Department Spotlight - Department of Sociology
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As a branch of the social sciences, sociology allows students to understand how we interact with each other, the impact of social norms, and the social factors that influence both our individual and collective experiences. Both students and professors in CCSU’s sociology department work to do exactly that.
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Dr. Heather Rodriguez, the department’s new chair, is particularly excited about some of the new things coming to the department. Perhaps one of the most exciting developments is the return of study abroad courses (after a brief pause due to the pandemic) being offered by the department in collaboration with other departments and faculty. In January 2026, Professor John Mitrano will be joining a group of students and Professor Robbin Smith on a study abroad adventure in Bonaire, exploring the region’s environmental challenges, focusing on environmental sociology. And, in May 2026, Professor Fiona Pearson will be joining a group of students and Professor Michael Bartone on a study abroad excursion in Norway, learning teachers’ historical roles in social movements and protest during World War II.
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Additionally, the department has an exciting course opportunity for students: SOC 490, Community Internship Experience & Seminar. Offered in the spring, the internship course allows students to immerse themselves in community-based organizations for course credit, often being offered employment at the organization upon completing their internship. Some of the community organizations who have welcomed CCSU interns include Hands on Hartford, the New Britain YWCA, the Hospital for Special Care, the Institute for Hispanic Families in Hartford, Girls Inc of Meriden, and the New Britain Mental Health Institute. Students have the option to apply for an internship stipend through CCSU’s Center for Community Engagement and Social Research for their service in the community. This course is available for sociology majors and minors. The application for this course closes on Halloween- don’t miss out! Students can contact Dr. Rodriguez with more questions (hrodriguez@ccsu.edu).
The sociology department will also be hosting an art exhibit on October 23 (11am to 3pm) in the Latin American, Latino, Caribbean Center, which will feature art created by students enrolled in the Latina Identity & Empowerment course. The hope for this exhibit is to put together about 25 pieces related to the course content that make students feel recognized and welcomed on campus.
The new department chair is also excited to be hosting a “Drop-In Hour” for students to get assistance with grad school applications and to ask any questions on October 6 from 11am to 12pm. Be sure to check out their Instagram page (@ccsusociology) for more events!
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Dr. Ashley Green, the newest member of the Sociology Department, served as co-guest editor for a special issue of the Journal of Lesbian Studies on Lesbian and Queer Generations, that examines the generational experiences of different cohorts of lesbians while accounting for the diversity in lesbian identities. The special issue was published this September. Dr. Green is discussing the special issue as part of a panel at the upcoming Lesbian Lives Conference happening October 24th through 26th in New York.
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Dr. Bruce Day has been selected to be part of the 2025-2026 Cohort for the Community Engaged Scholars Program sponsored by the Center for Community Engagement and Social Research. The selected professors are working as a learning community to develop high impact, engaged learning experiences for students in their selected classes. The cohort will meet throughout the academic year sharing the work on their projects, culminating in presenting their work at the Spring Community Engagement Recognition and Awards Ceremony.
The Sociology Department has the longest, continuing active chapter in the International Honor Society of Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) in the state of Connecticut. Founded in 1978, the Sociology Department has inducted hundreds of students that meet the level of academic excellence required for invitation into the honor society.
Dr. Bruce Day is the current, on campus Chapter Representative of AKD and he has also served on the Executive Council of AKD for the last six years. The honor society has given Sociology students opportunities for funding to attend research conferences, participation in paper competitions, and recognition that carries beyond graduating as a Sociology Major.
This past year, graduating Sociology Senior, Emma Farrow, won first place in the an
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nual Undergraduate Research Paper Competition. 57 papers from AKD Chapters all over the United States were submitted and we are proud to say that a CCSU Sociology student was chosen for this award. In August, she traveled to the American Sociological Association meeting in Chicago to be presented with her award and to take part in the ASA Honors program with other students selected from Sociology programs around the country.
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Dr. Day was also recently nominated to run for the position of AKD President. If elected, his term will begin in August of 2026.
In the Spring of 2025, the Center for Community Engagement and Research paired Dr. Day with the YWCA of New Britain to collaborate on an oral history project recording interviews with a variety of people who have been instrumental in the development of this community resource. Dr. Day used this opportunity to include students in the project as research assistants. The students, Emma Farrow and Katy Sakash, submitted and were awarded a Student Faculty Research Grant in support of the project and they participated in all stages of the research project. During the Fall 2025 semester, Dr. Day is continuing this project with another pair of student research assistants. The interviews are being packaged to be archived at the YWCA of New Britain, the CCSU library, and sections of the interviews will be streaming on the YWCA website.
The Department of Sociology showcase will be in the Carol A. Ammon College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Dean’s Office starting October 3. Make sure to check out the amazing work of sociology students in the office before it’s gone!