2019 Archives
Okemos Couple's Support Will Help Heal the Wounds of War
December 23, 2019 - Becky Jensen
An Okemos couple is giving back this holiday season by supporting veterans who are pursuing an MSW degree.
MSU social scientist uncovers patterns of opioid misuse among bisexual female veterans, others
December 19, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
Psychology professor Dr. Kaston Anderson-Carpenter, a behavioral and social scientist at Michigan State University, is uncovering an alarming pattern of prescription opioid misuse among certain groups of underrepresented veterans.
Meet Social Science Commencement flag bearer Lynnea Miller
December 16, 2019 - Karessa Weir
If Lynnea Miller learned one thing in her time as a Sociology major at MSU, it is the importance of diversity. “It’s given me the chance to be the minority in the room and that’s something everyone should experience,” she said.
'Save a Warrior' founder coming to MSU
December 5, 2019 - Zach Richardson
Founder and creator of the Save A Warrior, or SAW, program, Jake Clark, is coming to MSU for a free event at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center from 7 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 9, 2019.
MSU senior taps talents in wildlife management and public policy
December 2, 2019 - Beth Bonsall
Charlie Booher uses his diverse experiences to develop a unique career path in fisheries and wildlife, conservation and social science.
Mason Soneral Women’s Leadership Institute Faculty Fellowship Named
November 26, 2019
Dr. Amanda Guinot Talbot has been named as the first recipient of the Mason Soneral Women’s Leadership Institute Faculty Fellowship. Dr. Talbot also serves as the Director of Undergraduate Education, and is an Assistant Professor, in Human Development & Family Studies within the College of Social Science at Michigan State University.
MSU social science alumnae honored with international scholarship nominations
November 20, 2019 - Elizabeth Schondelmayer
The College of Social Science is proud to celebrate two alumnae nominated for prestigious international scholarships. 2019 graduate Anna Esenther has been nominated for both the Marshall and Rhodes Scholarship, while 2017 graduate Christina Pastoria has been nominated for both the Marshall and Mitchell Scholarship.
Bittersweet Announcement
November 14, 2019 - Dean Rachel Croson
I write to you today with both sorrow and joy. I will be leaving MSU on March 30, 2020 to begin an appointment as Executive Vice President and Provost of the University of Minnesota.
MSU social scientists improving the process of allocating organ transplants
November 12, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
For 115,000 Americans, the uncertainty of awaiting an organ transplant is a painstaking reality. Michigan State University economists Dr. Stacy Dickert-Conlin and Dr. Todd Elder, together with Dr. Keith Teltser of Georgia State University, are researching how the American organ transplant allocation system can be improved in terms of equity and efficiency.
How meditation can help you make fewer mistakes
November 11, 2019 - Caroline Brooks
If you are forgetful or make mistakes when in a hurry, a new study from Michigan State University – the largest of its kind to-date – found that meditation could help you to become less error prone.
Social scientist secures grant to study elder abuse prevention
November 6, 2019 - Tony Beyers
Dr. Fei Sun, an associate professor from the School of Social Work at MSU has recently received an award from the Department of Justice to advance his research on elder abuse and neglect prevention.
MSU archaeologists bring #ThrowbackThursday to the Eat at State Food Truck
November 5, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
There are few things in life that bring people together better than food, which is why the Michigan State University Campus Archaeology Program is connecting past and present Spartans by reviving foods from the university’s earliest days.
2019 Women's Leadership Institute empowers women leaders
October 30, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
The Women’s Leadership institute (WLI) is collaborative effort between the department of Human Development and Family Studies, within the college of Social Science at Michigan State University, Alumni, professional women and current students.
Latinx students experience isolation at their universities
October 24, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
A recent study from Dr. Isabel Ayala, an associate professor of Sociology in the Michigan State University College of Social Science, together with Chicano-Latino Studies and Sociology PhD student Christian Ramirez, has revealed that many Latinx students feel out of place in higher education.
Sarah Douglas: Bridging communication gaps for those with disabilities
October 22, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
Communication is the key to how we connect with fellow human beings. It is how we express feelings, demonstrate knowledge and share ideas. Which means, for those with developmental disabilities and communication challenges, struggling to interact with those around them can be an extremely frustrating and isolating experience.
Film screening: How The Green Book shaped the Civil Rights Movement and modern geography
October 21, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
On November 14, the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences will present a screening of the Smithsonian Channel’s “The Green Book: A Guide to Freedom,” followed by a discussion with filmmaker and director Yoruba Richen. The film will start at 7 pm in the Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre. The film screening is part of a series of events celebrating Geography Awareness Week.
Five MSU social science students honored with Title-VI Fulbright-Hays Fellowships
October 14, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
This year, six Michigan State University students earned Fulbright-Hays research fellowships in the national competition among scholars of foreign language and area studies, setting a record number of awards granted to a single university in the U.S. Five of the awardees are students within the College of Social Science.
