Degree & Year in the Program
2nd Year PhD
Areas of Specialization
Gender, Sexuality, and Religion
Bio
I am currently a second year PhD student in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Sociology department, and my research interests involve the intersections of gender and sexuality, especially in religious contexts. I received my Master of Arts degree in Sociology at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Texas A&M University-Commerce in Commerce, TX. I have defended two theses: a quantitative undergraduate Honors thesis and a qualitative Master’s thesis. My undergraduate thesis was recently published in the Journal of Family Issues, and I am currently pursuing publication for my Master’s thesis! Utilizing qualitative content analysis, my Master’s thesis, advised by Dr. Patti Giuffre, examined 10 seemingly progressive theology books advocating for the acceptance of LGBTQIA+ identities in the Christian religion. I found that these books advocated for conditional acceptance of these identities, emphasizing monogamy and adherence to traditional gender behavior which further marginalizes polyamorous and nonbinary individuals.
Coming from a very supportive environment at Texas State University, I have been delighted and thrilled to be a part of this wonderful community created in the sociology department here at UNL. I feel confident in the skills I am building here and am grateful for the professional opportunities I am being afforded. When I am not being studious, you can find me at the at home rewatching Bob’s Burgers or The Golden Girls for the umpteenth time, or at the dog park with my dog.
Courses Taught
- Recitation to Introduction to Sociology, SOCI 101; Fall 2021, Spring 2022
Publications
Burke, Fiona, Patti Giuffre, and Cindy Mays. 2021. “Book Review of A Field Guide to Grad School: Uncovering the Hidden Curriculum by Jessica Calarco”. Teaching Sociology 49(4):410-413. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/0092055X211047260
Mays, Cindy J., and Lacy E. Krueger. 2021. “Does Locus of Control Influence Parentification and Anxiety in Father-Daughter Relationships?” Journal of Family Issues 42(12):2881-2895.