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:

  • Lowell Santoro.

    October 2024: Lowell Santoro

    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.

    When asked what he enjoys most about his Sociology and Criminology classes, Lowell stated: “What I enjoy about Sociology is applying theorists/theories to both contemporary and historical issues. I really enjoy history, and social theory helps us understand how broader structures impact individuals, and also how individuals impact social structures. I also like sociology classes because they can be more Socratic, involving discussions to help reinforce the information we are learning about, and letting us practice talking about complex theories and ideas.”

    Congratulations, Lowell, and thanks for all your great work!

Previous Rising Stars

  • 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.
  • November 2023: Laraina Westcott
    7/3/24
    We are pleased to introduce Laraina Westcott as our November 2023 Student Spotlight Award Winner! Laraina chose to major in Sociology because “I am passionate about social justice issues, and find the history and links between sociological aspects interesting.” Laraina plans on continuing their graduate education following graduation.
  • October 2023: Sam Daponte
    7/3/24
    We are pleased to introduce Sam Daponte as our October 2023 Student Spotlight Award Winner! Originally unsure of a major, Sam found his calling after completing Introduction to Sociology. Sam notes, “the key concepts, theories, and ideas I was introduced to fostered a new chapter in my life.” In the future, Sam plans on pursuing a graduate degree in Sociology.
  • September 2023: Emily Sweeney
    7/3/24
    We are pleased to introduce Emily Sweeney as our September 2023 Student Spotlight Award Winner! Emily is currently pursuing a degree in criminology and psychology, with an anticipated graduation date of 2025. Emily chose to major in criminology because “I was really interested in the way that individuals interact with each other and how the systems/institutions around us shape our behavior."