Sociology Faculty Research Interests and Areas of Specialization
UWM’s designation as an R1 institution indicates robust research activity, and the Sociology Department fills a critical role in social science research at UWM. Our faculty have a broad range of research areas. Prospective graduate students should browse the faculty pages to identify a good fit between our research areas and their interests.
UWM prides itself on our undergraduate research programs. As early as freshman year, students can build their resume through hands-on research experience. Prospective and current undergraduate students can reach out directly to faculty to inquire about research opportunities in their area or work through the Office of Undergraduate Research.
See the latest Sociology Research News.
- Associate Professor, Sociology
- Affiliated Professor, Urban Studies
- britton@uwm.edu
- 414-544-3494
- Bolton Hall 728
Urban Sociology; Racial Segregation & Integration; Racial & Place-based Inequality
Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration; Religion; Science and Medicine; Gender and Sexuality; Mixed Methods
- Associate Professor, Sociology
- Department Chair, Sociology
- Faculty Affiliate, Women and Gender Studies
- chesley@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2398
- Bolton Hall 714B
Social Implications of Data and Technology; Gender; Work and Family; Health and Well-Being
- Director, LGBT Studies Program
- Associate Professor, Sociology
- costello@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4389
- Bolton Hall 738
Sociology of the Body; Sex and Gender; Sociology of Sexuality; Intersectional Identity; Science, Technology, and Medicine Studies
Social Inequality; Environmental Sociology; Political Economy; Science, Culture-Cognition and Quantitative Methods
Urban Sociology; Sociology of Culture; Theory; Europe/Germany; Sociology of Food; Beer and Brewing
- Associate Professor, Sociology
- Director of Undergraduate Studies, Sociology
- obrien34@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4388
- Bolton Hall
Sociology of Law; Sociology of Science/Knowledge; Political Sociology; Sociology of Religion
Political Sociology; Comparative/Historical; Social Movements; Race and Ethnic Conflict
- Associate Professor, Sociology
- Affiliated Professor, Urban Studies
- aki@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6943
- Bolton Hall 740
Criminology, Crime Justice Outcome, Motor Vehicle Theft, Japanese Crime, National Incident Based Reporting Systems (NIBRS)
- Professor, Sociology
- Director of Graduate Studies, Sociology
- jmrob@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6944
- Bolton Hall 764
Social Networks; Quantitative Methods; Mathematical Sociology; Criminology
Sociology Research News
- Sociology Professors John & Aki Roberts win Best Paper AwardThe editors of Criminology & Public Policy, a journal of the American Society of Criminology, announced that Aki Roberts and John Roberts (both Sociology) won the journal’s Best Paper Award for Later-Career Scholars this year for their article, “Clearing Crimes in the Aftermath of Police Violence.”
- Prof. Noelle Chesley to give keynote address at local conferenceSociology Prof. Noelle Chesley will be delivering a keynote address at the National At-Home Dad Network Conference in Milwaukee on September 23rd entitled: Expanding Care: The Benefits to Families (and Society) of Men in Caring Roles. See HomeDadCon – The National At-Home Dad Network (athomedad.org) for more information.
- Prof. Gordon Gauchat’s recent publication is featured in the August edition of UWM’s INFOCUSSociology Prof. Gordan Gauchat publishes a new paper titled, “The Legitimacy of Science” which leads to an interview and feature story in UWM’s IN FOCUS, August 2023 edition.
- Prof. Tim O’Brien Publishes the Tenth Edition of Readings for SociologyDirector of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Tim O’Brien, published the Tenth Edition of Readings for Sociology, as co-editor.
- Professor Jennifer Jordan was recently interviewed about her book on the Beer Ladies PodcastListen to Professor Jordan's interview as she discusses the book she's currently working on about hop farming in Wisconsin and how women were critical to the practice.