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

  • 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."
  • May 2023: Aaron Davis
    7/3/24
    Our May Spotlight Student, Aaron Davis, hails from Albany, but wasted no time in forming a community here in Buffalo.  In his first year at UB he was already hosting open mic nights at the local Hillel.  Now wrapping up his sophomore year, he continues to be active in the Jewish community, while staying busy with his Sociology/English double major and Spanish minor (and rooting for the Mets!).
  • April 2023: Arufa Hossain
    7/3/24
    Do you recognize the building in the background of this photo of Arufa Hossain, our April Spotlight Student?  Yes, that’s the U.S. Capitol Building!  Arufa, a UB Criminology major, is currently serving as an LGBTQ+ Victory Institute Congressional Intern in Washington, D.C., where she works in Congressman Adam Schiff's office at the House of Representatives. 
  • March 2023: Alexis Harrell
    7/3/24
    If you read UBNow emails, then you’ve already heard about our March 2023 Spotlight Student, Alexis Harrell.  Alexis was recently awarded a super-competitive Marshall scholarship to do graduate work in the U.K.  She will pursue an MSc in Narrative Futures: Art, Data, Society at the University of Edinburgh, followed by an MSc in Psychology of the Arts, Neuroaesthetics, and Creativity at Goldsmiths, University of London.