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Student Commencement Speaker Spotlight: Joseph Allen
April 25, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Joseph 'Joey' Allen, a senior majoring in urban and regional planning and economic geography with a minor in law and justice/public policy, was chosen by the College of Social Science to give this year's student speech at graduation.
43 Social Science graduates receive Board of Trustees' Award for Academic Excellence earning a 4.0 G.P.A.
April 18, 2024 - Michigan State University
Two hundred and seventy-two Michigan State University graduates accomplished something many students dream of — a perfect college GPA. Among the group included 43 College of Social Science graduating seniors. During its April 12 meeting, the MSU Board of Trustees presented the graduating seniors with the Board of Trustees’ Award, recognizing their achievement of the highest scholastic average one can receive, a 4.0 GPA.
Women's Leadership Institute hosts Healthy Leadership, Support and Community panel, celebrates graduates
April 17, 2024 - Emily Jodway
The MSU Women’s Leadership Institute held its final events of the semester on April 3 and 4, bringing together alumni, supporters and students for a celebration of the year’s accomplishments and a send-off of this year’s graduating members of the Student Cohort.
Faculty voice: Arab Americans changing racial categories and the future of inclusion
April 16, 2024 - Rebecca Karam
Expanding federal classifications is necessary for understanding the Middle Eastern and North African experience in the United States
Diversity Spotlight: Sarise Hammad
April 10, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Sarise currently serves as an Accredited Immigration Representative for the Syrian Community Network in Chicago. She graduated from Michigan State in 2020 with a degree in Global and International Studies, and is a first-generation American.
Diversity Torch: Amina Darabie
April 10, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Amina Darabie is a senior majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in Arabic and experience architecture. She is an impassioned advocate for study abroad opportunities and intercultural education, and making these experiences more accessible for all students.
Diversity Champion: Dr. Nura Sediqe
April 10, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Dr. Nura Sedique is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and a core faculty member in the Muslim Studies program. Her research focuses on the intersections of race, religion and gender with political behavior and preferences.
MSU Organizational Psychologist Meets with Congressional AI Task Force Members
April 2, 2024 - Shelly DeJong
Organizational Psychologist Dr. Christopher Nye has been at the forefront of addressing the intersection of AI and workforce dynamics. Recently he met with two members of the Congressional Task Force on Artificial Intelligence.
Women’s Leadership Institute holds leadership workshop with alumna Michelle Needles
March 28, 2024 - Emily Jodway
The MSU Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) Student Cohort came together on March 21st for an in-person workshop with MSU alum and WLI supporter Michelle Needles. Needles’ presentation, titled ‘Developing your Intuition: Better Serve Your Whole Self and Others,’ focused on communicating and working well with individuals with all different strengths and talents, setting boundaries and leading intuitively.
Giving Voice To Youth Incarcerated In Adult Facilities
March 27, 2024 - JJ Thomas
In many states across the country, youths are serving life or near-life sentences in adult facilities. Until recently, little was known about the experiences of these incarcerated youths. However, a team of researchers from the MSU School of Criminal Justice has been working to change that. Dr. Cait Cavanagh, the lead researcher on the team, says this project is filling a void in justice system research by giving voice to youth in adult facilities.
Moran and team earn Distinguished Partner Award for International Community-Engaged Scholarship
March 26, 2024 - Diane Huhn
The Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University congratulates Emilio Moran, a John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor, on receiving a 2024 Distinguished Partnership Award for International Community Engagement at the University Engagement and Research Awards ceremony! Moran and MSU colleagues Maria Claudia Lopez Perez and Rachel Mourão earned the award for their work on the Energy Convergence for Off-Grid Amazonian Communities project.
Faculty voice: Three myths about personalities
March 20, 2024 - Shelly DeJong
People have evolved to be good at judging personalities. As a species, it's extremely important to know if someone else is dangerous or untrustworthy. We also have a lot of experience evaluating the personalities of others because we come into contact with so many people. Most of the time our impressions about personality are spot on, which is good. It would be horrible if scientists discovered that everything that humans think about themselves is wrong! Even still, there are times when we think the world works one way, but research says otherwise. Here are three myths that you may assume to be true about personalities, but current findings robustly refute.
