For sociology alumni, the future is bright

Mackenzie Griffith ('19) graduated with majors in sociology and global studies, and minors in Spanish and theatre.

During Mackenzie’s time at Nebraska, she was part of the departmental USTAR and university-wide UCARE programs that support student involvement in research and teaching. As a USTAR student, she assisted Dr. Werum with an NSF-funded project on the effects of military service on educational and occupational outcomes.

Mackenzie served as an undergraduate teaching assistant for Gender in Contemporary Society, and as a tutor for Sociology Research II. She traveled to Spain for study abroad and changed her long-term career goals.

She earned highest distinction for her senior thesis, which was supported by the university-wide UCARE program and focused on the complex relationship between military service, mental health stigma, and hiring outcomes. She presented findings from her research at conferences such as the American Sociological Association, the Eastern Sociological Association, and the Nebraska Undergraduate Sociology Symposium.

Mackenzie was selected to represent the university at West Point Military Academy during the McDonald’s Conference of Leaders of Character.  As a graduating senior, she received the Alan P. Bates Outstanding Undergraduate Award.

Mackenzie plans to work in the global development sector, which will likely take her abroad (again) and/or lead her to the Washington, D.C. area, which she calls home.

Mackenzie Griffith

Katie Batenhorst ('18) graduated with a double major in sociology and global studies and minors in Spanish, women’s and gender studies, and business.

During her time at Nebraska, Katie participated in the USTARS program as a research assistant on a project related to religiosity and mental health. She also received the Vanetta Aaron Outstanding Undergraduate Student Paper Competition in Race, Class, and Gender for her Sociology capstone paper “Sexual Victimization among College Students by Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Sexual Orientation.”

Since graduating from Nebraska, Katie has begun serving with AmeriCorps NCCC. Her team is currently working with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to conduct prescribed fires in the Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood State Forests.

She was selected for the U.S. Department of State’s distinguished Fulbright Scholarship Program and has served as an English teaching assistant in Malaysia.

Katie Batenhorst

Jayden Barth ('19) graduated with a major in sociology and minors in political science, national security, and environmental studies.

During Jayden's time at Nebraska, she participated in both the USTARs and UCARE research experiences with Dr. Kort-Butler regarding the effects of education and educational programming in the Nebraska prison system. She received the Alice Lou Crank Award Undergraduate Scholarship in Sociology and the Alan P. Bates Outstanding Undergraduate Award, and she was a member of the Alpha Kappa Delta Chapter.

Jayden is attending the university's College of Law.

Jayden Barth

Hannah Dickson ('19) graduated with a major in sociology and a minor in anthropology.

During her time at Nebraska, Hannah served as a peer mentor for the William H. Thompson Scholars Learning Community and volunteered with various organizations. She received the Vanetta Aaron Outstanding Undergraduate Student Paper Competition: Race, Class, and Gender. Immediately following graduation,

Hannah served as a volunteer tutor and mentor at a public school with the program City Year in Buffalo, New York to support student success. She plans to attend graduate school, pursuing a social work or anthropology degree.

Hannah Dickson

Hunter Traynor ('19) majored in political science with minors in sociology and human rights and humanitarian affairs.

During his time at Nebraska, Hunter served as the president of ASUN Student Government and as the university's student regent. He was selected as a member The Innocents Society, which is the Chancellor’s Senior Honorary Society, and was named one of the university’s Luminary Students.

He served as the internal vice president of Nebraska's Dance Marathon organization, the university's largest student-run philanthropy. He relished recruiting others to the university in his role as an orientation leader for Nebraska's New Student Enrollment program.

Hunter is attending Nebraska's College of Law.

hunter traynor

Sofia Cranley graduated with majors in sociology, Spanish, and global studies.

During Sofia’s time at Nebraska, she received the Ed Muñoz Latina/o Sociology Excellence Award and served as a teaching assistant for the Sociology of Race and Ethnicity (SOC217).

Sofia earned a Fulbright award to serve in Colombia.

"Throughout my undergraduate career, I have studied globalization, international relations, language, culture, and other topics that have really led me to [the Fulbright program]," she said.

She plans to pursue a career as an immigration lawyer and hoped the time in Colombia would solidify her Spanish language skills and give her the tools to better communicate with the community she plans to serve.

Sofia Cranley

Luke Novack (’19) graduated with a double major in sociology and biological sciences. 

During his time at Nebraska, Luke participated in several endeavors that have shaped his long-term goals. 

He worked as an undergraduate research assistant on two separate research projects: with Dr. Julia McQuillan on science knowledge/interest among middle schoolers and with Dr. Kirk Dombrowski on rural drug use, both of which were supported with funding from the departmental USTAR program. 

Luke also received the College of Arts and Sciences Ovation Award for his excellent work as a member of the REACH Lab team. 

He planned to start graduate school in sociology at the University of Colorado-Boulder.

Luke Novack