Graduate student profiles
Learn a bit about our graduate students ... where they are from and where they may be going.
Ryan graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 with a B.A. in Anthropology. Previously Ryan received his A.S. in Social Sciences from Community College of Allegheny County in 2005. At Pittsburgh Ryan studied archaeology and cultural anthropology. He participated in the Archaeology Field School. His related field at the University of Pittsburgh was sociology. Ryan’s research interests include applied anthropology, environmental anthropology as it pertains to mountain and agricultural societies. He plans to write his thesis on how the weather affects the "cultural lag" of Appalachia prehistorically, historically, and currently. His scholarly pursuit and career goals are to complete his M.A. at Marshall University and work with sustainable development within the southern Appalachian region. When he is not studying Ryan likes to work on cars, ride BMX bikes, and go hiking, camping, and fishing.
James attended Alice Lloyd College from 2004 to 2006. He transferred to Marshall University in the fall of 2006. Originally a history major, James became interested in sociology after he took a Sociology 200 class during his first semester at Marshall. He added sociology as a second major. James graduated cum laude from Marshall University with a B.A. degree in History and Sociology. James is currently pursuing an M.A. in sociology at Marshall University. He currently works as a part-time TA for the sociology department. His duties include grading papers and tests for intro-level sociology classes. James is primarily interested in religion as a sociological force. His secondary interests include research methods and sociological theory. James is pursuing the thesis option of the M.A. program. As his thesis topic, James hopes to explain the Worldwide Church of God’s success in the light of multiple failed prophecies produced by its founder, Herbert W. Armstrong. After he completes the M.A. program at Marshall, James hopes to pursue a doctorate degree in sociology. He hopes to become an instructor of sociology, as well as an ethnographer. When he isn’t hitting the books or on the job, James enjoys idle web-surfing, music, and video games. James is a big fan of Deep Purple, the Beatles, and the Animals. Gears of War 2 is one of his favorite video games.
Steve received his B.A. from the department of sociology and anthropology at Ohio University. Prior to enrollment in Marshall University’s sociology program in 2008, Steve worked for 30 years in industry and commercial construction. During the 1980s as a member of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union he became interested in the Polish trade union, Solidarność, and the Polish Solidarity Movement. He is currently working on a thesis pertaining to this social movement. His academic interests include teaching sociology, sociological theory, social movements, Eastern Europe and its interaction with the former Soviet Union. His personal interests include dogs, cats, travel, and building/remodeling projects.
Jeff McKay
Jeff graduated from Marshall University in 2009 with a B.A. in sociology and a minor in political science. He is currently pursuing a M.A. in sociology with an interest in political sociology. Jeff is looking to graduate next year from Marshall University and hopes to move on to a Ph.D. program. After acquiring a Ph.D. he plans on teaching at a university or college. Outside of school Jeff enjoys playing guitar, watching documentaries, listening to music, and hanging out with friends.
Stephania Rovatsos
Stephania earned a B.F.A. in Visual Art specializing in Photography and a B.A. in Sociology from Marshall University in 2007. After the completion of a M.A. in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice in 2009 she is hoping to further her education. Stephania’s interests include photography, art, traveling, and Greek history and mythology.
Erica Testani
Erica earned a B.A. in Sociology from Marshall University with a minor in History. She is writing her thesis on Education Reform. After completing her Masters she plans to obtain a Masters in Library Science. In her spare time she likes to travel and would like to visit every continent.
Zachary completed his B.A. in Psychology at Marshall in 2008. Subjects of interest to Zachary are deviance, social movements, and a broad interest in conflicting social dynamics. He plans to complete his M.A. in Sociology and obtain an M.A. in Political Science at Marshall University. He intends to head to North Carolina to pursue his Ph.D. When he is not studying Zach enjoys enjoys long walks on the beach under the stars, literature, music of all kinds, and movies.
Nikki graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2008 with a major in Sociology and History. Nikki is very interested in women, gender, and genocide. In addition, Nikki is becoming interested in institutions and how they affect people. Nikki hopes to someday be a professor at a small liberal arts college.