Environmental Pollution, Social Injustices, and Cognitive Health: A New Study in Southeast Louisiana
March 16, 2024 - Shelly DeJong
A rural stretch of Southeast Louisiana has long been known as Cancer Alley. Dr. Kas Anderson Jr. of the Michigan State Department of Psychology knows this area by another name: home. Having grown up in Norco, Louisiana, Anderson Jr. has seen firsthand the toll this community faces by living with chemical plants and oil refineries in their backyards. Many residents in this area have been diagnosed with cancer at a significantly higher rate compared to other geographic areas. Black American residents also deal with the additional toll of historical segregation and other social inequities. Thanks to recent funding by a Tetrad Grant, Anderson Jr. and a team of MSU professors, including Dr. Norman Scheel (Radiology/Human Medicine) and Dr. Masako Morishita (Family Medicine), will be scientifically studying the impact of air pollution and social detriments of health on cognitive health and quality of life for older Black Americans in rural Louisiana.
Diversity Spotlight: Dr. Barbara Lowrey
March 15, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Born and raised in East Lansing and inspired throughout her youth by her educator parents, Barbara Lowrey made the decision to pursue a career in economics all the way through to a doctoral degree, becoming the first woman at Michigan State to receive a PhD from the department. Lowrey spent several decades in America’s political epicenter working at the Federal Reserve Board, breaking barriers and setting new standards for women along her way.
Diversity Torch: Taylor Hughes-Barrow
March 15, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Taylor Hughes-Barrow is a senior majoring in human development and family studies. In addition to being an undergraduate representative on the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, she focuses much of her research on finding ways to make campus a more accessible and inclusive environment for minoritized student groups. She is also a part of the Women’s Leadership Institute Student Cohort and is passionate about affording women of color the space to speak their minds and support one another.
Diversity Champion: Dr. Lisa Fine
March 15, 2024 - Emily Jodway
A professor of history, Dr. Lisa Fine has spent over 30 years at Michigan State working to advance opportunities for all students across campus, but has particularly made immeasurable strides in making the university a safer and more inclusive place for gender minorities. She co-founded the Center for Gender in Global Context and revived the Women’s Studies major, both of which brought to the forefront gender and women’s issues through a global lens.
MSU drives conversation, research on the future of work
March 14, 2024 - Jack Harrison
You have likely heard about ChatGPT, and you might even have the application downloaded on your phone. But have you thought about how technology — and artificial intelligence specifically — will impact your job and the future of work? Michigan State University’s College of Social Science launched the Future of Work initiative to answer this very complex question, starting by hosting the university’s first Future of Work Conference.
Two College of Social Science students have been nominated for the prestigious Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
March 13, 2024
Two College of Social Science students have been nominated for the prestigious Udall Undergraduate Scholarship. Sponsored by the Udall Foundation, the scholarship is designed to financially support students interested in Tribal policy, Native American health care, and environmental issues. The foundation anticipates nationally distributing around 55 scholarships in 2024.
Women's Leadership Institute expands experiential learning opportunities for students
March 6, 2024 - Emily Jodway
The Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) at Michigan State recently had eight students take advantage of its first-ever round of awards from the WLI Experiential Learning Fund. These students earned funding toward study abroad and research opportunities in 2023.
John Beck recognized for 33 years of service to Michigan State University and over 20 years supporting the Excellence in DEI Awards (EDEIA) program
February 27, 2024
For more than 20 years, John Beck has lent his expertise to the EDEIA program, including serving on the selection committee and, per DEI Report and Plan recommendations, was instrumental in the process of expanding the program to an all-university award from 2022 to 2023. John is an Associate Professor in the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations in the College of Social Science.
Three College of Social Science students nominated for prestigious Truman Scholarship
February 15, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Two Political Science students and an Economics major have been nominated by the MSU Distinguished Student Awards Office for the nationally recognized Truman Scholarship. Josie Danielkiewicz and Jerome Hamilton Jr are both third-year Political Science Pre-Law students and PLS Scholars. Emma Nicolaysen is pursuing dual degrees in Economics and Neuroscience in the College of Natural Science. She is a member of the Econ Scholars Program. All are members of the Social Science Scholars program.
