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Karen L

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at University of Texas Austin (UT Austin)

Expertise

society and politics, social psychology, discrimination, political psychology, intergroup relations, race and ethnicity, inequality, social justice, attitudes, criminal justice, racism and anti-racism

Bio

I am a sociology professor who is passionate about studying politics and society! I am interested in questions like: How do stereotypes and misinformation shape our political landscape? What factors shape discrimination against different social groups? Why are Democrats and Republicans becoming increasingly polarized? How does social media impact political opinions? And what strategies are successful in helping to reduce racial prejudice? These are just some examples of questions that fascinate me but I'm here to delve into any and all questions that ignite YOUR curiosity about the political and societal dynamics of the United States or any other nation across the globe. Some background about me. I grew up in a little town in Maryland, then moved to Korea when I was twelve. I went to college in Seattle and then spent most of my post-college years in Latin America working for educational nonprofits. My favorite hobby these days is cooking foods from around the world and mentoring students through the exciting process of research.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Exploring Race, Racial Inequality, and Racism: A Research Opportunity

Are you interested in exploring topics related to race, inequality, and racism? In this project, I will guide you through creating a research project on these compelling subjects. For instance, you might choose to investigate the factors that shape racial inequality and strategies for reducing discrimination. You might also explore how racial attitudes influence voting behavior, impact immigration preferences, or vary across different demographics such as age, race, ethnicity, geographical location, or political ideology. We can also analyze how racial attitudes have evolved during significant historical and political events. The possibilities with this topic are vast. You could write a scientific review of the litarature, collect your own data or utilize publicly available social survey data commonly used by leading researchers in the field. Whichever path you choose, I will support you through the research process—from deriving insights from data to effectively communicating your findings in a scientific research paper. If you’re enthusiastic about producing a scientific research paper on race and ethnicity, this project offers an excellent opportunity to delve into these important issues.

Exploring the Political World and Democracy: A Research Opportunity

Are you interested in diving into the complex and ever-evolving world of politics? This project offers a unique opportunity to explore key issues shaping today's political landscape. From polarization, extreemism, and electoral outcomes to the influence of media and public opinion, there are countless angles to investigate. You might choose to explore the causes and consequences of political polarization, analyze the impact of social media on voter behavior, examine the effects of misinformation on democratic processes, or study how public attitudes shape policy decisions. If you are passionate about politics and eager to make sense of the forces at play in our world, this project provides a platform to engage deeply with these pressing issues and contribute to the broader conversation about the future of democracy.

Exploring Crime, Criminal Behavior, and Justice System: A Research Opportunity

Are you interested in the complexities of crime, criminal behavior, and the justice system? This project provides an opportunity to explore critical issues within the field of criminal justice. Whether you want to investigate the causes of crime, public opinion about crime, analyze patterns of criminal behavior, examine the effectiveness of various policing strategies, or explore how social factors like race, class, and gender influence justice outcomes, this research project allows you to delve into the aspects that intrigue you most. Students can choose their focus, from conducting literature reviews on key topics like mass incarceration, juvenile justice, or sentencing disparities, to collecting and analyzing data on crime trends, or using publicly available datasets to study the impact of criminal justice policies. You'll develop valuable skills in research, data analysis, and critical thinking while contributing to the ongoing conversation about crime and justice in society. If you're passionate about understanding crime and the criminal justice system, this project offers a chance to engage deeply with these important issues and make meaningful contributions to the field.

Exploring Immigration: A Research Opportunity

Are you interested in understanding the complexities of immigration and its impact on society? This project offers you the chance to explore critical topics related to immigration, including the factors that drive migration, the challenges faced by immigrants, and the social, economic, and political implications of immigration policies. You might choose to investigate public attitudes toward immigrants, analyze the impact of immigration on labor markets, explore the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers, or study the effects of immigration on cultural integration and identity. The project allows for a range of approaches, such as conducting a literature review on key immigration issues, analyzing publicly available data on migration patterns, or collecting your own data through surveys or interviews. Whichever path you choose, you’ll gain insights into one of the most pressing and debated issues of our time.

Coding skills

Stata, SPSS

Languages I know

Spanish (fluent), Korean (conservational)

Teaching experience

I am currently an Assistant Professor of Sociology. I teach courses such as Intro to Social Statistics, Political Sociology, and other subjects related to social inequality, politics, and race/ethnicity. Throughout graduate school, I worked as a teaching assistant within the Department of Sociology at UT Austin. During this time, I sought opportunities to enhance my teaching abilities, ultimately achieving inclusive classroom and undergraduate teaching certifications. Additionally, I took on the role of an Intellectual Entrepreneurship research mentor at UT, guiding students from underrepresented backgrounds in their research endeavors. As a lab manager at the Numbers 4 Justice Lab, I have also led a team of undergraduate research assistants, offering guidance and support in their research pursuits. Education and mentorship have been a lifelong passion! Prior to my experience in Texas, I worked at educational nonprofits in Colombia and Peru, where my focus was on enhancing educational opportunities for underserved populations. Mentoring students and aiding them in reaching their academic and research goals brings me immense satisfaction and fulfillment. I'm excited to get to know future students!

Credentials

Work experience

DePaul University (2023 - Current)
Assistant Professor

Education

Seattle University
BA Bachelor of Arts (2013)
Sociology and Spanish
University of Texas Austin (UT Austin)
MA Master of Arts (2019)
Sociology
University of Texas Austin (UT Austin)
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Sociology

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