Faculty and student presented at the conference
March 2024 – Members of the Drew University Sociology Department recently participated in the annual Eastern Sociological Society Meeting in Washington, D.C., featuring sociologists from across the northeast and mid-Atlantic.
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Among the Drew contingent was senior sociology major Niko Milberger C’24, who presented a paper on racial disparities in U.S. senior living facilities.
During a crowded session on race and health disparities, Milberger discussed and proposed solutions for the issue of people of color, especially Black adults, receiving particularly poor care in assisted living facilities.
“This experience was exceptional,” said Milberger. “Building relationships, making connections, along with furthering academic excellence is all part of the Drew experience.”
“It is very unusual for undergraduate students to give a paper at ESS as most of the sessions are composed of graduate students and faculty,” added Caitlin Killian, professor of sociology.
Killian spoke on a panel for her recent book, Failing Moms: Social Condemnation and Criminalization of Mothers. Fellow panelists from Princeton, Georgia Tech, and Millersville provided feedback and posed questions to Killian.
Lastly, Jonathan Reader, Baker professor of sociology, presented his decade-long research on Franklin Delano Roosevelt, his disabling illness, and how he assumed his duties while president. Reader discussed how the “sick role’ intersected with Roosevelt’s identity. Reader is continuing his research on other U.S. presidents and their illnesses.
