Graduate Students

Luke Blanton
(he/him)

Fall 2021
Luke is working towards his master's in Sociology in the applied sociology track. He joined the program after earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at ETSU. Luke's academic interests are broad with regard to human behaviors and interactions. His specific research interests are examining the causes and effects of workplace dysfunction, investigating the role of religion in mental health, and understanding how emotions influence perception. His Hip-hop all-time top 3 are MF DOOM, Kendrick Lamar, and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Kayla Densberger
(she/they)

Fall 2022
Kayla is a thesis-track student pursuing their Master’s in Sociology at East Tennessee State University with specialization in qualitative approaches to study gender/sexuality, family, and the life course.

Kayla graduated from the University of North Florida with a B.A. in Sociology, a B.A. in Human Development, and minors in marketing and interdisciplinary Honors. During the course of her studies, she participated in a study abroad to Peru and field research in Big Sky, Montana. Academic achievements include receiving the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for social service to the American community, membership in the Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society, and graduating Cum Laude. 

In her free time, Kayla enjoys creating art with all mediums, traveling, fostering rescue animals, and spending time with her own pets.  

In the near future, Kayla plans to earn a PhD in Sociology to accomplish their ultimate goals of becoming a professor of sociology and publishing qualitative sociological research. 

Niki Dolfi-Hall
(she/her)

Fall 2021
Niki is a first-year thesis track student. She earned a B.A. in Global Studies with a minor in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies at North Park University in Chicago, IL. She studied abroad in Israel/Palestine to focus on the religious and secular methods and attitudes in the peacemaking process. She is currently researching social perceptions of the discrimination of Atheists and other nontheists. Her areas of interest are religion, pop culture, and politics. She hopes to continue her education and pursue a Ph.D. after graduation. In her free time, she likes to grow plants from around the world, sing alt-rock, cook international foods, and binge-watch tv shows and movies, especially period pieces and sci-fi.

Jeremy Dubhrós
(he/him)

Spring 2021
Jeremy is a Master's candidate in both the Sociology (applied concentration) and Appalachian Studies programs at ETSU. His focuses are Social Psychology and Cognitive Anthropology, which he approaches with symbolic interactionist leanings. He has strong interests in cognitive mapping, cultural evolution, and folklore etiology.

Before ETSU, he earned Honors Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Anthropology and Sociology from the University of Texas in Arlington, completed specializations in Social Psychology & Diversity, and became a McNair Scholar. Jeremy's current research focuses on how culture affects the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, particularly for veteran populations. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology to continue his research on the cultural impact on access to mental health services.

Emmanuella Eminsang
(she/her)

Fall 2022
coming soon

Tyrese Grant
(he/him)

Fall 2021
Tyrese is pursuing his master's in Sociology via the applied track. His research interests include health and wellness, social issues, and sports psychology. An avid "sneakerhead," he spends his free time tending to and seeking out new additions for his collection. In the future, Tyrese plans on being a Juvenile Social Worker.

Millicent Gyan
(she/her)

Fall 2022
Millicent is an international student in the department of Sociology and Anthropology pursuing an M.A. in Sociology with an Applied Sociology concentration. She earned her B.A. degree in Economics and Sociology from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Her research interests are in social problems, women’s health, and social inequality.

Millicent loves to bake in her free time and enjoys long-distance treks. She loves, specifically cats, because they are adorable. She is presently researching divorce and the role of foster homes in childhood development. Her long-term career goal is to obtain a PhD in Sociology with a specialty in quantitative research methodology and statistics.

You can learn more about Millicent Gyan on LinkedIn @millicent-gyan-59583b182or by viewing her CV.

Haley Hammonds
(she/her)

Fall 2022
coming soon

Abe Neis-Eldridge
(he/him)

Fall 2021
Abraham (Abe) Neis-Eldridge is in his second year of the Sociology MA program in the applied concentration. As an undergrad he majored in sociology and minored in physical education and philosophy at East Tennessee State University. He distinguished himself with a GPA of 3.87 in sociology and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Currently, his work explores political conflict as it relates to environmental hazards and sustainability efforts, with particular attention to the formation and spread of ideological narratives and rhetoric. When not studying, he enjoys onewheeling, asking his dog for some room on the couch, and gaming. After graduation, Abe plans to pursue a PhD. in environmental and political sociology.

You can learn more about Abe Neis-Eldridge at abeneiseldridge.com and on LinkedIn @ane-appsoci.

Heather L. Osborne
(she/her)

Fall 2021
Ms. Osborne is in her second year of the Sociology MA program, with a thesis concentration. As an undergrad, she studied Psychology with a minor in Sociology at East Tennessee State University. Her interests include social theory, comparative/historical sociology, social psychology, and the sociology of knowledge. Her thesis explores the theoretical and scientific validity of the concept of cultural lag and its use as an explanation for consequential social phenomena. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. After graduation, Ms. Osborne plans to continue her education, applying to PhD programs, and preparing for a career in academia.

You can learn more about Heather L. Osborne on LinkedIn @heather-osborne-797595251. 

Olivia Summers
(she/her)

Fall 2022
Olivia is in her first year in the Masters of Arts in Sociology program, in the thesis concentration. As an undergraduate, she studied psychology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.7 GPA. Her current work focuses on the role of religiosity and fringe beliefs within the American political system. Outside of school, she enjoys playing video games and reading. After graduation, Olivia plans to further her education by seeking a doctoral degree in either social psychology or sociology.