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The connection between human health & wildlife trade and consumption
June 5, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, speculation about the virus’s origins has led many to question the safety and ethics surrounding worldwide wildlife trade and consumption. For example, the overcrowded and often unhygienic conditions present in wet markets have caused concern among experts for human health repercussions.
How COVID-19 is impacting kids involved in the criminal justice system
June 3, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
From school closings to social isolation to prom cancellations, there’s no question that American teenagers are being impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Adolescents involved with the juvenile justice system are facing even more unique challenges navigating this trying time.
Ning Hsieh: Addressing gaps in LGBTQ+ healthcare
June 3, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Dr. Ning Hsieh, a Michigan State University sociologist, is dedicated to knocking down barriers keeping LGBTQ+ Americans from accessing and receiving quality health care. Through exposing disparities and creating solutions, she plays an instrumental role in creating a better healthcare system for sexual and gender minorities.
A Letter From Interim Dean Mary Finn
June 1, 2020 - Interim Dean Mary Finn
The recent tragic deaths of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement - George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, KY, as well as the pursuit and shooting of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, GA by two white men--are stark reminders of the racism that exists in our society. We acknowledge that these actions are particularly harmful and devastating to the Black community and simultaneously diminish all of us.
Sense of duty or sense of dread? Understanding how your work environment can change your pandemic attitude
June 1, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many Americans and people around the world to feel increased stress, uncertainty and anxiousness - which is affecting how they live and work. To further understand the effects of this pandemic, Michigan State University psychologist Daisy Chang has launched a new study to find out how employer practices can shift essential workers’ attitudes during this crisis.
Dr. Christina DeJong: Making criminal justice work - for everyone
May 28, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Despite many LGBTQ+ pride festivities moving to a virtual platform, one ally in the Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice is making sure that the community remains visible in her field throughout the month of June - and year-round.
Protecting pride pioneers: How social scientist Dr. Anne Hughes is improving conditions for aging LGBTQ+ adults
May 28, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
For those of us with aging loved ones, finding the right health care providers and assisted living facilities is extremely important for the welfare of our seniors. However, for many LGBTQ+ seniors, these choices come with unique challenges.
Social scientist Dr. Rebecca Campbell honored with distinguished woman award
May 26, 2020 - Emily Guerrant
The American Council of Education Michigan Woman’s Network has honored Michigan State University Professor of Psychology Dr. Rebecca Campbell with the 2020 Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award for her groundbreaking work outside the scope of her formal faculty responsibilities.
MSU sociologists explore the effects of COVID-19 on sexual and gender minorities of color
May 21, 2020 - Karessa Weir
The effects of COVID-19 are hitting sexual and gender minorities of color especially hard, according to a recently funded proposal by two MSU Sociology professors. Drs. Ning Hsieh and stef shuster are investigating how COVID-19 is creating different kinds of risks, health concerns and coping strategies for sexual and gender minorities and comparing those risks for people of color with their white sexual and gender minority counterparts.
Michigan State University researchers release free, online parenting video series as Michigan families stay home
May 18, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Michigan State University researchers Dr. Kendal Holtrop and Amol Pavangadkar teamed up with the Michigan Parent Management Training - Oregon model (PMTO™) program to develop a series of short, research-based parenting videos accessible to parents and caregivers across the state of Michigan.
SPDC degree programs receive STEM designation
May 11, 2020 - Heidi Macwan
Three SPDC degree programs in landscape architecture and urban and regional planning have received STEM designation.
Dr. Angela Hall: How to maintain mental health in the workplace, even in the midst of a pandemic
May 11, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
With most of our jobs comes a certain level of stress. Between work that needs to be done and deadlines that need to be met, most of us have felt pressure and strain at some point in our professional lives. Especially given the current COVID-19 crisis, many employees are feeling this stress now.
Understanding mental health in the transgender community, especially in the midst of a pandemic
May 7, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
For many transgender people (meaning those whose gender identity differs from that associated with their sex assigned at birth), mental health can be a particular struggle due to an oppressive social climate. Around 50% of transgender people experience elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression, and around 40% of transgender people have attempted suicide in their lifetime.
Meet the 2020 Student Commencement Speaker for the College of Social Science, Sarise Hammad
May 4, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Though the COVID-19 crisis has forced traditional commencement ceremonies to evolve, the College of Social Science would still like to recognize and celebrate our Student Commencement Speaker for the Class of 2020.
