On April 19, 2024, the Department of Sociology and the College of Arts and Sciences recognized six outstanding sociology seniors. Students who received an outstanding senior award have demonstrated excellence in academic pursuits (high GPA), scholarship, community service, and a leader among their peers. From the faculty and staff of Sociology, congratulations to these students and many more who will graduate in May!
Outstanding Sociology Senior Awards
Jack Glascock, senior from Cary majoring in sociology with a concentration in social inequalities and minoring in LGBT studies, is a recipient of the department's Outstanding Senior Award. Glascock shared that their favorite memory at Appalachian was presenting their capstone research project at the Department of Sociology's Undergraduate Research Day. "It was very gratifying and validating to know my professors, mentors, and classmates value my work and find my research interesting," explained Glascock. When asked about a faculty member who made a positive impact on their life, Glascock recognized Dr. Amy Dellinger Page, professor and undergraduate program director in the Department of Sociology, for bolstering their confidence as a research assistant. Glascock plans to pursue a job in human resources after graduation. "I hope to return to school and earn a master's in sociology to branch out to private sector and academic research," Glascock added.
Lauren Howell, senior from Winston-Salem majoring in sociology with a concentration in criminology, deviance, and law and minoring in psychology, is a recipient of the department's Outstanding Senior Award. Howell recognized Dr. Kelly Thames, associate professor in the Department of Sociology, as a faculty member who made a positive impact on her life. "Dr. Thames has made such a positive impact on my time here at App State! I have had multiple classes with her (which were all awesome), but I have had the fantastic opportunity to be a research assistant on her project regarding rampage shooting events. She has graciously allowed me to use the data from this project towards my honors thesis and has been my advisor for it. She is incredibly encouraging, helpful, and has given me the opportunity to research!" wrote Howell, who is currently completing an internship at a psychiatric facility for children that focuses on trauma-informed care. "I love it! I really feel as if I am able to make a difference in their lives," shared Howell, who plans to work at the facility full-time after graduation. Howell is also considering applying to graduate school in order to return to research in the future.
S. J. Massey is a senior from Boone majoring in sociology with a concentration in social inequalities and minoring in gender, women's, and sexuality studies, as well as a graduating CAS Corps member. Massey is a recipient of the department's Outstanding Senior Award. Massey shared that they enjoy deep classroom conversation and discussion and their favorite memories at Appalachian come from the classroom. "My favorite course at App State, Gendered (In)Justice, was with Dr. Lamont and was taught at the Honors College. Dr. Lamont challenges students to think critically and to share their ideas regularly. In doing so, I have felt empowered and stronger as a student and as a person. This course gave me more confidence and honed skills that I will need for future classroom discussions, especially given I’ll be leading discussions at CU Boulder in the fall as a teaching assistant," wrote Massey. They also recognized Dr. Juhee Woo, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology, as a faculty member who positively impacted their time at Appalachian. "Dr. Juhee Woo helped me to make a plan for my graduate education by connecting me with valuable resources and important people in my field of study. It was through these resources and connections that I honed my passion for sociological research and because of Dr. Woo, I was better equipped to make a decision about graduate studies, a decision that will continue to impact me for the rest of my life. I am and will be forever grateful for her guidance!" Massey shared. Massey was recently awarded a prestigious three-year National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program to support their Ph.D. research in sociology at the University of Colorado at Boulder beginning this fall.
Hannah Mills, senior from Davidson majoring in sociology with a concentration in social inequalities and minoring in both Spanish and gender, women's, and sexuality studies, is a recipient of the department's Outstanding Senior Award. After graduation, Mills hopes to attend graduate school and eventually work with juvenile delinquents at a residential facility or alternative school.
Elizabeth Moeller, senior from Greensboro majoring in sociology with a concentration in power and social change, is a recipient of the department's Outstanding Senior Award. Moeller recognized Dr. Ellen Lamont, associate professor and honors director in the Department of Sociology, and Dr. Johnnie Lotesta, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology, as faculty members who played significant roles in her education. "They have both been great advisors and have really helped me along in the thesis process," shared Moeller. Additionally, Moeller recognized Dr. David Russell, associate professor in the Department of Sociology, writing, "Dr. Russell got me interested in quantitative research, and was instrumental in getting me an internship." Following graduation, Moeller hopes to take a break from school to conduct policy research before eventually pursuing her master's degree in sociology.
Mané Ortega Poblete, senior from Santiago, Chile majoring in sociology with a concentration in social inequalities and minoring in gender, women's, and sexuality studies, is a recipient of the department's Outstanding Senior Award. "After graduation, I would like to work either in the non-profit sector or in local government, but eventually I want to go to graduate school and become a professor as well as work in research!" shared Ortega about her future plans.
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