Meet Our Students

Based on faculty and instructor nominations to the Undergraduate Studies Committee, the department chooses one undergraduate major  to feature in our monthly Sociology & Criminology Rising Star. This program recognizes the extraordinary achievements, accomplishments, and activities of our undergraduate students.

Current Rising Star:

  • El.

    March 2025: El Mirabella

    Please congratulate El Mirabella, our newest Sociology & Criminology Rising Star! El was nominated for bringing critical perspectives to the classroom and to their own learning, and also because they are eager to apply what they learn in sociology courses into the community advocacy and organizing work that they do.

    When asked about their Sociology and Criminology classes, El stated: “I have enjoyed engaging in discussions and building relationships with my professors. This has made it possible to explore opportunities such as enthusiastic encouragement to pursue a PhD. Connecting with my peers as part of community building within the department has also been an important part of my experience"

    Congratulations El, and thanks for all of your great work!

Previous Rising Stars

  • February 2025: Sarah Lee Jasmi
    2/4/25
    Please congratulate Sarah Lee Jasmi, our newest Sociology & Criminology Rising Star! Sarah was nominated (from our Singapore campus) for their top performance in their upper-level courses, high levels of engagement as a student, passion for sociology and communication, as well as their impressive leadership qualities.
  • November 2024: Kay Wu
    11/19/24
    Please congratulate Kay Wu, our newest Sociology & Criminology Rising Star! Kay was nominated for making a huge difference in the quality of a Soc/Crim course this semester while serving as a Teaching Assistant.
  • October 2024: Lowell Santoro
    10/9/24
    Our first Sociology & Criminology Rising Star for the Fall 2024 Semester is Lowell Santoro. Lowell was nominated for going above and beyond in Sociology of Happiness by choosing to do a volunteer project with the International Institute, and comparing his experiences volunteering in the community to more inwardly-focused approaches to finding happiness.
  • April 2024: Sara Bachraty
    7/3/24
    Our Student Spotlight for this month goes to Sara Bachraty! Sara was drawn to Sociology because “I've always been fascinated by society and social rules, and I have tremendous respect for the value of data, especially when considering such personal topics that Sociology analyzes.” After graduating this semester, Sara will continue her academic career here at UB’s Law School.
  • March 2024: Dylan McCann
    7/3/24
    This month, we are recognizing Dylan McCann as our March 2024 Student Spotlight Award Winner! Dylan is currently running the Sociology Club at UB, which has “given me the opportunity to refine my ability to communicate to others the importance of certain sociological themes.” After graduation, Dylan plans on pursuing graduate school to continue exploring his sociological interests.
  • February 2024: Genelly Nunez
    7/3/24
    Pctured here is Genelly Nunez, our February 2024 Student Spotlight Award Winner! Genelly chose to major in sociology because it “will aid me in creating change in police and mental health care issues that deprive my community of opportunity and success.” Genelly will graduate in 2026, and plans to pursue a graduate degree in counseling.
  • December 2023: Jayda Holmes
    7/3/24
    Pictured here is this month’s Student Spotlight award winner, Jayda Holmes, during her time studying abroad in London! Jayda chose to major in sociology because “gaining an understanding of society on macro and micro scales allows me to make the world a better place.” Following graduation, Jayda plans on pursuing a master’s degree in higher education.