Graduate Student Spotlight: Alex Theophilus
Department: Sociology and Anthropology
Degree: Sociology PhD
Research project: Intermountain West Transformation Network, Community and Environmental Change Around Bear Lake
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jessica Ulrich-Schad
Why did you choose this research project?
Both projects involve studying community change in rural places and people's perception of wellbeing in their community. I believe that this research can help form policy around the issues that community members believe are the most important things for their quality of life.
What motivates you to study your area of research?
I believe that socioeconomic and racial inequality are among the most pressing issues in the U.S. right now. Sociological research is extremely important for understanding the root causes of inequality and confronting the many manifestations of unequal systemic conditions.
What do you want to do after you earn your degree?
I hope to work as a Sociology professor so that I can continue my research and teach. Undergraduate social sciences courses were highly influential in shaping my worldview, and I hope to have a similar impact on future college students.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about choosing your field of study?
My first piece of advice is to surround yourself with a strong support network, personally and professionally. I have been very fortunate to work with tremendous faculty members, graduate students, and research staff throughout my time at USU, and they have helped make graduate school a terrific experience. I would also advise any prospective student to start graduate school with an open mind, read widely at first, and find the issues or topics that they are the most passionate about. Research is much more fun when you are invested in studying things that matter to you.
Lastly, I would stress the importance of keeping life balanced and doing activities that are totally separate from work. One of the best pieces of advice I received during my first semester was that academics always think they will be less busy when they reach the next milestone, but that is never the reality - it is best to learn work-life balance as soon as possible and build habits of self-care.