College of Social Science Recognizes Outstanding Faculty, Support Staff, And Graduate Students
May 4, 2020 - Diane Huhn
Each year, the College of Social Science at Michigan State University recognizes outstanding faculty, graduate students, and support staff who have made a real difference to students, MSU and the world. Normally these awards are presented during Social Science week, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the college had to postpone the event this year. Here are our winners:
MSU Administration recognizes top Social Science graduates
April 30, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
As the College of Social Science’s graduating class of 2020 wraps up their final semester, a select few graduates have been acknowledged by the Michigan State University administration for their commitment to academic excellence.
Meet A-CAPP Center’s 2020 Outstanding Senior, Joey Longo
April 30, 2020 - Jalen Smith, Liz Schondelmayer
As 2020 graduating seniors get ready to transition into the next phases of their academic and professional careers, many are reflecting on their list of accomplishments during their undergraduate careers. And for one particular senior, that list is quite long.
What the COVID-19 crisis means for state and local government finances
April 28, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
The COVID-19 crisis has brought about a lot of uncertainty. Economically speaking, many wonder what impact the virus will have on the country and on individual families. A major part of this conversation is how state and local governments will be affected, according to Michigan State University economist Ron Fisher.
2020 Women’s Leadership Institute Emerging Leaders Scholarship Winners Announced
April 24, 2020
The College of Social Science is proud to announce the winners of the 2020 Women’s Leadership Institute Emerging Leaders Video Scholarship Competition. MSU Students were asked to create a two-minute video highlight their definition of leadership and explain how they currently display leadership in their own lives or how they aspire to lead in the future.
Social scientist Dr. John Waller honored with Mentor of the Year 2020 Award
April 23, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Dr. John Waller, professor in the College of Social Science, was honored with the 2020 Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentor of the Year award for Michigan State University.
How COVID-19 is boosting counterfeit markets, and how you can avoid them
April 23, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
As social isolation pushes more Americans to shop online, it is increasingly necessary for consumers to make informed decisions about the products they buy - and avoid purchasing counterfeit products.
History in the making: How one MSU professor is documenting the COVID-19 crisis with her students
April 21, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Meet social scientist Dr. Erin Graham, who has built a platform for students in four of her classes to document their first-hand accounts of living through the COVID-19 crisis. These individual student journals, updated weekly throughout the duration of the semester, give students a chance to share their experiences, build a community and create a primary record of life within self-isolation.
Alum Paul Pradel: Navigating the financial side of a pandemic
April 21, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
On April 16, the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, together with MSU Extension, the Gast Business Library and MSU Federal Credit Union, hosted “Go for the Green,” a webinar for students about how to stay financially afloat during the COVID-19 crisis. Speaking at the event was financial planner and MSU alumni Paul Pradel, who has shared some advice for students as they navigate this pandemic.
Protecting yourself from the latest intimate internet crime
April 21, 2020 - JJ Thomas
“Sextortion is the use of intimate images or videos that have been captured to then extort compliance from a victim,” said Roberta Liggett O’Malley, MSU criminal justice doctoral student and co-author of the study. “What makes it different from any other crime is the threat to release. A perpetrator could say, ‘I have these images of you and will publish them unless you…’ to get more images or even in exchange for money.”
MSU sociologists discover “loneliness gap” for older LGB Americans in midst of COVID-19 isolation
April 10, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
In the midst of the international trend towards social isolation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are finding themselves feeling lonely. For those already struggling with loneliness, this can be an especially trying time.
Social scientist helping parents with autistic children through the COVID-19 crisis
April 6, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
For many families of children with autism, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic can be an especially challenging time. On top of the many changes brought on by this public health crisis, parents or caregivers may struggle to find available supportive services for their children.
What does isolation mean in the age of the internet?
March 26, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
As public health officials are encouraging social distancing to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus strain, COVID-19, many Americans are practicing social isolation. But what does this look like in the age of the internet?
COVID-19 health crisis impacts students who call MSU home
March 26, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer, Rebecca Jensen
The national coronavirus crisis is greatly impacting MSU students. As the University has moved all classes online, some students have gone home to continue remote learning, or to practice social distancing. However, for some, MSU’s campus is their only home. This public health crisis has eliminated jobs these students depend on to meet their basic needs.
