What department are you a graduate student in? 

I am a doctoral candidate in the Department of Sociology, with a focus on the relationship between inequality and knowledge production in the contemporary response to HIV/AIDS.

Why did you decide to go to graduate school?

I graduated New College of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2019. At New College, I enjoyed being introduced to the research process, particularly qualitative analyses. I realized I wanted to continue my education and go on to earn a doctorate in sociology.

Did your interests change throughout your program? 

My broad interest in the sociology of sexualities did not change, but through coursework in my program I was able to hone and narrow my focus. I now consider myself a budding sociologist of medical sociology and the sociology of sexualities, with a focus on HIV/AIDS science and activism.

What do you want to do with your advanced degree? 

With my advanced degree, I hope to continue to be able to conduct research on the role of inequality in the contemporary response to HIV/AIDS, as well as teach, introduce, and expand undergraduate students’ sociological imaginations.