Students take top two spots in sociology paper contest

December 13, 2021
UNG student Bryan Rocha, right, and alumna Renee Clement, left, swept the top two spots in the Georgia Sociological Association undergraduate research paper competition.

Article By: Clark Leonard

A University of North Georgia (UNG) student and an alumna took the top two places in the Georgia Sociological Association undergraduate research paper competition at the group's annual meeting in November.

Bryan Rocha, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in sociology, earned first place for his paper "An analysis on persistent government negligence toward the danger that lead-based paint in properties poses to children's health."

Renee Clement, '21, graduated with a sociology degree and took second place with her paper about the challenges faced by working mothers. Clement, a Statham, Georgia, resident works as an academic adviser on UNG's Oconee Campus.

Both worked on their papers in a social stratification class taught by Dr. David Broad, professor of sociology.

"The great value of presenting a paper at a conference is you get feedback from people who are not involved in the active research component of producing the paper," Broad said. "It tells you what was useful and what might need better research methodology."

The Georgia Sociological Association is an organization of academic and applied professional sociologists and students. It aims to stimulate and improve research, teaching, and discussion and to encourage community service and cooperative relations among Georgians engaged in the scientific study of society and culture.


Scholarships provide life-changing opportunities

Scholarships provide life-changing opportunities

Scholarships have provided life-changing opportunities for UNG students, including performing with and learning from faculty who have performed at Carnegie Hall.
Case, Hines earn first publication

Case, Hines earn first publication

A recent alumnus and a senior have earned their first peer-reviewed publication for a piece studying political rhetoric surrounding the Ukraine-Russia war.
Oboho commands 75th Ranger Regiment

Oboho commands 75th Ranger Regiment

Col. Kitefre Oboho, a 2002 UNG alumnus, has taken command of the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment, the Army's premier direction-action raid force.
24 are Distinguished Military Graduates

24 are Distinguished Military Graduates

Twenty-four cadets have been named Distinguished Military Graduates for the 2024-25 academic year, including five who are in the top 70 out of more than 5,000 in the national ROTC class.