More than 30 years ago, CSUDH Professor Emeritus of Sociology John C. Quicker and alumnus Akil S. Batani-Khalfani began a sociological and historical deep dive into the origins of street groups in South Los Angeles. Their years of research, which began during their time together at CSUDH, have turned into a new book: Before Crips: Fussin’, Cussin’, and Discussin’ Among South Los Angeles Juvenile Gangs (Temple University Press, July 2022). In 1970, when Quicker began teaching sociology at what was then known as California State College Dominguez Hills, the campus and surrounding community were in the throes of change. It was five years after the 1965 Watts Rebellion, and only two years ... Read More
Sociology
Graduating Class of 2022 Scholars Share Reflections of CSUDH
The Class of 2022 has navigated more than their fair share of trials and challenges on their road to commencement. Below, graduates from the CSUDH Presidential Scholars, McNair Scholars, and Toro Guardian Scholars programs share their thoughts on their student experience at the university, inspirational faculty members, future plans—and what makes being a Toro so special. Angela Costes, Presidential Scholars Program (BS, Kinesiology) What have you valued most from your college education? I valued the opportunities and support I’ve received from DH. I wasn’t born in the U.S., and am very much aware of the struggles and lack of support that many students in the Philippines face. ... Read More
Joanna Perez Receives the 2021 Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award
As the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, Joanna Perez understands first-hand the struggles that immigrant communities undergo due to structural inequality. In her role as an assistant professor of sociology at CSUDH, Perez uses her research, teaching, and service to highlight the various social issues that impact immigrant communities and to advocate for social change. “When I first began my educational journey, I would have never thought I’d end up as a sociology professor,” says Perez, “but honestly it’s been the best decision of my life. Doing the kind of work that I get to do through sociology, particularly at Dominguez Hills, is very rewarding.” Perez’ dedication to and research ... Read More
Innovative Research Earns Students Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship
For their innovative research on the transportation industry, four California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) students have been named to the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) 2021 Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (DDETFP). The merit-based DDETFP awards 150 to 200 fellowships annually to students across the nation to help strengthen the national workforce in the field through education and research. CSUDH received $35,000 through DDETFP’s local grant competition for Hispanic-serving institutions to offer the fellowship to its students through a competitive application process. The CSUDH DDETFP fellows are graduate ... Read More
Skye Harris Honored with 2020 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement
CSUDH undergraduate Skye Harris’ educational pathway has not been a traditional one, but she has overcome every obstacle placed in her path and is set to graduate with a degree in sociology in spring 2021. For her hard work and persistence, Harris has been named the California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) recipient of the 2020 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. The award is the California State University’s highest recognition of student achievement, providing annual scholarships to one student on each CSU campus who demonstrates superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need. “It's really an honor to be getting ... Read More
