Research
My research agenda focuses largely around two primary theoretical concerns. First, I am interested in the way that modern social institutions structure and constrain people’s lives. I have worked on a variety of projects in this area including my dissertation about the way people in religion resist institutional constraints, as well as a project examining how women avoid the restrictions other people put on their femininity through their participation in sports. Currently, I am part of a project focusing on how higher education institutions manage talent.
Second, I have begun developing an active program around the ways that inequality influences health outcomes, what researchers refer to as the social determinants of health. This line of research has resulted in two ongoing studies. The first is a project that works closely with a neighborhood constructed by a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate and explores the impact of social capital on perceptions of neighborhood disorder and mental health outcomes. The second involves thinking sociologically about service and adherence to treatment at a local, low-income health clinic. These areas within sociology appeal to me because they have the potential to produce important theoretical and practical insights which can result in a more accurate understanding of social institutions and inequality while contributing to the development of more inclusive social structures and organizations.
I believe strongly that all research should be applied research and endeavor to uncover information that is theoretically grounded and academically interesting while being practically informed and applicable at the local level. As students go out into the world on a variety of career paths, the best thing we can do is show them value of research and thinking like a sociologist in any context. My research allows for strong undergraduate involvement so that they can see the value of practical research, but gain the experience and practice as well.
To the right, you will see links to some of my projects and papers. Feel free to look around and drop me a line if you have any questions or suggestions.