Meet the Team: The College of Social Science Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Affairs
February 15, 2024 - Emily Jodway
The Michigan State University College of Social Science Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Affairs (ODEIA) welcomes two new staff members to its team, Veda Hawkins and Victoria Pierce. Dr. Nwando Achebe returns to her role of Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Faculty Development, and Strategic Implementation as well as Director of the Office of Diversity. Hawkins will serve as Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Diversity and Student Affairs, and Assistant Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Affairs, while Pierce enters the role of DEI Office Manager.
MSU named a top producer of Fulbright Scholars for 10th consecutive year; Social Scientist Fayyaz Hussain among group
February 14, 2024 - MSUToday
Seven faculty selected for prestigious international academic exchange program, including Center for Integrative Studies in Social Science Associate Professor Dr. Fayyaz Hussain.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice program in the Top 10 Nationally
February 8, 2024 - JJ Thomas
The School of Criminal Justice’s Online Masters Program in Criminal Justice has been ranked 10th in the Nation by US News & World Report - our Online Masters Program was also ranked 5th in the Nation for Veterans. This marks the 8th year in a row that our program has been listed in the Top 10. The School of Criminal Justice is also ranked in U.S. News and World Report’s Top 10 Best Criminology Schools – the only School in the Big 10 to be feature on both lists.
Diversity Spotlight: Pat Carey, PhD
February 6, 2024 - Becky Jensen
Dr. Patricia M. Carey graduated from MSU with a degree in Psychology and most recently served as Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Associate Vice Provost for Diversity Programs at New York University. She is a constant advocate for Black women in higher education and the pursuit of racial justice for all individuals
Diversity Torch: The Advancing Geography Through Diversity Program
February 6, 2024 - Emily Jodway
The Advancing Geography through Diversity Program is a nationally recognized graduate student recruiting program which seeks to support and engage Masters and PhD students from underrepresented groups. The program began in 2017 and has made many strides in the development of diversity in the field of geography.
Diversity Champion: Dr. Lee June
February 6, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Dr. Lee June, an MSU Psychology professor, has been involved in advocacy for racial justice his entire life, inspiring students to be ‘justice fighters' in their own right. He is an award-winning author, has taught in the Honors College and the African Studies program and has served in a variety of advisory positions for university multicultural and diversity issues.
MSU making voice-activated AI more accessible, fair
February 5, 2024 - Shelly DeJong
As artificial intelligence technology advances, one area lags behind: voice-activated AI. For the more than 80 million people who stutter, voice AI technologies, which are increasingly being used in job hiring practices, can still be impossible to navigate. HeardAI, a multidisciplinary project from Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, and the nonprofit Friends: The National Association of Young People Who Stutter, has advanced to Phase 2 of the National Science Foundation’s Convergence Accelerator program to address this challenge.
Roy named as a new member of the NASA Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) science team
February 1, 2024
David Roy, director of the Center for Global Change and Earth Observations (CGCEO) at Michigan State University and a professor of geography, has been named a new member of the NASA Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) science team. The GEDI instrument is the first Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor designed to measure vegetation height from space and was launched by NASA to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2018.
MSU’s Program Evaluation Student Has Global Impact
January 30, 2024 - Shelly DeJong
Fahim Safi works for a nonprofit organization that implements United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded humanitarian and international development programs. Through his travels around the world, Fahim is also pursuing a graduate degree through MSU’s Program Evaluation online program. Hear from his own words about the impact he’s having in the world, why he chose program evaluation, and what advice he would give to people looking to make a difference in the world.
Social Scientists shined in this year’s Diversity Research Showcase
January 25, 2024 - Karessa Weir and Shelly DeJong
Students from MSU College of Social Scientists brought home a wide variety of awards at this year’s Diversity Research Showcase hosted by MSU Honors College. This annual university-wide showcase features MSU undergraduate student work or work in progress on issues of diversity that advance inclusion.
