Dr. Bernadette Ludwig
Associate Professor, Sociology Department
Associate Professor of Sociology
Director of Civic Engagement
Director of Civic Engagement Minor
pronouns: she/her
Ph.D. The Graduate Center, City University of New York, Sociology
University of Oxford, International Summer School in Forced Migration
M.A. University of Vienna, Cultural and Social Anthropology
B.A. University of Vienna, Cultural and Social Anthropology
Director, Civic Engagement Minor
My research focuses on the intersection of immigration, gender, and race, specifically how refugee resettlement and immigration policies affect African refugees and immigrants in the U.S. In the process I analyze how refugees and immigrants assert their agency to respond to imposed racial and gender hierarchies. I am currently working on a book manuscript about the Liberian refugee and immigrant community in Staten Island’s North Shore, home to one of the largest Liberian populations in the United States.
Another research project investigates the significance and meaning of service learning opportunities for students, in particular those who are ethnoracial minorities, immigrants, and/or first-generation college students. I am particularly interested in gaining a better understanding of how students’ views about civic engagement and social justice issues shift (or not) over the course of their involvement in a semester-long community-based learning project.
Prior to pursuing a PhD in Sociology I worked with refugee and immigrant communities in Atlanta GA. During that time I was the executive director of two non profit organizations, including Culture Connect, Inc. which I co-founded. My years of working in the field with refugees and immigrants continues to inform my research and my teaching. I am also the vice board chair of Napela, Inc., a non-profit organization that offers support to African families in Staten Island’s North Shore.
As a first generation high school/college graduate and immigrant I am committed to mentoring students, in particular those from historically underrepresented groups.
I also serve as a pro-bono country conditions expert for asylum and deportation claims/hearings.
Download CV