Rachel Coonce
Rachel is a second-year student and first-year graduate teaching assistant for Dr. Mark Austin and his SOC 201 course, Introduction to Sociology, and she will be serving as a research assistant for a sociology faculty member.
          rjcoon01@louisville.edu    (502) 852-8045   Lutz 115

Rachel's experience at UofL:  "My first year in the graduate sociology program provided me with a great base of both quantitative and qualitative methodological skills.  Thankfully, my experience has also exposed me to some very approachable professors who hold an impressive range of sociological interests.  As a result, I’ve started to develop my main interests in criminology with a focus on addiction and substance abuse, and also in 
environmental sociology.  Most of all I’m looking forward to the year ahead, fulfilling my role as a new GTA, refining and building on my interests, and developing relationships within the program."

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Elizabeth Griffith
Beth is a second-year graduate teaching assistant for Dr. Clarence Talley and his SOC 210 course, Race in the U.S., and she will also be serving as a research assistant for Dr. Ryan Schroeder.
          eagrif01@louisville.edu      (502) 852-8044   Lutz 113

Beth's experience at Uof: "I find issues of stratification and inequality to be the most interesting areas of sociology.  Much like bell hooks; I see theory as an integral part of making change. Without sociology, there cannot be social justice; in order to make change, you need to form an effective plan, grounded in sociology."

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William Jacoby
Wil is a second-year graduate teaching assistant for Dr. Clarence Talley and his SOC 210 course, Race in the U.S., and he will also be serving as a research assistant for Dr. Lauren Heberle.
          wpjaco01@louisville.edu      (502) 852-8044   Lutz 113

Wil's experience at UofL: "My interests are in statistical research and environmental sociology. Statistical research allows for a quantitative view of the world from a micro and macro level. Environmental sociology is a developing field of research that has many areas undiscovered. Environmental sociology the focus of study is on the social interactions, impact and connections with the natural and physical world. I chose the sociology program at UofL because the connection I have with the school and faculty. This program offers a verity of areas to study and a great network and support resources."

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Fran Shupe
Fran is a second-year student and first-year graduate teaching assistant for Dr. Mark Austin and his SOC 201 course, Introduction to Sociology., and she will be serving as a research assistant for Dr. Deborah Potter.
          flshup01@louisville.edu   (502) 852-8045   Lutz 115

Fran's experience at UofL:  "The great thing about sociology is that it is the study of all things social, yet that “great thing” can make defining one’s areas of concentration challenging.  But my first year as a grad student here at U of L allowed me to explore, find, and define my foci as social theory, gender, and the sociology of leisure.  Yet, this declaration does not in any way diminish my interest in work and occupation, community, and quantitative methods.  I am in the process of writing my thesis on the significance of serious leisure participation for female pilots.  I have found the faculty to be extremely helpful, encouraging, personable, and fun.  I will continue my studies on the doctoral level after completion of this program."

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Leonard "Chip" Thomas
Chip is a first-year graduate teaching assistant for Dr. Clarence Talley and his SOC 210 course, Race in the U.S., and he will be serving as a research assistant for Dr. Gul Marshall.
          ldthom01@louisville.edu      (502) 852-8046   Lutz 116

Chip's experience at UofL: My interests include race and ethnicity, and political sociology. The sociology department at U of L has been very cooperative with helping me explore my interests. Currently, I am taking an independent study exploring electoral participation among blacks in Jefferson County. In addition as a Teaching Assistant, I have been mentored by faculty and fellow TA’s which has helped me grow both academically and professionally. Upon graduation I plan to pursue a Ph.D in sociology.

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Daniel Weinstein
Daniel is a second-year graduate assistant who will be teaching his own course, SOC 203 Self & Society, and working as a research assistant for a sociology faculty member.
         dpw@louisville.edu      (502) 852-8046    Lutz 116

Daniel's experience at UofL:  ""The great thing about sociology at UL are the faculty. They help students identify and develop their interests, and are a constant source of advice. My interests are primarily in political economy and economic sociology, with a strong emphasis on Latin America and
international social problems. My time at UL has aided my understanding of these issues, and I am grateful for a department which never gets tired of answering my questions!"

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