Ask The Expert: "The Mother of all Breaches"
January 25, 2024 - JJ Thomas and Rachel McNealey
A large data breach was just discovered by researchers at Security Discovery and CyberNews. The data breach was so large that the researchers are calling it the "Mother of all Breaches." To understand what exactly happened and how we can try to prevent the next cyberattack, we sat down with Dr. Rachel McNealey, a cybersecurity expert in the School of Criminal Justice.
Diversity Spotlight: Rabbi Simon Stratford
January 22, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Simon Stratford graduated from the College of Social Science with a degree in social work and completed a minor in Jewish studies. Having completed rabbinical school and being ordained in 2017, Stratford currently serves as Associate Rabbi and Director of Lifelong Learning at Temple Sholom of Cincinnati.
Diversity Champion: Dr. Ronen Steinberg
January 22, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Diversity Champions epitomize unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They do this in their research and scholarly agenda, across our academic programs and at varying administrative levels. In short, “Diversity Champions” work to create a better future or world for all. As a faculty member who teaches about the Holocaust, Dr. Ronen Steinberg exemplifies efforts to remember the impact of the Holocaust on today’s world.
Diversity Torch: Jacob Starner
January 22, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Diversity Torches celebrate our students who uphold a diversity value or ideal. As “Diversity Torches,” they provide light, guidance, and awareness to their fellow students and all who see them. Our “Torch” for this month is Jacob Starner. Mr. Starner is a fourth-year SSC undergraduate majoring in Economics with a minor in Jewish Studies. We are recognizing him for his leadership in Jewish student organizing and in combating antisemitism on Michigan State University's campus.
Dr. Buchanan Reappointed to Michigan Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention & Treatment Board
January 19, 2024 - Shelly DeJong
Congratulations to MSU Psychology professor Dr. NiCole Buchanan on her reappointment to the Michigan Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention & Treatment Board. Dr. Buchanan has been reappointed to represent persons with experience handling the problems of domestic violence and/or sexual violence.
Photos: Youth Equity Project Keynote Address with Dr. Nancy Rodriguez
January 18, 2024
Photos: Youth Equity Project Keynote Address with Dr. Nancy Rodriguez
Drones, phones, and a cryogenic wave tank help researchers uncover new insights into shoreline impacts of Great Lakes ice
January 16, 2024 - Diane Huhn
Using drones, phones, and a cryogenic wave tank housed in a walk-in freezer, Ethan Theuerkauf led a team to conduct a first-of-its-kind combined field and laboratory study to research how lake ice impacts sediment transport and erosion along the freshwater coastal shorelines of the Great Lakes.
2024 Youth Equity Project Seed Grant Award Winners Announced
January 12, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Five graduate students and one faculty member from across the University were recently announced as recipients of MSU Youth Equity Project seed grants. This is the second year that YEP has awarded these grants, which exist to help fund research projects supporting the mission of this thematic area.
Since Roe was overturned, fewer Michigan adults want to have children
January 12, 2024
When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, it created uncertainty for Americans’ access to abortion and other forms of reproductive health care. This uncertainly may have led to an increase in the number of Michigan adults who said they never want to have children, according to Michigan State University researchers.
History and Chicano Latino Studies faculty Delia Fernández-Jones Named College of Arts & Letters Associate Dean for Equity, Justice, and Faculty Affairs
January 11, 2024
CLS Core Faculty Delia Fernández-Jones has been appointed Associate Dean for Equity, Justice, and Faculty Affairs for the College of Arts & Letters, effective on Jan. 1, 2024. This is a new position in the College and is part of the Dean’s leadership team working closely in an advising capacity with the Dean, as well as the other Assistant and Associate Deans.
When do we become old? New MSU study explores age bias across 13 countries
January 9, 2024 - Shelly DeJong
Age is but a number, right? Look at any birthday card aisle in the store and you are sure to see “50 is the new 30” or “You’re only as old as you feel.” A new study from Michigan State University explored age perceptions over the course of the lifespan of over one million people across 13 countries — and found that as individuals grow older, they express the belief that old age begins at an even later stage of life. The study, published in Frontiers in Social Psychology, was the largest and most culturally diverse study conducted to date on this topic. The researchers found that every country had some degree of age bias. For every year people got older, individuals expressed the perception that old age begins even later in life. Additionally, they reported feeling younger than their current age and believing that others perceived them to be younger than their current age.
