News & Events
Digital Statecraft and Political Economy in China ConferenceMay 8-9, 2026
Professor Yan Long has been named Co-Director of the program in
Doctoral Student Anna Feign was awarded a
Doctoral Student David Su was awarded a 2026
We are excited to announce that the Sociology Graduate Student Association (GSA), with grant writing led by Alex K. Torrez, has been awarded over $12,000 in Big C (Big Community) funding to support graduate student programming 2026-2027. Of this, $7,200 is earmarked for Sociologists of Colors and Allies (SOCA), currently led by Dominic Eric Cedillo, Mercy Loyo, Hasan Henry, and Tiffany Hamidjaja, and $4,900 will support GSA programming and curriculum efforts, in recognition of efforts this year by Meriam Salem.
Doctoral students Maddie Kerr and Mellony Palma were both awarded 2026 Graduate Research Fellowships from the National Science Foundation, only two of 12 total Fellowships in Sociology awarded across the country. Congratulations Maddie and Mellony!
Prof. Stephanie Canizales has been awarded the 2026 Distinguished Scholarship Award from the Pacific Sociological Association for her book, Sin Padres, Ni Papeles Unaccompanied Migrant Youth Coming of Age in the United States. Congratulations, Prof. Canizales!
Professor Cristina Mora was awarded the 2026 Beatriz Manz Award. The Manz Award is given annually to a recently promoted professor in the College of Letters & Science who embodies the values and aspirations of the College in scholarship, teaching and mentorship, and service, and who serves as an inspiration to others in the campus community.
He felt ‘lost’ as a nontraditional student. A decade later, he’s helped hundreds find their path.
Dean Tanioka struggled to navigate UC Berkeley when he transferred in 2016. Through a program he co-founded called NAVCAL, he now helps first-generation and non-traditional students find community and thrive on campus.
Read more...
Michael Cerda-Jara, Sociology BA'20, won the Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Award for his work as Associate Director of Berkeley Underground Scholars, in the Center for Educational Equity and Excellence.
As we remove Chavez’s name, let’s remember to honor California Latino history by Professor Cristina Mora. Daily Cal, March 20, 2026
Prof. Stephanie L. Canizales has been selected as the 2025-26 winner of the Chancellor’s Award for Research in the Public Interest! This award "honors research by faculty that addresses critical needs and issues affecting local, state, national, or global communities. The Chancellor’s Awards for Public Service honor individuals and groups for their exceptional commitment to advancing social change through public service, a pillar of the university’s public mission."
Congratulations, Prof. Canizales!
Professor Ricarda Hammer has been selected by the Graduate Council's Advisory Committee for GSI Affairs and the GSI Teaching & Resource Center as a winner of the 2026 Faculty Award for Outstanding Mentorship of GSIs. Congratulations, Prof. Hammer, for this richly deserved honor!
Doctoral student Xavier Durham published his paper, "Carceral networking and penal liminality: A case study of a security NGO" in Punishment and Society.
What once seemed like just another prerequisite course at UC Berkeley would ultimately shape the trajectory of Monique Limón’s career in public service.
A sociology class sparked Limón’s fascination with the study of social institutions — how they function; who they serve; and how they can be reimagined to better support communities. As the first Latina and second female Senate President pro Tempore of the California State Senate, she uses those skills every day.
The Levenson Prize, established in 1987 in honor of the late historian Joseph R. Levenson, recognizes an English-language book that makes an outstanding contribution to understanding China’s history, culture, society, politics, or economy. It is awarded annually in two categories (China before 1900 and China since 1900) and is widely regarded as one of the highest honors in the field.https://www.asianstudies.org/aas-2026-prizes/
Doctoral Student Elena Amaya and Professor Robert Braun have published their paper, "Pedagogy of Fear: Folklore and the Far-Right in Weimar Germany," in the American Sociological Review.
Abstract:
From graduating college to dealing with health problems, major life changes can disrupt our social world. A forthcoming book, “Personal Networks over the Life Course: Dynamic Perspectives,” which was written by scholars from UC Berkeley and other institutions, examines how and why our relationships change over a lifetime.
UC Berkeley Sociology is launching a new course (SOCIOL 139) this spring to engage students in the work of famed sociologist and civil rights icon Harry Edwards. For 30 years, Edwards captivated students at UC Berkeley, where he developed the sociology of sport as a field. After retiring from campus, he consulted for professional teams and crafted diversity programs.