What it’s like to be incarcerated in the midst of a public health crisis
March 25, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Americans everywhere are feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. But while many are staying home to self-quarantine, for the 2.3 million Americans currently incarcerated, that isn’t an option.
Dr. Mary Finn Recommended to be College of Social Science Interim Dean
March 24, 2020
MSU Interim Provost Terry Sullivan has recommended to the Board of Trustees that Dr. Mary Finn be named as the Interim Dean for the College of Social Science.
How the COVID-19 crisis is impacting crime, police and first responders
March 24, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
The COVID-19 crisis has many Americans working from their homes. But for first-responders, such as EMTs, firefighters and police officers, working from home is simply not an option and tragically, some have already fallen victim to the virus.
5 tips for parents getting their kids through the COVID-19 crisis
March 19, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
In the wake of vast social distancing due to the COVID-19 virus, many parents and caregivers are facing a unique challenge: helping their children cope with the realities of the novel coronavirus strain.
How to maintain healthy relationships during the COVID-19 crisis - while maintaining proper social distance, of course
March 19, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Social isolation is key to slowing the spreading of the novel coronavirus strain, COVID-19. For many people, however, the newfound social distance can bring on intense loneliness and strains on relationships.
Tips for working successfully in a time of social distancing
March 18, 2020 - Caroline Brooks
For many Americans, the COVID-19 outbreak has created a major shift in workplace dynamics as employees have been asked to work from home. For those who have telecommuted in the past, this may not be a big adjustment; for others, this is a whole new era of setting up quiet spaces, avoiding constant snacking and even keeping kids and pets busy.
How your boss’s personality affects your work team’s performance
March 12, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
When it comes to fostering a healthy, productive work environment, how much does leadership actually play a role? According to new research from social scientists Jason Huang and Chenwei Liao of the Michigan State University School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, your boss’s personality has a significant impact on your work team’s commitment and quality of work.
Toxic masculinity is unsafe... for men.
March 11, 2020 - Caroline Brooks
The belief that “real men” must be strong, tough and independent may be a detriment to their social needs later in life. A study co-authored by a Michigan State University sociologist found that men who endorse hegemonic ideals of masculinity — or “toxic masculinity” — can become socially isolated as they age, impacting their health, well-being and overall happiness.
LGBT health improves with community
March 11, 2020 - Caroline Brooks
Individuals in the LGBT community face stressors that have dire consequences on their health. Researchers from Michigan State University are the first to pinpoint social factors that can reduce these stressors and improve health for LGBT people.
Social scientists honored throughout MSU community
February 28, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
February was a notable month for the College of Social Science, as many of the college’s faculty and students received prestigious awards and acknowledgements.
Dr. Andrea Louie wins prestigious NEH fellowship
February 28, 2020 - Elena Watson
Dr. Andrea Louie (pictures left), professor of Anthropology and founding director of the Asian Pacific American Studies Program at MSU, has been awarded a competitive 2020 National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship.
5 things to know about the presidential primary election
February 28, 2020 - Karessa Weir
Super Tuesday is quickly approaching and the predictions are ramping up as to who will win the 2020 Democratic primary election. Matt Grossmann – associate professor of political science and director of Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research – wants you to slow down, take a step back and learn a few important points about presidential primaries before you get overwhelmed by the rapid news cycle.
How sleep helps teens deal with social stress
February 28, 2020 - Caroline Brooks
A new Michigan State University study found that a good night’s sleep does adolescents good – beyond helping them stay awake in class. Adequate sleep can help teens navigate challenging social situations.
Pero Dagbovie: History, for the Future
February 27, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Pero Dagbovie is a University Distinguished Professor History, a member of the College of Social Science’s Dean’s Advisory Board for Diversity and Inclusion, and mentor for the College of Social Science Dean’s Research Associate Program as well as an associate dean of the Graduate School at Michigan State University. An expert on African American history, Dr. Dagbovie has written seven books and is the editor of The Journal of African American History, the oldest and leading journal in the field of black history.
Social scientist Kelly Klump clears up misconceptions about eating disorders
February 27, 2020 - Caroline Brooks, Caroline Kraft
At least 30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from eating disorders in the United States. In fact, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Feb. 24 through March 1 marks National Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2020 – a time to raise awareness for the extensive and complex issue plaguing so many Americans.