Do you eat with your eyes, your gut or your brain? A neuroscientist explains how to listen to your hunger during the holidays
December 20, 2023 - Alex Johnson
The holiday season is upon us, and with it, opportunities to indulge in festive treats. The proverbial saying “you eat with your eyes first” seems particularly relevant at this time of year. The science behind eating behavior, however, reveals that the process of deciding what, when and how much to eat is far more complex than just consuming calories when your body needs fuel. Hunger cues are only part of why people choose to eat. As a scientist interested in the psychology and biology that drives eating behavior, I’m fascinated with how the brain’s experiences with food shape eating decisions.
Five Social Scientists receive Board of Trustees Award for Perfect 4.0 G.P.A.
December 19, 2023
Five College of Social Science graduating seniors are among the 62 Michigan State University students that received a Board of Trustees Award for Academic Excellence.
Go for the Green: Equipping financial literacy through alumni, faculty and student engagement
December 15, 2023 - Katie Frey
Recently, Maddie Shlaimoon and Tushar Thakur, two MSU College of Social Science students, were awarded funding from the Go for the Green Paul Pradel Financial Literacy Ambassador Scholarship. The students were selected based upon their creation of a social media ad campaign describing the importance of financial literacy and the programs at MSU, and they each will receive $1,500 from the scholarship fund gifted by MSU alumnus Paul Pradel.
MSU Twin Registry partners with Pistons for first-ever twin theme night
December 14, 2023 - Shelly DeJong
The MSU Twin Registry and the Detroit Pistons are partnering for the first-ever “Twin Night” on Friday, January 12th at the Little Caesars Arena. The Twin Night celebrates twin brothers Ausar and Amen Thompson, who became the first siblings (and twins!) to be selected top-10 in the same NBA Draft. Ausar was selected with the fifth overall pick by Detroit, while Amen was selected by the Rockets with the fourth overall pick.
From interests to employment (or not): New study explores gender gaps in career paths
December 13, 2023 - Shelly DeJong
A recent study out of Michigan State University found significant variations in career interests between men and women. Surprisingly, even with these interest differences, gender gaps in career opportunities are more substantial than anticipated. The study also noted that these gender differences are more pronounced at lower education levels. This suggests a pressing need for gender diversity efforts to concentrate on professions that do not require a college degree.
MSU Chicano Latino Studies Core Faculty Deyanira Nevarez Martinez appointed to the U.S. Interior advisory council on climate
December 11, 2023 - Karessa Weir
Dr. Deyanira Nevarez Martinez (Chicano/Latino Studies (CLS), Department of Urban and Regional Planning, School of Planning, Design and Construction) has been appointed by the Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland as a member of the new Advisory Council for Climate Adaptation Science.
Michigan State University senior named Marshall Scholar
December 11, 2023
Michigan State University senior Dorothy Zhao is the institution’s 20th Marshall Scholar. The Marshall Scholarship provides support for outstanding undergraduates in the United States to study any academic subject at United Kingdom universities of their choice for up to three years. This year over 1,000 candidates applied, producing 51 Marshall Scholars – the largest class in the program's 70-year history. It includes students from 34 U.S. universities and 21 states and the District of Columbia.
Urban and Regional Planning Alum earns recognition from American Planning Association
December 8, 2023 - Emily Jodway
Wisdom Henry, 2023 a graduate of the College of Social Science and the School of Planning, Design and Construction was recently awarded a prestigious award from the American Planning Association. Henry received the 2023 Outstanding Student Award, an accolade that recognizes outstanding achievement in the study of planning by students graduated from a Planning Accreditation Board-accredited planning program.
David Roy Makes List of Most Highly Cited Researchers for Fifth Straight Year
November 27, 2023 - Diane Huhn
The MSU Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences and the Center for Global Change and Earth Observations congratulate Dr. David Roy on being listed as one of the most highly cited researchers in the world. This is the fifth consecutive year that Dr. Roy has received this distinction.
