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:

  • Simone B.

    April 2025: Simone Brock

    Please congratulate Simone Brock, our newest Sociology & Criminology Rising Star! Simone was nominated based on their accomplishments as one of the leaders of the Buffalo Community Laboratory departmental club, and also because of stellar academic performance in their Sociology courses.

    When asked about their Sociology and Criminology classes, Simone stated: “Sociology and Criminology classes at UB have provided great insight into real world topics that many people acknowledge but don’t fully understand. I’ve most enjoyed connecting with faculty and learning about the many intersections that exist between specific courses.”

    Congratulations Simone, and thanks for all your great work!

Previous Rising Stars

  • March 2025: El Mirabella
    4/6/25
    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.
  • 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.