Faculty in Sociology

Dana Fennell (Ph.D. Sociology, University of Florida, 2005). Assistant Professor of Sociology. Primary areas of interest are health, the environment, and the sociology of knowledge. Current research examines the social issues surrounding genetically modified foods, and the use of alternative medical therapies. (Dana.Fennell@usm.edu)

Kristi McLeod Fondren (Ph.D. Sociology, Mississippi State University, 2009) Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology. Overarching research interests include culture, the environment, gender, race relations, and social psychology. Current research analyzes the social contours of sports, leisure, and recreation, including collegiate football recruiting and long-distance hiking or backpacking. (Kristi.Fondren@usm.edu)

Ann Marie Kinnell (Ph.D. Indiana University, 1997). Assistant Professor of Sociology. Interests include conversation analysis, ethnomethodology, sociolinguistics, sociology of health, social interaction, and technology. Previous research employed a conversation analytic perspective to examine HIV prevention and test counseling. Current research examines the interaction between computer technicians, computers and computer users in an academic setting. Courses include Introduction to Sociology, Family, Research Methods, Social Interaction, Sociology of Health and Social Psychology. (Ann.Kinnell@usm.edu)

Marie des Neiges Léonard (Ph.D. Sociology, Texas A&M University, 2005). Assistant Professor of Sociology. Primary areas of interest include social movements, transnational movements, also gender and race relations. Prior research explored French anti-globalization movement ATTAC, as well as gender images in films. Current research examines the 2005 ethnic riots in France and race relations in France. Course offerings include Introduction to Sociology.

Amy Chasteen Miller (Ph.D. Sociology, University of Michigan, 1998). Associate Professor of Sociology and Chair. Primary areas of interest are gender, culture, health, and social movements. Dr. Miller’s central research area is in the sociology of childbirth, including the midwifery movement, unassisted childbirth, and hospital birth practices. Course offerings include Introduction to Sociology, Sociology of Gender, Social Movements, Deviant Behavior, and Sociology of Health. (Amy.Chasteen@usm.edu)

Julie Reid (Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin, 2008) Assistant Professor of Sociology. Areas of interests are globalization, international development, gender, race/ethnicity, nation, and education. Current research explores a national education policy that promoted multiculturalism and gender equality in Bolivia and was supported by international development agencies. (Julie.Reid@usm.edu)