MSU faculty offers tips to calm your own anxiety
October 10, 2019 - Caroline Brooks
Managing symptoms of anxiety doesn’t need to require a trip to a therapist or an expensive yoga class. In fact, it doesn’t need to involve anything but time with yourself.
MSU Geographers shine at 2019 Michigan Coastal Dunes Symposium
October 4, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
On October 3, faculty from the Michigan State University College of Social Science presented at the 2019 Michigan Coastal Dunes Symposium.
How historical preservation can lead to gentrification
October 4, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
Lincoln Park is a staple of Chicago, boasting a rich history and culture. However, a professor within the College of Social Science at Michigan State University found that recent investments in the historical restoration of the Lincoln Park area has compromised its affordability and diversity through a process called gentrification.
Kinship Care Resource Center: Advocating for kinship families
September 27, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
On September 18, MSU’s Kinship Care Resource Center joined in educating lawmakers at the Michigan State Capitol for the first annual Relative Care Day.
NASA recognizes MSU CGCEO faculty
September 23, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer, Andrea Allen
Faculty from the Michigan State University Center for Global Change and Earth Observations (CGCEO) recently secured funding from NASA’s Land-Cover/Land-Use Change (LCLUC) Program for four projects studying the relationship between socioeconomics and land use changes.
Decoding how kids get into hacking
September 19, 2019 - Caroline Brooks
Is your kid obsessed with video games and hanging out with questionable friends? These are common traits for involvement in cybercrime, among other delinquencies. New research from Michigan State University identified characteristics and gender-specific behaviors in kids that could lead them to become juvenile hackers.
NSF Awards $2.49 Million to MSU to Study Impacts of Autonomous Vehicles on the Workforce
September 16, 2019 - Press Release
Researchers Join Forces to Prepare the Future Workforce for Autonomous Vehicles, Using Expertise from the College of Social Science, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, and the College of Engineering
Beyond Handwriting: Teaching Young Children to Write
September 16, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
Writing is a fundamental communication skill that, for many, is developed during the school years. However, researchers at Michigan State University and Georgia State University believe writing skills should be fostered even earlier - during preschool.
New Support for Enslaved Database
September 13, 2019 - Andrew W. Mellon Press Release
The Enslaved database project receives new support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Social Scientists work to leverage assets for Flint’s future
September 13, 2019 - Tony Beyers
The MSU School of Social Work and the College of Social Science partnered with Flint community leaders to develop a new program called the Flint Community Initiative. The program, which was launched this summer, combines service learning and internship experience, and is open to upper undergraduate and graduate students from every major and college.
Autumn Painter: Color Me Excited
September 4, 2019 - Autumn Painter
Autumn Painter is a doctoral student in the Department of Anthropology in the College of Social Science. She is also the campus archaeologist in the Campus Archaeology Program.
Could marriage stave off dementia?
August 28, 2019 - Kristen Parker
Dementia and marital status could be linked, according to a new Michigan State University study that found married people are less likely to experience dementia as they age.
$3.3M grant to fund study exploring impact of green spaces on health of Detroiters
August 26, 2019 - Caroline Brooks
Faculty from Michigan State University received a $3.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health for an experiment to improve the health of Detroit’s residents by cultivating green spaces in the city.
MSU and Yale Social Scientists team up on $2 million grant to study firearms and intimate partner violence
August 15, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
Social scientist Dr. Christopher Maxwell, a professor in the School of Criminal Justice, is collaborating with Dr. Tami Sullivan from the Yale University School of Medicine to better understand the relationship between the use of firearms and intimate partner violence.
Social Science researcher finds link between sexual minorities and heightened diabetes risk
August 8, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
A new study in the College of Social Science has found higher risks of diabetes among sexual minority individuals.
Teens feel pressured to get pregnant
August 8, 2019 - Kristen Parker
Female adolescents are experiencing relationship abuse at alarming rates, according to a new Michigan State University study that specifically researched reproductive coercion – a form of abuse in which a woman is pressured to become pregnant against her wishes.
Ciera Murden: When a hashtag helps make a difference
August 7, 2019 - Ciera Murden
Ciera Murden is a junior majoring in human development and family studies with a minor in African studies in the College of Social Science. Recently, Ciera was featured in a story by the Lansing State Journal due to a hashstag she coined that went viral.
'Hands Up, Don't Shoot' transports readers to heights of police protests
August 5, 2019 - Caroline Brooks
A Michigan State University researcher is taking readers to the front lines of the protests in Ferguson, Missouri and Baltimore, Maryland during the protests that took place following the deaths of Michael Brown and Freddie Gray.
