Melissa Alcaraz: 2021 OSU Graduate. Currently: Assistant Professor at Brigham Young University.
Grad Student Experiences
Learn more about our graduate students
Why OSU?
Hear from our past and current graduate students about their research and why they chose Ohio State Sociology (recorded in 2021).
Sociology Department Graduate Student Organizations
- Sociology Graduate Student Association (SGSA)
The SGSA provides opportunities for graduate students to get involved outside of the classroom and to organize discussions, meetings, events, and other activities aimed towards improving the student experience and creating community. For more information on SGSA, the current SGSA officers, and how you can get involved, please visit the SGSA website. Each year, members of SGSA, faculty on the Graduate Studies Committee, the Chair, the DGS, and the GPC meet to discuss updates and concerns.
- Institute for Population Research Graduate Student Organization
The Institute for Population Research Graduate Student Organization (IPRGSO) is open to all currently enrolled Ohio State University graduate students. IPRGSO provides graduate students with opportunities for training and networking in areas not traditionally covered by formal coursework. IPRGSO is a fully student-run organization.
Find more information at the IPRSGO website.
- Sociology of Power, Inequality, and the Economy (socPIE) Working Group
socPIE provides a generative space for faculty and graduate students to discuss ongoing research projects organized around power, inequality, and economy. During workgroup sessions, faculty and graduate students share work at various stages, from initial brainstorming to full papers, and receive constructive feedback from other workgroup members.
Rachel Dwyer and Eric Schoon serve as faculty advisors. To learn more or to sign up to present ongoing work, please reach out to Madeline Carrola (Carrola.1) and Taylor June (June.18).
- Sociology of Populations (socPOP) Working Group
SocPOP is an ongoing working group of faculty and graduate students interested in the sociology of population in the department. During monthly sessions, students and faculty workshop working papers or ideas at various stages, practice conference talks, and receive feedback from other group members. Sarah Hayford and Reanne Frank serve as faculty advisors. To learn more or to sign up to present ongoing work, please reach out to Mehr Mumtaz (mumtaz.4) and Sinem Esengen (esengen.1).
- International Student Association
- The International Students Association in the Sociology department is a space for international students to share their experiences and provide peer support, with the primary goal of fostering a positive departmental climate toward international students. Among other activities, it organizes social and professional events among international students, regular meetings with the Director of Graduate Students, welcome events for prospective international students, and an annual climate survey to understand international students' needs within the Sociology department. In addition, it serves as a recognized communication channel between international students and faculty members. To learn more about this group, please reach out to the current representative Xueqian (Chelsea) Chen (chen.11760@osu.edu).