The Dean’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fellows Program Application Deadline Extended
November 17, 2023 - Nwando Achebe
The Dean’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fellows Program Application Deadline Extended
Want higher graduation rates? New study shows public spending on families is key
November 17, 2023 - Shelly DeJong
A new study, conducted in collaboration between researchers at Michigan State University and Central Michigan University, found that public spending on social safety net programs and on education spending each independently impact high school graduation rates, which are a key predictor of health and well-being later in life.
Becky Jensen wins MSU WorkLife Office Outstanding Supervisor Award
November 13, 2023 - MSU WorkLife Office
Director of Communication and Marketing for the College of Social Science, Becky Jensen was named a recipient of the 2023 MSU WorkLife Office Outstanding Supervisor Award.
MSU Geographer launches spectral ecology field school with an eye to building inclusive leaders
November 12, 2023 - Diane Huhn
As Natalia L. Quinteros Casaverde was scrolling through messages last fall on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, a post from Kyla Dahlin immediately set her heart aflutter. Dahlin, an associate professor with the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University, was using the platform to introduce the Spectral Ecology Summer School (SPEC School), a brand new initiative she was spearheading aimed primarily at graduate students and early postdoctoral researchers interested in not only incorporating remote sensing tools into their ecological research but also gaining valuable training in inclusive leadership.
2023 PURI Grant winners announced
November 6, 2023 - Emily Jodway
The 2023 Provost’s Undergraduate Research Initiative (PURI) grant awardees were recently announced, with 35 undergraduate Social Scientists and their faculty mentors receiving funding for 25 different research proposals.
Do pets make you happier? MSU study shows they did not during the pandemic
November 6, 2023 - Shelly DeJong
There is a general understanding that pets have a positive impact on one’s well-being. A new study by Michigan State University found that although pet owners reported pets improving their lives, there was not a reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, assessed 767 people over three times in May 2020.
Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation, to speak at Michigan State University’s Governor Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum
November 1, 2023 - Becky Jensen
Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation will be former Governor Jim Blanchard’s special guest at his upcoming MSU Public Service Forum on November 29, 2023 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing. Registration for the event is now open.
Fully Human: Lessons in Emotional Intelligence with Susan Packard
October 30, 2023 - Emily Jodway
The Women’s Leadership Institute held its 2023 Fall Kickoff event last month, gathering at the Eli and Edyth Broad Art Museum for a discussion with alumna Susan Packard, business media executive and author of the new book Fully Human.
Phoenix Court Partnership
October 26, 2023 - JJ Thomas
Researchers from the MSU School of Criminal Justice are conducting a review of the Ingham County 30th Circuit Court- Family Division’s Phoenix Court: a specialty court for youth who have been sexually exploited, trafficked, or are victims of sexual trauma. The Phoenix Court was established in 2018 after the Michigan legislature adopted “Safe Harbor” provisions which shielded youth victims of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) from criminal liability. The Court's mission is to address the needs of justice-involved youth who had been identified as victims of sex trafficking and reduce youth reentry into the justice system. Prior to the Safe Harbor provisions, and the establishment of specialty courts, youth who were experiencing DMST were punished as offenders under prostitution-related charges.
Public Policy alumna to lead Michigan’s State Budget Office
October 26, 2023 - Karessa Weir
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Jen Flood, who earned her Master of Public Policy in the MSU Department of Political Science in the College of Social Science, will lead the State Budget Office as its new director beginning in mid-November after Chris Harkins accepted a new position outside of state government.
Understanding the Landscape of Nation-State Cyberattacks
October 25, 2023 - JJ Thomas
Nation States and Ideological Extremist Groups are increasingly using cyberattacks to compromise State, Local, and Federal Governments. To combat this concerning trend, a team of researchers from the MSU School of Criminal Justice built an open-source database of cyberattacks committed by Nation States and Extremist Groups. Dr. Tom Holt, lead researcher on this study, was motivated to create the database in response to recent and notable state sponsored cyberattacks on the United States, including one of the most devastating cyberattacks against the nation. In 2014 and 2015, the US Office of Personnel Management was hacked and over 22 million people’s data was exposed.
