Ph.D. in Sociology                                                                           1988

Graduate Center, City University of New York

 

B.A. in Sociology                                                                             1976

City University of New York

Coordinator: William E. Simon Urban Research and Action Project             2005-2006

Director of Summer Programs                                                            2000-2001

 

In 1988 I began working at Saint Peter’s in the Public Policy Program, which is a part the Urban Studies Department of the Evening Division. What drew me to the Public Policy Program was its focus on social issues such as education, health care, affordable housing and employment, especially as they relate to urban areas. In addition, the Public Policy Program emphasized the right of urban residents to quality education and health care as well as jobs that paid a living wage. The Program stressed the crucial importance of urban residents in addressing these problems.

 

This interest in social issues and social justice nurtured in the Public Policy Program, informed my teaching when I moved to the sociology department to teach day students. There I found a great diversity of students who have enriched my teaching and broadened my research interests. I am currently interested in how the many diverse ethnic and racial groups, as well as social classes, live together in Jersey City. How integrated are we as a city? Does it matter? Does everyone have the same chance to achieve their American dream? Are some left behind and are others pushed out as the city becomes more prosperous?  I believe these are crucial questions for the city and the nation. They are also important questions for Saint Peter’s College because of its goal of instilling leadership and service for others in its students.

 

To explore some of these questions, I am currently researching levels of integration and segregation in Jersey City and their possible consequences. Also, I have worked with our students in examining the increasing cost of housing in Jersey City, and its consequences, for many working class residents. As I research these issues further, I will include my students in the process.