Biography

Dr. Angela Vergara – Undergraduate Director of Sociology and Social Sciences

Dr. Angela Vergara is a lecturer at the University of Central Florida in the Department of Sociology, where she serves as the Undergraduate Director of Sociology and Social Sciences. With a robust academic background and a passion for fostering educational growth, Dr. Vergara is dedicated to enhancing the undergraduate experience and guiding students on their academic and professional journeys. Dr. Vergara’s research expertise lies in community participatory research, Latin American sociology, global and social inequalities, and medical and reproductive health. Her research focuses on crucial issues such as gender differences, immigration status, culture, language, the educational achievement gap, social class, health inequalities, and mental health accessibility within the Hispanic/Latinx population. As an educator, Dr. Vergara is committed to aligning college experiences with NACE Career Competencies for Career Readiness, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers. Her teaching interests include qualitative research methods, medical sociology, and social inequalities which she incorporates into her curriculum to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Goals as Undergraduate Director of Sociology and Social Sciences

As the Undergraduate Director of Sociology at the University of Central Florida, Dr. Angela Vergara is committed to fostering an enriching and supportive academic environment for sociology students. Her goals are designed to enhance educational experiences, promote career readiness, and encourage academic excellence. Here are the key goals Dr. Vergara aims to achieve:

1. Enhance Curriculum Alignment with Career Competencies:
   • Integrate NACE Career Competencies into the sociology curriculum to better prepare students for the workforce.
   • Develop partnerships with industry professionals and organizations to provide students with practical insights and opportunities.
2. Promote Research and Scholarly Activities:
   • Encourage undergraduate students to engage in research projects to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills.
   • Provide mentorship and support for students to present their research at conferences and publish their findings.
3. Strengthen Student Support and Mentorship:
   • Offer personalized academic advising to help students navigate their educational pathways and career goals.
   • Establish mentorship programs connecting students with faculty and alumni for guidance and networking.
4. Increase Community Engagement and Service Learning:
   • Encourage students to participate in community-based projects and service-learning opportunities to apply sociological concepts in real-world settings.
   • Build partnerships with local organizations to address community needs and enhance students’ civic responsibility.
5. Enhance Professional Development Opportunities:
   • Organize workshops, seminars, and career fairs to help students develop essential skills for the job market.
   • Promote internship opportunities and experiential learning to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice.
6. Leverage Technology and Innovative Teaching Methods:
   • Incorporate AI and other emerging technologies into the classroom to enhance learning and keep pace with technological advancements.
   • Promote the use of online platforms and digital tools to provide flexible and accessible learning options.

Through these goals, Dr. Angela Vergara aims to create a dynamic and supportive academic environment that empowers sociology students to achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Education

• Ph.D. Sociology, 2020 – University of Central Florida
• M.A. Experimental Psychology, 2015 – St. John’s University
• B.S. Psychology, 2012 – University of Central Florida
• A.A. Psychology and Sociology, 2009 – Valencia College

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