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

  • February 2023: Will Escalera Pinet
    7/3/24
    Our February Spotlight Student, Will Escalera Pinet, decided to major in Sociology because of her interests in how people interact in society, and how the urban landscape shapes society.  Will’s learning was not restricted to the Buffalo campus:  In spring 2022, she spent a semester abroad in South Korea.  She credits this experience, combined with a Sociology of Global Society class she took, with introducing her to a new perspective on social action.
  • January 2023: Sydney Sanders
    7/3/24
    Our January Spotlight Student, Sydney Sanders, is a Sociology and PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) double major.  Sydney chose these majors because she wants to help address economic and racial disparities within the criminal justice system.  After graduating in May, Sydney plans to apply to law schools, to continue working toward her goal of making a difference in criminal justice reform.
  • December 2022: Janayia Capers
    7/3/24
    Growing up, Janayia Capers saw the effect that crime has on communities, and was very aware of racial inequalities, especially in the criminal justice system.  She chose to major in Sociology to learn more about how to address such issues. 
  • November 2022: Luke Simonton
    7/3/24
    A high school forensic science class first piqued Luke Simonton’s interest in Criminology.  Now a UB Crim major, Luke plans to pursue a career in the criminal justice system, to improve the system itself and help as many people as possible. 
  • October 2022: KJ Johnson
    7/3/24
    Most UB students are pretty busy, but Criminology major KJ (Kiara) Johnson just might be busier than most.  Not only is she a member of the UB Bulls basketball team, but she is a mother to an infant son.
  • May 2022: Abu Abraha
    7/3/24
    Abu started his college career as a Political Science major, but found SOC 101 so fascinating that he added a major in Sociology.  He appreciates how sociology helps him understand how and why society functions the way it does.  He is currently sharing his enthusiasm for the subject by serving as an undergraduate TA for SOC 211, Sociology of Diversity.
  • April 2022: Maria Blujus
    7/3/24
    Maria is a Criminology and Psychology major who first became interested in Criminology from watching crime shows.  As she notes, however, “one of the first things you learn in Criminology classes is that crime shows are very unrealistic!”  Maria is grateful that her coursework opened her eyes to disparities in the criminal justice system and mitigating factors to consider in understanding the experiences of the incarcerated.