Brooklyn College sociology students took center stage at the Eastern Sociological Society (ESS) conference in Boston on March 7, showcasing their research and making their mark in the field. More than a dozen students seized the opportunity to present their work, gaining invaluable experience while contributing to critical sociological discussions. This annual event has become a cornerstone for the Department of Sociology for more than a decade, offering students not only a platform to share their findings but also a chance to engage with leading scholars. Brooklyn College was especially proud to have the largest contingent attend, half of whom are members of Alpha Kappa Delta, the prestigious international honor society for sociology. “The students enjoyed an enriching experience full of conversation, connected with each other and their fellow undergraduates, and presented research that spoke to their lived experience,” said Associate Professor of Sociology Namita Manohar, who is also an ESS faculty adviser. “It was a wonderful testament to their growth as sociologists, as they begin to dream of and chart professional lives beyond college. I am deeply grateful to have accompanied them in this endeavor this year.” Graduating senior Katherine Dempsey was one of the presenters at the Eastern Sociological Society conference in Boston on March 7, Among the standout participants was Katherine Dempsey, a graduating senior who presented research from her senior thesis, “‘We’re Screaming and No One Can Hear Us’: The Impact of Social Media Coverage of the Muslim World on Muslim Mental Health,” as part of the Media & Social Media panel. Presenting alongside sociologists who explored media framing of the COVID-19 pandemic and right-wing news organizations as a “quasi-religious phenomenon,” Dempsey offered a timely and nuanced perspective on the real-life impacts of (social) media as a news source on young adults’ well-being. The students’ participation reflects the Sociology Department’s commitment to fostering academic and research excellence and to facilitating our students’ professional development. The department acknowledges with thanks the travel funding provided by the dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Brooklyn College Foundation Kitch Foundation, and the assistance from staff in the Sociology Department, and Nate Samuel, associate director of the Faculty Training & Development Lab, for printing student posters. Participating students had many positive things to say about their experience at the conference: “I had the incredible opportunity to present my work that provided further understanding of Muslim mental health in sociological research. As both a panelist and a poster presenter, I was able to expand my reach to advocate about this community and their struggles. It was an honor to present this research and fill in the gap in literature about this population. With the knowledge I gained from attending the conference, I can move forward in my sociology studies to further make an impact and help more communities to thrive.”—Katherine Dempsey “Sharing my research was an unforgettable experience. It marked a powerful step forward in my journey to attain a Ph.D. and reaffirmed why I’m committed to research that drives change for immigrant and undocumented students. I’m thankful for this opportunity and already excited to return next year!”—Sergio Leon Hidalgo “Presenting my research was a valuable opportunity for my academic growth. I collaborated with my friends on our research projects, and we had the chance to share our work with students and faculty from other colleges, which made the experience even more enriching.”—Demetrius Joseph “I had done a similar presentation years ago, for middle school, and I had a partner. This time, it was a college-level presentation, and I only had myself to rely on for all of the speaking. Although I began the presentation very anxious, two students who were also presenting came up to ask me some questions and interacted with me and my poster, and my nerves began to simmer down. I’m happy I got opportunity to take part in this experience.”—Hirvania Rodriguez
