Emma Farrow ’25 wins national Sociology award

Central Sociology alumna Emma Farrow ’25 earned first place in the undergraduate paper competition at the Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) International Honor Society of Sociology ceremony in Chicago. 

Farrow’s paper, “Wounds of Inequality: The Intersectionality of Gendered Racism in Healthcare and Autonomy,” explores Black women’s experiences of gendered racism in healthcare. Her work was selected out of 57 submissions from prestigious schools, including Georgetown University and Macalester College. 

“This recognition has truly meant everything to me,” Farrow said. “I truly mean that from the bottom of my heart.”

Farrow chose her topic after witnessing her cousin's life-threatening medical neglect, which led to her cousin's death. 

“I took my passion for racism and sexism and the horrendous treatment my cousin received to inspire me to take on this project,” Farrow said. “I've taken great pride in telling the stories of young Black women and mothers in honor of my cousin.”

As a first-place winner, Farrow’s research will be considered for publication in “Sociological Inquiry,” AKD’s peer-reviewed journal. 

“We in the Sociology Department are so incredibly proud of Emma’s accomplishments. She is a shining star and shows that our students stand out among some of the very best in this country,” said Dr. Fiona Pearson, Farrow’s faculty mentor for the paper and professor of sociology. 

Looking ahead, Farrow aims to have her paper published and pursue graduate studies. 

"I know my passion for this subject will not fade, so if the opportunity presents itself, I’d be happy to pursue a career related to this topic,” Farrow said.