Sociology alum Dr. Cameron Whitley receives prestigious NSF CAREER grant
October 24, 2023
MSU Sociology PhD alumnus Dr. Cameron Whitley, now Associate Professor of Sociology at Western Washington University, believes in the old proverb that a picture is worth 1,000 words – and that a really good picture is worth far more. But can a photo also help save an endangered habitat? Through a new $529,741 grant through the National Science Foundation’s prestigious Early CAREER Program, Whitley is working with a national network of zoos and aquariums – and a famous wildlife photographer – to find out.
TED Talk Highlights the Work of Poverty Disrupter & MSU Psychology Alumna Dr. Aisha Nyandoro
October 20, 2023 - Shelly DeJong
The Michigan State Psychology department congratulates psychology alumna Dr. Aisha Nyandoro on her recent TED Talk titled “What does ‘wealth’ mean to you?” Dr. Nyandoro, who specialized in ecological-community psychology at Michigan State, founded Magnolia Mother’s Trust, the longest-running guaranteed income program in the United States.
MSU Sociology alumnus works to create new sensory space
October 20, 2023 - Scott Pohl
Michigan State University is opening what officials claim is the first sensory room of its kind at a Big Ten Conference arena. The Spartan Family Sensory Room in the Breslin Center was dedicated by current and former members of MSU's athletics department Tuesday afternoon. The room is meant to be a quieter place for individuals to take a break from intense stimulation like a sporting event. Anthony Ianni, a former MSU basketball player, has autism and encouraged the space's creation. During the dedication ceremony, he reflected on the moments in his childhood when he felt overwhelmed attending basketball games.
Enslaved.org receives National Endowment for the Humanities grant
October 17, 2023 - Patti McDonald
The Department of History is proud to announce that the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) recently approved an award of $349,803.00 in support of Enslaved: Peoples of the Historical Slave Trade (or Enslaved.org). Enslaved.org is a digital project that addresses the urgent call to document the history of people of African descent more fully. Housed at Matrix in the College of Social Science at Michigan State University, the project centers on the Black experience in the history of the Americas. The open-access website publishes datasets with information about the lives of individuals who suffered under slavery and who were part of the transatlantic trade.
Four Social Science students among eight MSU nominees for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship
October 17, 2023
College of Social Science economics student Maren Nicolaysen, Anthropology student Caroline Downes, and psychology students Brennan Haugen and Dorothy Zhao are among six undergraduate students and two alumni from Michigan State University to be nominated for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. The scholarship supports students attending the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. The results of this competition will be determined in the coming months.
Women's Leadership Institute kicks off fall semester with guest speakers, student workshops
October 17, 2023 - Patti McDonald
The Women’s Leadership Institute at Michigan State University held its first events of the year last month, hosting a mentorship/coaching orientation session for the 2023-24 Student Cohort followed by a healthy leadership talk and networking reception featuring a conversation with Susan Packard.
Empowering the future: MSU’s new era in African American research
October 16, 2023 - Brandon Drain
Since its inception in 1997, the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research (MCUAAAR) has stood as a beacon for transformative research dedicated to the health and vitality of older African Americans. This collaborative platform unites three of Michigan’s top academic institutions: The University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and since 2018, welcoming Michigan State University into its fold. Spearheading MSU’s most recent contributions to MCUAAAR -- since Dr. Joan Ilardo (2018 to 2023) -- is Dr. Amanda Woodward, it’s co-director and professor for the School of Social Work at MSU.
Spartan Geographers continue to represent at 12th Annual REP Conference
October 16, 2023 - Diane Huhn
Dr. Ashton Shortridge, chair of the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University traveled to Washington, DC, in October 2023 to present research, learn, and recruit at the Race, Ethnicity, and Place Conference. MSU Geography cosponsored the conference, which is the largest national geography conference with a focus on race and ethnicity. This year's was the 12th and largest yet!
Associate Professor of History Dr. Aminda Smith named Gen Cen Co-Director
October 13, 2023 - Patti McDonald
Associate Professor of History Dr. Aminda Smith was recently named Co-Director of the Center for Gender in Global Context (GenCen) at Michigan State University. She been closely involved with GenCen since its inception and served previously as the interim director, when she realized that she wanted to be a part of the center in a more permanent way.
