Student Ambassador Spotlights: Anthropology, Criminology and Sociology

Meet several members of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassadors, a team of 19 undergraduate student volunteers who help with student activities, new student recruitment, department communications, student involvement, and student mentorship

Anthropology

Brianna Johnson

Hey, guys! My name is Brianna Johnson, and I’m a senior here at NC State. I’m currently majoring in general anthropology and criminology and have minors in forensic science and Middle East studies. I’m from a small town here in North Carolina named Iron Station, which is about 30 minutes northwest of Charlotte.

I’ve known for awhile that I wanted to study some form of criminal justice and forensic science, so I came to NC State because they offered such great programs in these fields. I’m glad I chose NC State because I’ve had so many great opportunities and experiences.

For the past three years, I’ve worked for Wellness and Recreation here on campus, giving me a chance to get more involved in the community and make an impact on others lives. I have also been involved with Summit College and the International Justice Mission chapter we have on campus.

Being a senior, I have had plenty of experience within the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, and each class I have taken has made me fall in love with it more. Some of my favorites have been Dr. Grossman’s Zooarchaeology class, where we got to study recently excavated animal bones, and Dr. Fernandes’ Institutions of Control Class, where we learned a lot about systems of control and how they affect crime. The idea of getting more involved at NC State is also what pushed me to become a Student Ambassador for the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. I love my school and this department, so it was the perfect opportunity for me.

As an ambassador, I have helped answer questions of prospective and current students via email and assisted with some of the orientations this summer. Although I am not sure what exact job I want after graduating, my biggest goal is to find a job where I can work within the law and help people grow, whether it be rehabilitating offenders or helping victims get back on their feet. I’m extremely excited for my future and where NC State has taken me in life. Go Pack!

Criminology

Lauren May

Hello! My name is Lauren May, and I am a senior majoring in criminology and psychology.  My hometown of Wilson, NC is about an hour east of Raleigh and is much smaller. Following my first tour of NC State, I was really uncertain if I wanted to come here.  It was once I got a closer look at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the admitted student day events that I knew I wanted to be here. 

While I had thought of many career interests throughout high school, I knew my interest in the criminal justice system and its societal influences was what I wanted to study.  With those interests in mind, and my growing love for the department and CHASS, I came into NC State as a criminology major and later added psychology through the CODA process.

While being here, I have spent most of my time either greatly enjoying my studies or having fun with my hobbies.  Here are some fun facts about me: I love being outside and kayaking is my favorite, I have played trombone for about 10 years, and I am currently one of the drum majors for the NC State marching band.  The band especially has been something I have greatly enjoyed here.  I strongly advocate for everyone to find an activity they love and become involved at NC State! 

I have absolutely loved being a CHASS student at NC State especially within the Department of Sociology and Anthropology which was one reason I have loved being a Department of Sociology and Anthropology Ambassador!  I have had the pleasure of being a student under some amazing professors, and I feel that as my time as an undergraduate student nears its close, I have had some truly impactful and meaningful interactions with professors and fellow students within the department that I always hope to share as an Ambassador. 

Through the Ambassador program, I feel I am able to help other students find their place through peer guidance that I wish I had experienced, and I strive to give back in this way! GO PACK!

Sociology

Carly Richardson

Hey all, my name is Carly Richardson. I’m from Greensboro, NC and am in my junior year here at NC State pursuing a double major in political science and sociology. In my three years here so far, I’ve had some incredible opportunities primarily afforded to me by various student organizations. Namely, the Women’s Club Rugby team has become nothing less than my family. Beyond falling in love with a new sport that I’d never played before college, I found a group of people that made me feel empowered and supported through anything.

I’ve also been a member of College Democrats and even was able to start my own student organization this semester; NC State’s chapter of the North Carolina Public Interest Research Group. Outside of my involvement in clubs, I enjoy utilizing the rock wall at Carmichael gym and skateboarding poorly around campus.

My time as an Ambassador to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology has allowed me to connect with my peers who have similar goals and interests and introduce them to all the resources that the department and NC State as a whole has to offer them.

My plans for the future, as of right now anyway, include finishing up my degrees here and then continuing my education in law school. After that, who knows, but I’m confident that NC State, and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, in particular, is providing me with the knowledge and tools to succeed there and whatever else lies beyond.