Fall 2024 Executive Board
Matt is a Senior double-majoring in Sociology and Economics and double-minoring in Public Policy Analysis and Urban Studies. This year, he is serving as the President of the Boston University Undergraduate Sociology Association (BUUSA), leading the Executive Board and facilitating their many exciting initiatives! Other than BUUSA, Matt is the President of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Government, an Admissions Ambassador and Scarlet Speaker for BU Admissions, as well as a concert photographer for WTBU. Among the many fascinating areas of Sociology, Matt is most interested in city planning, urban politics, gentrification, and economic Sociology. Matt’s favorite Sociology class at BU has been Boston’s People and Neighborhoods taught by none other than Professor Walsh and his favorite Sociologist is Max Weber (although Viviana Zelizer, Matthew Desmond, and Pierre Bourdieu are all close seconds). He is currently working on his thesis, with the gracious help of Professor Mijs, which examines how female student-athletes at BU train and monetize their bodies to gain some sort of relational value on campus. Outside of school, Matt enjoys running along the esplanade, exploring Boston, listening to new music, and hanging out with friends. After graduation, he hopes to attend graduate school with a focus on sustainable city design and progressive urban policy.
Louise is a senior majoring in sociology and minoring in public relations. This year, she serves as the secretary of the Boston University Undergraduate Sociology Association (BUUSA). Louise’s areas of interest are urban planning and youth education. Her favorite sociology class at BU has been SO 442 (Urban Inequalities in the Americas), taught by Professor Ana Villarreal. Louise is now working on her thesis, which examines Chinese women’s fertility intentions and values, given the recent pro-natalist policies. Other than that, Louise likes to wander around the city and watch old movies. After graduation, she intends to continue her studies and obtain a master’s degree in education.
Wen is a Sophomore double-majoring in Sociology and Economics. She serves as the vice president of the Boston University Undergraduate Sociology Association (BUUSA) and will be planning many fun activities this year! Besides BUUSA, Wen plays the role of Fundraiser in BU Global Medical Brigades (BUGMB). Wen is interested in various fields of Sociology, such as education inequality, gender issues, and family relationships. She is currently taking the sociological methods class with Professor Mijs, wishing to develop more systematic approaches to cope with these social problems and questions. Besides academic life, Wen likes playing tennis, attending concerts, traveling with friends and families, reading and writing poems, and collecting smells of perfumes. As for future plans, Wen looks forward to applying for law schools or digging deeper into sociology research in her fields of interest.
Ingrid is a third-year Sociology major with a double minor in Anthropology and the Core Curriculum. This year she is serving as BUUSA’s Academic Affairs Coordinator and is excited to plan BUUSA events and work on the Sociology Publication that is being initiated this year. Her favorite Sociology related topics are healthcare and wealth inequality. Her favorite sociology classes that she’s taken so far are Professor Mijs’ Understanding Meritocracy and Professor Carr’s Sociology of Aging and the Life Course. This year she has been working with Professor Mijs and a few other BU Sociology students on a research project called Wealth Talks, which will explore how everyday conversations inform people’s beliefs about wealth inequality and redistributive policies. In her free time, Ingrid loves to go on walks, paint, and go to museums.
Cenyao Xiong (Ashley) was born in Shanghai and currently resides in Boston, where she is pursuing a degree in sociology and a minor in business administration and management at Boston University. Her passion for sociology, especially in gender studies and social welfare, was ignited by her personal experiences growing up in a diverse cultural setting. As the current event coordinator of BUUSA, Ashley looks forward to creating meaningful events for the sociology community and connecting with others who share her interests.
Yihao is a sociology senior student. He is interested in Urban Sociology and Political Sociology. This year, he will serve as treasurer of the Boston University Undergraduate Sociology Association (BUUSA). Outside of class, Yihao enjoys watching films, listening music and cooking.
Koko is a current sophomore majoring in Sociology. This year, she is serving as the PR coordinator of BUUSA, focusing on promoting the club’s events and all other updates! Within the field of sociology, she is especially interested in race and ethnicity and gender inequality. Outside of BU, she spends her time coming up with meals and desserts and exploring the city.
Sophie is a freshman pursuing a dual degree in Sociology and Data Science, with a minor in PublicHealth, and is excited to serve as BUUSA’s PR co-coordinator this year! She works as a research assistant in the Sociology Department with Professor Simes’ Open Justice Lab, studying incarceration, criminal justice reform, and public safety. She is also interested in digital sociology and the sociology of health. Outside of BUUSA, she is part of the BU Urbanism Club, the All-Campus Orchestra, and runs Q’s Gender Affirming Product Program. In her spare time, she enjoys running, scrapbooking, and watching hockey.
Mikaela is currently a sophomore majoring in Sociology and Economics with a minor in Business Administration. This year, she serves as the Academic Affairs Coordinator, dedicated to enhancing sociological academic programs by transforming them into interactive and engaging experiences accessible to all students. In sociology, she is particularly passionate about economic and social inequality. Beyond BU, she enjoys playing golf and indoor cycling.