Emma Finken
Degree & Year in the Program

1st year Masters student

Areas of Specialization

Gender, Sexualities, Mental Health, Family

About Me

I am a Masters student in the Sociology department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and I am also pursuing a certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies. Previously, I received my BA in Sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  As an undergraduate I participated in research programs, both within the Sociology department and at the university level, and was able to work with faculty in UNL’s Sociology department.  This gave me opportunities to develop my skills and interests as a researcher and informed my decision to continue on to graduate school.

My research so far has focused on how LGB individuals form and maintain their identity and how this is related to mental health outcomes for this community.  Recently, I have also helped Dr. Emily Kazyak with work looking at how the socio-legal context shapes experiences in the healthcare system for sexual minority women starting families.  I am excited to continue discovering my specific interests in graduate school and to develop projects to fit those interests.  

Outside of academic life, I spend my time reading books for fun, taking advantage of student discounts at movie theaters, and teaching myself to knit, sew, and cross-stitch.  As a native Omaha-n, I frequently travel back to Omaha to visit my family (and dog!) and to see concerts and shows there. 

Courses Taught

Recitation Instructor for two sections of Introduction to Sociology (Fall 2018)