Dean’s Research Associate Program welcomes new cohort
February 25, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
This year, the College of Social Science is welcoming four talented scholars to the Dean’s Research Associate Program. The 2020-2021 cohort includes researchers Ashlee Barnes, Lekie Dwaynen, Rebecca Karem and Meghan Wilson.
How right-wing extremists are using the internet to ignite intolerance
February 25, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Hatred. Violence. Fear. The internet. What do all of these things have in common? According to research by social scientist Dr. Ryan Scrivens, a professor in the Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice, they are all tools that far-right extremist groups use to recruit and radicalize their members.
Carl Taylor: Innovating, for Life
February 19, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Sociologist Dr. Carl Taylor has served as a professor with the Michigan State University College of Social Science for over 15 years, and is a three-time winner of the Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award in Sociology.
3 things students should know about reaching out for help
February 19, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Even though we’ve all had to ask for help at some point, it’s never exactly an easy thing to do. Especially for students, it can be intimidating to approach faculty or reach out for resources when grades start to slip.
Madeleine Albright coming to Wharton Center
February 19, 2020 - Madeleine Albright coming to Wharton Center
The Governor Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum presents an evening with Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State & U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations on February 19 at the Wharton Center in East Lansing at 7:30 p.m.
Nwando Achebe: Teaching, for Good
February 17, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Dr. Nwando Achebe is an award-winning oral historian and a fierce advocate for positive change. An author of six books, she is an expert on women, gender and sexuality in the context of African history. But above all, Dr. Achebe is an award winning teacher and passionate professor, going above and beyond expectations and responsibilities to teach her students about a topic near and dear to her heart: Africa, as she knows and loves it.
Why GM workers went (and stayed) on strike
February 13, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer, Melanie Zaremba
Last year’s United Auto Workers strike against General Motors was a significant demonstration of the solidarity among the workers and their union. New survey data from the front line of the Lansing demonstrations, collected by social scientists Dr. Maite Tapia and Dr. Christian Ibsen from the Michigan State University Department of Human Resources and Labor Relations, shows that striking employees felt a strong sense of unity and purpose while fighting for better conditions.
Polarization helps Congress pass bills
January 30, 2020 - Caroline Brooks
While political polarization in the United States is the worst it has been in years, new research from Michigan State University and the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research suggests that having a partisan – and sometimes divisive – Congress might be more productive than if bipartisan groups were the norm.
Keeping guns away from potential mass shooters
January 24, 2020 - Caroline Brooks
The United States currently averages 20 mass shootings per year. Researchers from Michigan State University measured the extent to which mass shootings are committed by domestic violence perpetrators, suggesting how firearm restrictions may prevent these tragedies.
MSU social scientist helping to connect young people living with HIV to care
January 17, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only around one-half of HIV-positive individuals aged 12-24 actually know their status. Of those who do, almost 40% are not able to receive care within the first month of receiving their diagnosis. However, thanks to Michigan State University psychology professor Dr. Robin Lin Miller and an interdisciplinary team of experts, that is going to change.
Dr. Barbara Schneider's latest book shows engaged learning works
January 15, 2020 - Karessa Weir
Students in the U.S. and Finland participating in a new project-based learning model are not only learning more, but becoming more engaged in class, research from Michigan State University shows.
Criminal Justice programs ranked among nation's Top Ten by U.S. News and World Report
January 14, 2020 - JJ Thomas, Liz Schondelmayer
The School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University has ranked in the Top 10 when it comes to Best Online Criminal Justice Programs, according to U.S. News and World Report. The program has held its #10 slot for four years in a row. In addition to this ranking, the School of Criminal Justice is also ranked in U.S. News and World Report’s Top 10 Best Criminology Schools – making Michigan State University the only School in the Big 10 to be feature on both of these lists.
Crowd-sourcing social science: How an MSU professor is engaging the public in one-of-a-kind Supreme Court research
January 10, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Crowdsourcing is a controversial yet innovative product of the internet age, allowing for individuals and organizations to harness the collective power of the world wide web for fundraising and brainstorming. But can crowdsourcing also be used for academic research?
MSU Social science senior included in VIP Media Group’s “Top Ten Female Leaders to Pay Attention to in 2020” list
January 7, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Social scientist Jessica Halmaghi is a senior at Michigan State University studying Human Development and Family Studies, the CEO and founder of the nonprofit Smile 4 Kids, and - as of January 2020 - one of VIP Media Group’s Top Ten Female Leaders to Pay Attention to in 2020.