AEA Summer Program Promotes Inclusivity and Achievement in Economics for 45th Year
July 29, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
The American Economics Association Summer Program began in 1974 and is now concluding its 45th successful year. The program, which has been housed at Michigan State University for the last three years, prepares and inspires undergraduate students from underrepresented minority communities to pursue higher education and a career within the field of Economics.
The truth behind racial disparities in fatal police shootings
July 22, 2019 - Caroline Brooks
Reports of racially motivated, fatal shootings by police officers have garnered extensive public attention and sparked activism across the nation. New research from Michigan State University and University of Maryland reveals findings that flip many of these reports on their heads – white police officers are not more likely to have shot minority citizens than non-white officers.
The unpopular truth about biases towards people with disabilities
July 18, 2019 - Caroline Brooks
Needing to ride in a wheelchair can put the brakes on myriad opportunities – some less obvious than one might think.
MSU Social Scientist evaluates Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
June 28, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
Dolly Parton is not only a country music icon, but also the founder of the international children’s reading program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Since its founding in 1995, this program has been well-received by parents and teachers, but the benefits of enrolling children in the program had not been evaluated by researchers until very recently.
Smile 4 Kids: How a Social Science student started her own non-profit
June 21, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
Jessica Halmaghi is committed to helping kids. A senior majoring in Human Development and Family Studies in the College of Social Science at Michigan State University, she is also the founder of her own non-profit organization, Smile 4 Kids.
Kaston Anderson-Carpenter: A Microphone for the Marginalized
June 19, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
Kaston Anderson-Carpenter, an assistant professor of Psychology in the College of Social Science at Michigan State University, is dedicated to creating more inclusive, informed services for underrepresented groups. Working closely with marginalized communities – such as the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with HIV and individuals struggling with substance abuse – Anderson-Carpenter’s research seeks to find the best practices to assist those exhibiting high-risk behaviors.
Deirdre Shires: Improving the quality of LGBTQ+ health care
June 12, 2019
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, accessing health care services is often a challenge, and many healthcare providers struggle to understand how to best treat LGBTQ+ patients.
H-Net’s “Journal of Festive Studies” sets the standard for open access publications
June 7, 2019
Research consumption has traditionally been confined to strict academic circles, but there has been a recent push towards increasing the accessibility of information to researchers and scholars beyond the barriers of academic institution affiliation. Spearheading this effort is H-Net, a leader in the academic open access movement.
Hui Liu: Understanding and improving LGBTQ+ health
June 7, 2019
For many LGBTQ+ Americans, access to healthcare can be negatively impacted by their sexual minority or gender diverse identity. But can healthy marriages and relationships negate this health disparity?
Jae Puckett: Transformative research, real-life results
June 4, 2019
“I look at stressors and how they affect the mental health of trans folks,” said Dr. Jae Puckett, “but I also look at coping mechanisms and resilience. For me, that part is equally as important.
Dean's Blog: The Future of Work
May 30, 2019 - Dean Rachel Croson
Predictions show that over the next decade, nearly one-half of work tasks currently done by humans will be replaced with technology. As a result, by 2030 nearly one out of three people in the U.S. workforce will be forced to learn new skills and find work in new occupations and industries. Persistent and dramatic advancements in technology, spurred by breakthroughs and innovative applications in artificial intelligence, digitalization, automation, robotics and Internet cloud communications, are transforming the world of work. From assembly-line automation seen over the past decade, to accounting and tax preparation programs that are rolling out now, to predicted programs to provide medical measurements and diagnoses, these advances will both make existing jobs obsolete and create new jobs in their place.
Dean's Blog: Michigan State University Names New President
May 30, 2019 - Dean Rachel Croson
This morning the Board of Trustees announced that Samuel Stanley Jr., M.D., will begin his service on August 1, 2019.
Trump, Trade, and the U.S.-Japan Relationship: What You Need to Know
May 30, 2019 - Ethan Segal, Professor of History
President Donald Trump recently returned from an official trip to Japan, where he met with Prime Minister Abe and the country’s new emperor. Much like in his diplomatic efforts with China, Mexico and other countries, the president’s attention was focused on trade. He has long decried the United States’ trade deficit with Japan and threatened new tariffs on Japanese cars. But what exactly was accomplished during the president’s visit? How has trade impacted U.S.-Japan relations?
Do you trust politicians? Depends on how you define trust
May 17, 2019
There’s more to trust than credence and faith, especially as it comes to politics. Research from Michigan State University and North Carolina State University presents new evidence to suggest that there are more layers to political trust than the public – and politicians themselves – previously thought.
Social Science Scholars Book Launch Celebrates Student Research
April 26, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
On April 25, the College of Social Science and Social Science Scholars Program hosted a book launch for the third volume of “Social Science Scholars Research.”
