Crystal PeoplesDownload High Resolution

Crystal Peoples

Assistant Professor of Sociology

Credentials:BS, Longwood University
MS, Iowa State University
MA, Duke University
PhD, Duke University
Associated Departments:Sociology
Office:Leggett 616
Phone:
Email:
Pronouns:she/her/hers

While I completed my PhD at Duke in North Carolina (go Blue Devils!), I am originally from Virginia and am very happy to be back.

Broadly, I am a quantitative sociologist of race and racism who enjoys blending mathematics with social science research. All my research has sought to uncover the ways in which racial inequality persists in society – including STEM educational environments, faculty collaborations, university spaces, and facial recognition software. I love working with students on research and have happily published with some of them!

As a teacher, I am extremely interactive. I ask a lot of questions, and I want to hear my students’ input throughout our time together. I believe we all have important knowledge to share, and I ensure my classes have the space for my students to offer their knowledge and learn from each other. This also means my courses are very flexible, where students get to set the pace of our learning and some of the content of our discussions. I have been known to change the syllabus based on what topics students are interested in learning more about – that’s what makes being a professor so fun! At Randolph, I will primarily teach courses on race, science & technology, social problems, and quantitative methods.

For fun: I have eclectic interests and hobbies. Students who come to my office will see my wall of Alien (1979) and Golden Girls themed memorabilia. I enjoy walking outside in nature, camping, and playing slow pitch softball. I also enjoy indoor activities like cross stitching, board games, and local theatre productions. I currently have 2 orange cats – Pumpkin and Butterball – but, I hope to have a couple of Chihuahuas in the future.

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