Four College of Social Science Alumni honored with 2023 Alumni Grand Awards
October 4, 2023
Larry Thompson and Randolph Cowen each received the Distinguished Alumni Award, while Sarah Cantwell along with her husband earned the Alumni Service Award. Bonnie Larson earned the Philanthropist Award.
A-CAPP Director Kari Kammel Testifies before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary Sub-Committee on Intellectual Property
October 4, 2023
[Washington, D.C.] Kari Kammel, Director of Michigan State University’s Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection (A-CAPP), testified at the Back to School with the SHOP SAFE Act: Protecting Our Families from Unsafe Online Counterfeits Hearing before the Intellectual Property Sub-Committee of the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary on October 3, 2023.
Building with LEGO bricks at the intersection of economics and human behavior
September 29, 2023 - Katie Frey
Lego pieces clink as Sierra Smith, economics graduate student, sorts them by color into different bins getting ready to build them into patterned squares. She is replicating the process that participants follow when they come into Spartan Psychology and Economics Advanced Research (SPEAR) Lab to build blocks with LEGO bricks as part of Dr. Ben Bushong’s latest research on people’s behavior. He is an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Economics in the College of Social Science. Dr. Bushong is attempting to understand how people behave when they receive advice from experts. In broad terms: are people more likely to incorporate expert advice into their behavior long term if they are mandated or if they are given a choice – and why?
Economics student Shubham Aggarwal named a 2023 Vandervarro Scholar
September 28, 2023
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation proudly announces that Shubham Aggarwal, an Economics major in the College of Social Science, and Yuktha Pulavarthi from the Broad College of Business are 2023’s Vandervarro Scholars.
Social Science student Brennan Haugen earns 2023 Mitchell Scholarship Nomination
September 28, 2023
Brennan Haugen, a Psychology student in the College of Social Science, was one of two Michigan State students nominated for this year's Mitchell Scholarship.
Outstanding College of Social Science students and alum nominated for prestigious Marshall Scholarship
September 26, 2023 - Emily Jodway
The College of Social Science is well represented in this year’s Marshall Scholarship nominees, with a total of five out of ten student nominees majoring in at least one Social Science discipline. In addition, alum Caitlin (CJ) Sivak ‘23 was one of two nominated alumni.
Psychology Emerita Rose Zacks Receives APS 2024 William James Fellow Award
September 22, 2023 - Shelly DeJong
Congratulations to Dr. Rose Zacks, professor emerita of cognition and cognitive neuroscience in the Department of Psychology at Michigan State University, for receiving the 2024 William James Fellow Award from the Association for Psychological Science (APS). This award is among the highest honors conferred by APS and it recognizes distinguished members for a lifetime of significant intellectual contributions to the field of psychology.
Four MSU Social Science students are on the 2023 Homecoming Court
September 21, 2023
Four College of Social Science students are on the MSU Homecoming Court this year. The 2023 Homecoming Parade is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 22 beginning at 6 p.m. in downtown East Lansing at the Michigan State campus.
College of Social Science alumni use scholarship to promote civility in public discourse
September 19, 2023 - Karessa Weir
When Tina and Jon Lynch were dating as undergraduate students at Michigan State University, they used to wander along the banks of the Red Cedar River and talk about their future and how they would give back to the university where they met. “Back then we would take walks in the neighborhood across the street from Rather Hall and along the Red Cedar, dreaming about what life had in store for us. Even then we hoped to one day give back to the place that had given so much to us,” Tina said. “For our family, Michigan State is more than a school - it’s our home.” More than 30 years later, the Lynchs, both College of Social Science alumni and residents of Midland, have have fulfilled that dream when they endowed the Jon & Tina Lynch Family Promoting Civility Scholarship fund.
Women’s Leadership Institute Hosts “No Club” Book Club with Lise Vesterlund
September 29, 2022 - Emily Jodway
Members of the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) and its 2022 Student Cohort gathered for a discussion and Q&A session with Dr. Lise Vesterlund, co-author of the new book The No Club: Putting a Stop to Women’s Dead-End Work, on September 20 at the Eli and Edyth Broad Art Museum.