Social Scientists Honored at College Awards Ceremony
April 25, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
College of Social Science Faculty and Alumni were honored on Wednesday April 24th at the MSU Union ballroom. The ceremony recognized the best of the best within the College of Social Science network – those who are truly transforming the human experience and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.
College of Social Science hosts 2019 Blanchard Forum featuring former Senator Carl Levin
April 24, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
On April 23, the College of Social Science hosted the Governor Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum & Master of Public Policy Capstone Forum at the Huntington Club within Spartan Stadium.
Women’s Leadership Institute Emerging Leaders Scholarship Competition
April 17, 2019
The Women’s Leadership Institute Emerging Leaders Scholarship Competition asks students to reflect on what leadership means to them and how they aspire to lead.
Dean's Blog: April is National Autism Awareness Month
April 15, 2019 - Dean Rachel Croson
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 59 school-age kids has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers in the College of Social Science are developing interventions for parents, peers and community agencies that can help.
Spring 2019 College of Social Science Student Commencement Speaker: Tristyn Walton!
April 11, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
The student commencement speaker for the Spring 2019 College of Social Science on May 4th at the Breslin Center will be senior Tristyn Walton!
New Partnership Creates Clear Path to MSU Degree in Geography, Environment & Spatial Science
April 10, 2019 - Rebecca Jensen
Lansing Community College (LCC) students in the Geospatial Science Program will now be able to seamlessly transfer to Michigan State University to complete a bachelor’s degree.
MSU Social Scientists create first comprehensive map of Michigan’s coastal sand dunes
April 10, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
Michigan State University researchers have created the first ever comprehensive map of Michigan’s Coastal Dunes, which collectively form the largest concentration of freshwater coastal sand dunes in the world.
MSU Social Scientist Honored with Society for American Archaeology’s Lifetime Achievement Award
March 5, 2019
The Department of Anthropology, within the College of Social Science is proud to announce that Professor Emerita Dr. Lynne G. Goldstein is this year’s recipient of the Society for American Archaeology’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dean's Blog: Financial Literacy
March 5, 2019 - Dean Rachel Croson
The financial crisis of 2008 highlighted how interconnected our economic system is and, as a result, how fragile it can be. But it also highlighted a deep level of financial illiteracy among Americans, many of whom had taken out mortgages, car loans or other debt that they could not, in the end, afford or understand.
Social Scientist Honored with Michigan State University’s Community Engagement Scholarship Lifetime Achievement Award
March 5, 2019 - Rebecca Jensen
Sociology Professor Carl S. Taylor has been presented with Michigan State University’s Community Engagement Scholarship Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor earned through a career of exemplary service to Michigan communities. He received this recognition at MSU’s 3rd Annual University Outreach and Engagement Awards Ceremony on February 20th in the Kellogg Center. He spoke about his career during a recent WKAR interview on MSU Today with Russ White.
MSU Social Scientist’s research to help NASA’s future missions to Mars
February 20, 2019
Steve Kozlowski, Ph.D, Michigan State University Psychology professor, in the College of Social Science, is working on NASA funded research that could help in missions to Mars, and beyond by lending new insight on the social bonding of a team.
Dean's Blog: Cybersecurity
February 8, 2019 - Dean Rachel Croson
Since the early 80s, much of our personal and financial lives has moved online. From keeping up with friends to making bank deposits, computer-mediated activity has become a fact of life. As more and more activity has moved online, criminals seeking financial or other advantage have followed. Thus was born the need for cybersecurity.
Social Scientist Dr. Ryan Black awarded 2019 President's Distinguished Teaching Award
January 29, 2019 - Rebecca Jensen
In the classroom, Black is both empathetic and demanding — encouraging students to reach for the stars while helping them realize that they have to work hard to achieve their goals.
“Finding Our Voice” Series Sparks Discussion on How to Best Help Survivors
January 18, 2019 - Liz Schondelmayer
On January 15, the College of Social Science co-sponsored the first event in the “Finding Our Voice: Sister Survivors Speak” series, which aims to help address the epidemic of sexual violence and help survivors heal from trauma.
Dean's Blog: Support for Acting President Upda
January 17, 2019 - Dean Rachel Croson
Yesterday Interim President John Engler submitted his resignation. Over this past year, MSU has made much progress but has also experienced significant setbacks.
MSU Deans Council’s Letter to Board of Trustees
January 16, 2019
MSU Deans Council’s Letter to Board of Trustees
Social Scientist Gives Back to His Home of Pakistan
January 11, 2019
Fayyaz Hussain, Ph.D, Associate Professor in the Center for Integrative Studies and Alumnus of the Department of Sociology, in the College of Social Science at Michigan State University, has donated $25,000 to his former school in rural Pakistan after a visit to the country last year.