Achieve Hartford

• What do you most appreciate about your sociology education at Central?
  • Sociology has a bit of a reputation as being a field for activists and idealists, and that reputation isn't totally unjustified. But it's still a social science, and the value of any science is the predictions it enables you to make. And I think the most important things that a sociological perspective enables you to predict are unintended consequences. It's one thing to have the vocabulary to describe what went wrong after the fact; it's another entirely to have the perspective to see it coming.
• How does your education in sociology inform what you are doing now?
  • I work for a nonprofit focused on issues of educational equity, so at various times we'll be working with all kinds of institutions: schools, districts, towns, the state, colleges, large foundations. A lot of the work of getting people to see potential solutions is of course getting them to understand the problems, and often one of the problems is "hey, you can protest all you want that nobody at your institution wants X, but your policies reliably lead to X over and over." The system produces the results it's designed to produce; if you want to change the results, you have to change the rules.
• What advice would you give to our students majoring in sociology?
  • I'm biased, but take a couple econ courses! Also, remember that learning sociology is a bit like learning another language, and not just because of all the jargon. Take care not to forget that most people do not "speak sociology", and try to engage with them on (and in) their own terms whenever you can. If you're not comfortable with perspective-taking—even for perspectives you might find not just alien but alienating—then you might be in the wrong place.

Major: Sociology and Political Science, 2012

Graduate Education: MS Counselor Education, Specialization in Student Development in Higher Education, Central

Current Position: Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences and Massenberg STEM Institute at UMass Amherst

What do you most appreciate about your sociology education at Central?

I appreciated the faculty and their commitment to "action" and social justice. I gained lifelong connections with sociology faculty and felt appreciated, respected, knowledgeable, and empowered as a transfer student from another on-campus major. I gained a deeper understanding of the world and systems that have contributed to the experiences we all have.

How does your education in sociology inform what you are doing now?

I utilize what I have learned in sociology throughout all aspects of my current role in higher education. In discussions about LGBTQ+ lives and research, I utilize information I learned in classes with Dr. Betsy Kaminsky. Dr. Erdmans taught me about the power found in research and how to use it to support liberation, equity, and action. Dr. Karen Sears taught me the sociology of healthcare. Her class provided me with the information necessary to explain the systems of oppression built into our healthcare system and how to explain it to others. The Ruthe Boyea Women's center director Jacqueline Cobbina-Bovin and Dr. Fiona Pearson's class on the "Sociology of Women and Education" helped me to understand barriers for women in educational environments and work towards gender equity. Sociology worked collaboratively with many Central departments and expanded the opportunities I had for experiential learning as a student. I was able to build a solid foundation and support system that I have utilized throughout my professional career.

What advice would you give to our students majoring in sociology?

It is important to be involved in student leadership, consider an internship and/or study abroad opportunity, and to develop healthy relationships with Central faculty/staff. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone because it will help you to grow and see things differently. You are a person of importance and bring a value to this world that cannot be duplicated. Utilize your knowledge and be proud of the education you have received as a Sociology major at Centralf.

Major: Sociology

Minor: Psychology

Graduate Education: Florida State University – M.S./Ed.S Professional School Counseling (currently enrolled)

Current Position: Screening and Inclusion Specialist at the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County

What do you most appreciate about your sociology education at Central?

I absolutely loved going to Central and being in the Sociology program. I have always been interested in knowing more about human relationships and interactions and why people act the way they do. I appreciated that there were so many fascinating classes to take, and the major allowed me to have a broad range of choices in what I wanted to do when I graduated. I also really enjoyed getting to know my professors, they all really took the time to make sure we were understanding the material and were a source of support if needed. My favorite moment in my undergraduate journey was when we were presenting our senior projects (mine was on the body positivity movement) in front of our peers, faculty, and family members, and I was awarded the department research award. As a first-generation graduate, I was honored to receive this award and it is something I will not forget.

How does your education in sociology inform what you are doing now?

I have been working in the social services world since I graduated in 2017 and have been working with children and families for 13 years. I have worked as an intensive case manager for high-risk families and currently am working doing inclusion support for children and families. I am also in graduate school to be a professional school counselor, so I can continue being an advocate for those who need it most. Sociology informs what I do constantly because I can see how humans interact and behave with one another, and how barriers can impede certain groups of people. By working in this field, I am always trying to be a support and advocate for those most vulnerable.

What advice would you give to our students majoring in sociology?

You are in a field that is so important and is ever changing! Continue to push forward and know what you are doing is going to make a difference. You matter!

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If you are a graduate of the Central Sociology Department and would like to share your story in our "CCSU Sociology Department Alumni Spotlight" series, please contact Dr. A. Fiona Pearson at pearsonaf@ccsu.edu We want to hear from you!

Major: Sociology

Minor: Psychology

Graduate Education: M.S. Sociology, Southern Connecticut State University; EdD Candidate in Educational Leadership, University of Connecticut

Current Position: Academic Advisor/Counselor, Student Support Services, University of Connecticut

What do you most appreciate about your sociology education at Central?

My experience studying sociology at Central shaped me into the person I am today. I fell in love with learning, being curious, and decided to work in education to support students the same way the sociology faculty support their students. Shout outs to Drs. Jessica Greenbaum, Fiona Pearson, and Beth Merenstein for your support, guidance, and inspiration.

How does your education in sociology inform what you are doing now?

I wouldn't be in a career I love and have passion for if it wasn't for sociology. Student Support Services is a TRIO Program that provides first-generation students educational opportunities and the support to succeed in college. From critical thinking, quantitative analysis, to holding qualitative focus groups, I use a lot of knowledge and skills learned in sociology courses while holistically supporting students.

What advice would you give to our students majoring in sociology?

