Cesar Lopez '21

I.S. explores the impact of queer identity on Central American family life

For his Independent Study, Cesar Lopez sought to answer the question of how queer Central Americans go about reimagining new familial units and negotiate meaning in new relationships when they are confronted with the need to reconstruct a family. The sociology major interviewed several people who identify as queer and/or Central American to learn more about how they experience family life in the U.S. and how they actively engage in family construction or homebuilding for themselves.

Olivia Proe '21

I.S. analyzes youth suicide prevention techniques in New Zealand

Using topics close to her heart to drive research, Olivia Proe’s Independent Study focused on government suicide prevention initiatives aimed at youth in New Zealand. New Zealand has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the world, despite being ranked one of the happiest countries, so Proe set out to discover why that is and if the government does anything to address the issue.

ZEMY-datafest21

Wooster sends two teams to virtual Datafest

Students develop data plan that places third in regional competition

Zhen Guo

Combining majors in computer science and sociology, student designs a computer model to investigate the spread of rumors on Twitter

While sociology and computer science may seem like a “rare combination” Zhen Guo ’21, who came to The College of Wooster as an international student from Beijing, China, sees more research combing the disciplines in the future.

Olivia Proe

What Are Perfect Places, Anyway? Exploring the New Zealand Government’s Approach to Youth Suicide Prevention

Name: Olivia Proe Major: Sociology Advisors: Dr. Heather Fitz Gibbon and Dr. Tom Tierney This study utilizes New Zealand as a case study in […]

Amelia Kemp

“We Need Your Help”: The Rhetorical Construction of the Citizen Detective in True Crime Podcast Jensen and Holes: The Murder Squad

Name: Amelia Kemp Majors: Communication Studies and Sociology Advisor: Dr. Rohini Singh and Dr. Tom Tierney (second reader) What is the role of citizens […]

Sarah Duran

"Love is a Bulletproof Vest": Protest as an Exploration of Women’s Right to the City

Student Name: Sarah Duran Major: Sociology Advisor: Heather Fitz Gibbon Utilizing interviews, participant observation, and documentary photography, this study investigates how women claim their […]

Priscilla Ramos Rico

New Space, No Place: Navigating Experiences in a Predominately White Higher Education Institution as Latinx Students

Name: Priscilla Ramos Rico Major: Sociology Minor: Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies Advisors: Dr. Michael Miyawaki, Dr. Heather Fitz Gibbons (second reader) This research […]

Eliza Cotton

Liberté, Égalité, Paternité: Understanding the French anti-gay and anti-reproductive technology movement, La Manif pour tous

Name: Eliza Cotton Majors: Sociology, French and Francophone Studies Advisors: Dr. Thomas Tierney, Dr. Harry Gamble My IS examines a conservative social movement currently […]

Maya Rodemer

Stressed Is Just Desserts Spelled Backwards: An Investigation Into the Influences on Stressed Eating Behaviors in Undergraduate Students

Student Name: Maya Rodemer Major(s): Food and Nutrition Science (student-designed) Advisor(s): Dr. Sharon Lynn, Dr. Tom Tierney This study aimed to explore the relationship […]

Jonah Kadens

"That was the anomaly year!": An Exploration of School Discipline and Disproportionality During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Name: Jonah Kadens Major: The Sociology of Education Advisors: Dr. Anne Nurse, Dr. Kevin Zayed School discipline in the US is racialized. Previous research […]

Claire Davidson

Can Climate Fiction Novels Inspire Social Change? A Literary and Empirical Ecocritical Analysis

Student Name: Claire Davidson Majors: Sociology, English Advisors: David McConnell, Susanna Sacks Dr. Melissa M. Schultz Sustainability and the Environment Award Collective action to […]

Zhen Guo

Defeating the COVID-19 Infodemic on Twitter: A SIP Agent-Based Model of Rumor Propagation and Truth Bot Intervention

Student Name: Zhen Guo Majors: Computer Science, Sociology Advisors: Thomas Tierney (Sociology), Heather Guanera (Computer Science) Most Timely Award As stated by a World […]

Monét Davis ’19

Monét Davis ’19 generates new lessons and conversations about social justice

As a communications and operations associate at The Loveland Group, Monét Davis ’19 helps carry out the work of the organization’s many initiatives, including Elizabeth’s Bookshop […]

For his I.S., Jisou "Armel" Lee '19 interviewed the Human Library Organization's program coordinator in Copenhagen.

Sociology alumnus honored for creating WooStories program

Jisou “Armel” Lee ’19 designated a space where people of all backgrounds could share their stories and experiences.

Will Sherry ’05

Sociology major supports LGBTQ people at the University of Michigan

Will Sherry ’05 draws on Wooster-developed mindset as director of the Spectrum Center

Megan Tuennerman

APEX Fellowship | Megan Tuennerman

Majors: Environmental Studies, Sociology Class Year: 2022 Faculty Mentor: Paul Edminston Andrew Award of Excellence As the Assistant Launch Director for One Blue Ocean, an […]

Harry Susalla

APEX Fellowship | Harry Susalla

Major: Sociology Class Year: 2022 Faculty Mentor: Bas van Doorn As a development intern for Affirmations, a LGBTQ center located in a subrub of […]

Jenna Smith

APEX Fellowship | Jenna Smith

Major: Sociology Class Year: 2022 Faculty Mentor: Jennifer Ison As the Sustainable Farm Intern at Bellwether Farm in Wakeman, Ohio, I performed agricultural fieldwork, […]

Saralee Renick

APEX Fellowship | Saralee Renick

Major: Sociology Class Year: 2022 Faculty Mentor: Brooke Krause Wilson Award As a virtual intern with the YWCA Sojourner’s Shelter for Homeless Women and […]