Sociology of Education Research Lab
Operating in collaboration with the CCRE, this research lab provides opportunities for faculty and students in sociology and their colleagues to engage in research focused on the needs of the K-12 and higher ed communities. Faculty with particular interests in this area include Dr. Audrey Beck, Dr. Jung Choi, Dr. Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk, Rachael Horn-Langford, and Dr. Norah Shultz.
Graduate students may choose to focus their thesis research or comprehensive exam in the area of education. Recent examples include:
- Karina Zavala Corona The Immigrants' Educated Daughter
- Daisy Gomez-Fuentes, The Impact of Faculty Mentorship on the Educational Achievement of First-Generation Low-Income Latinx Students
- Jennifer Ojeda Ortiz, Mixed-immigration status families: Family immigration and student’s well-being in higher education
Dr. Shultz also works with individual students on her projects which are part of the SER Lab. Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students may participate in funded research projects or projects under development. Dr. Shultz works with students who wish to present education related research at SDSU Student Research Symposium, at regional and national conferences or to prepare for doctoral research in Sociology of Education or Education. At present, Dr. Shultz has students working with her on projects related to Global Diversity, DEIB & Higher Education, and AI and Higher Education.
SDSU Project SPAN is also conducting research within the SER Lab, providing further opportunities for our students and faculty.
Dr Shultz’s current team (2025-2026) includes:
- David Magallanes Cortes, M.A. student, Sociology
- Jerry Paras, M.A. student, Sociology Internship Coordinator, TA for pilot project “Engaged from Day One” (Career Education for Sociology Majors)
- Erin Peterson, Sociology & Anthropology undergraduate major
- Sofia Salazar, M.A. student, Sociology
Be sure to check out our student opportunities page for more information.