Go to office hours to connect with your professors! Read the material, connect what you learn to your experiences, then share your thoughts and ideas. You might be surprised where some of those ideas might land you.

Major: Sociology

Minor: Psychology

Graduate Education: Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs from NYU, Class of 2018

Current Position: Coordinator of First Year Experience, Central

What do you most appreciate about your sociology education at Central?

Besides the faculty that always supported me, I truly appreciate the spaces that were created in classrooms for students to learn and process each point of discussion. As a person who was involved on campus, I was able to bring these experiences into the classroom and use them as tools to relate what we were learning to the real-world I was living and working in. These experiences often shaped my interests and perspectives, and the collaboration of the two worlds led me to where I am today!

How does your education in sociology inform what you are doing now?

My education in sociology offers me a different perspective than those around me. It allows me to identify problems and areas of growth in our office and division while providing solutions.

What advice would you give to our students majoring in sociology?

My advice is to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you, build and maintain relationships with your professors and advisors, and to be easy on yourself; you will figure everything out (even if it doesn't feel like it).

Minor: Psychology & Art

Graduate Education: Social Work, University of New Hampshire

Current Position: Program Clinician & Group Therapies Director at Amirah, Inc. (Residential Program for survivors of sex trafficking)

What was your journey lie as a sociology major at Central?

After taking a course called "The Family" I changed my major to sociology, from an Art Education major. I was halfway through with my undergrad and took an additional year to follow my calling in working with and understanding people within our society. I was challenged with theory and had the opportunity to travel abroad to Italy with the sociology department, leading to a love of travel to accessing the beauty of culture. I met so many amazing and knowledgeable people in this field and expanded my comfort zone to what has led me to where I am today.

How does your education in sociology inform what you are doing now?

The work of recognizing societal concerns is bigger than classroom theory and observations in our communities. In life, we are exposed to many inequalities and injustices. My education has explained "why" and what we need to accomplish in honoring our differences. Understanding race, class, and gender has been a huge impact on my therapeutic work with clients who come from different backgrounds than me. Recognizing systemic oppression assists in the therapeutic process of healing and recovery.

What advice would you give to our students majoring in sociology?

Pursue your dreams. When someone says, "What are you going to do with a sociology degree?" tell them exactly how important this work is, and how you are going to utilize it. Allow people to understand how your passions go beyond a degree!

Major: Sociology

Minor: Psychology

Graduate Education: Master of Science in Organizational Behavior and Leadership
Southern New Hampshire University - Class of 2020
*National Society of Leadership and Success - 2019

Current Position: Owner: GBMcDermott LLC ~ dba Paley Farm

What do you most appreciate about your sociology education at Central?

I always tagged myself as a 'Non-traditional Student' and always felt out of place because my classes were primarily during the daytime and my classmates were always much younger. However, I learned so much from them. Each of my professors was always there for me and at times had more faith in me than I did myself.

How does your education in sociology inform what you are doing now?

My Sociology Education at Central helped me to understand and connect with others that I normally would not have. It had also helped me to navigate through my master's in OL and gave me respect for others' opinions, cultures, and beliefs by understanding that there is more to a person than what you see within a work environment.

Each of my professors brought out the best in me and I do have to give high-fives and much kudos to Professor O'Connor for his support and faith and the confidence I needed to push forward and admit that I have the 'eye' when it came to my photography.

What advice would you give to our students majoring in sociology?

My advice for Non-Traditional students? Just go for it! Do, and enjoy every second of it! Open your heart and eyes to what can be.

Major: Sociology

Minor: Philosophy

Graduate Education: M.S. Sociology, Southern Connecticut State University, 2023

Current Position: Assistant Director of TRiO Programs at Central

What do you most appreciate about your sociology education at Central?

I appreciate the Professors. I appreciate that I was taught how to think rather than what to think. Given that skill, I feel I am more of a solution-based thinker. Being able to use my sociological imagination and see the world through many perspectives allows me to network well and build relationships with my students.

How does your education in sociology inform what you are doing now?

Much of my education was based upon how race, class, and gender impact the experiences of American people, especially in the world of academia. Now, I work to promote education and assist first generation/low income students on their own journey through school. I am the middle-man between the students and their dreams. Having an understanding of how to navigate through the social construct that is America, has allowed me to guide individuals to their goals.

What advice would you give to our students majoring in sociology?

Be patient and get involved. Sociology is a major that allows an individual to learn about many concepts and use them in variety of situations. I know people that used sociology to get involved in sales, education, criminal justice, and more. Network and try new experiences to develop a plan. Use this plan to make the world a better place. Use the supportive faculty for advice and be coachable.

Major: Sociology

Minor: Honors Program

Graduate Education: Nurse Midwifery, Emory University (beginning Fall 2021)

Current Position: Dance Studio Owner, Embodiment Practitioner (Yoga & Dance teacher, Doula)

What do you most appreciate about your sociology education at Central?

One thing that I truly appreciate about my time at Central is how existential and vulnerable I was able to be with my professors. Being a sociology major opens your eyes to the complexities of systems, and sometimes it feels overwhelming when trying to figure out how to contribute meaningfully. I was able to receive so much knowledge, support, and hope from my professors.

How does your education in sociology inform what you are doing now?

As a business owner & Embodiment Practitioner I'm able to be quite understanding to individuals because I have a sense of how the systems work. I'm able to see individuals are parts of the whole and how the different systems and individual's locations intersect to influence people's lives; from there I am able to work with them on a human-to-human, interpersonal level to provide beneficial service & support.

What advice would you give to our students majoring in sociology?

Be involved and keep doing what you love. Your energy can be used to change & bring light to the lives of so many people; commit to filling the atmosphere with love; commit to using your energy constructively.