Ask the Expert | Professor
What does it really mean to be a sociology professor in today’s political and academic climate?
In this episode of Ask the Expert, Michelle Edwards—Associate Professor of Sociology—shares insights into her career path, research expertise, and the realities of working in higher education.
With a PhD in Sociology from Washington State University and degrees from Rice University and Texas State University, Dr. Edwards discusses:
• What an associate professor actually does (teaching, research & service)
• Environmental sociology and survey research methods
• Publishing expectations in academia
• The pros and cons of a tenured faculty career
• Work-life balance as a working mom in academia
Dr. Edwards also shares how mentorship and relationships shaped her focus in environmental sociology and qualitative research.
If you're considering a career in sociology, higher education, research, or academia, this interview offers valuable real-world insight into what the job truly looks like.
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Timestamps:
00:00 | Introduction
00:09 | What specific training or certification do you have in your area as a professor?
00:40 | What are the biggest challenges you face in your field as a professor?
01:21 | What are the typical tasks and responsibilities for someone in your role?
02:15 | What are the pros and cons of your career path?
05:08 | How does one transition from a more general role to this area of expertise?
06:47 | Ending
Guest | Michelle Edwards
Hosts | Angela Thompson, Nora Mortimer, & Kiana Gerhart
Video Editor | Kiana Gerhart @its_kianaaaa
Content Revisers | Nora Mortimer, & Angela Thompson
#Sociology #AcademicCareer #EnvironmentalSociology #HigherEducation #AskTheExpert #ResearchMethods #CollegeProfessor #PhDJourney