Showcase

As part of the Sociology Capstone Seminar (SOC-R 498) course I am taking, I am writing a qualitative paper over educational inequities among marginalized communities. I found this subject to spark my interest due to my career goal of working in highe ... r education through student affairs and administration and I have found that representation, support, and resources to be very significant during my time in undergraduate. The purpose of my research is to discover how marginalized students don't have access to the same quality of education as their peers and how they are disadvantaged systematically and come up with solutions for it. Read more

Background and Significance: Implicit bias in the criminal justice system contributes to significant racial disparities between Marion and Hendricks counties, where individuals from marginalized racial backgrounds and lower-income communities—especia ... lly in Marion County—face disproportionately higher arrest and prosecution rates. These disparities are closely tied to systemic inequalities in education and poverty, with Marion County experiencing higher rates of under-resourced schools and poverty compared to the more affluent and predominantly white Hendricks County. Research Objectives or Purpose: The objective is to examine how implicit bias related to race, education, and poverty contributes to disparities in criminal justice outcomes between Marion and Hendricks counties. The research aims to identify the systemic factors driving these differences and evaluate how they affect arrest, prosecution, and sentencing practices across communities. Data and Methods:The study analyzed arrest rate data per 100,000 residents by race from Marion and Hendricks counties, comparing rates for White and Black individuals. Quantitative methods were used to highlight racial disparities, showing that in both counties, Black residents experience arrest rates nearly five to six times higher than White residents—2,565 in Marion County vs. 513.56 for Whites, and 2,473.13 in Hendricks County vs. 424.32 for Whites. Findings:The analysis shows that Black residents face arrest rates five to six times higher than White residents in both Marion and Hendricks counties, indicating systemic racial bias in policing. These disparities are further compounded by unequal access to quality education and higher poverty rates—particularly in Marion County; where underfunded schools and limited economic opportunities increase vulnerability to criminal justice involvement. Implications: At the micro level, implicit bias training for police officers and educators can help reduce discriminatory practices in daily interactions. At the meso level, schools and community organizations can collaborate to expand early childhood education and support services in underserved neighborhoods. At the macro level, systemic reforms.such as equitable school funding policies and comprehensive police accountability measures.are essential to address the root causes of racial and socioeconomic disparities in the criminal justice system. Read more

Hello! My name is Isabelle. I was born and raised here in Indianapolis. After graduating high school I attended Purdue University and majored in Law and Society. I transferred to IU Indianapolis my junior year and began majoring in Sociology. Current ... ly, I am a senior and will be graduating Spring of 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts. My strengths lie in my critical thinking skills, adaptability, and problem solving that I have accumulated throughout my academic and professional career. Read more

This website covers my experiences as a college student and in the Honors College including my personal growth and honors contracts.

This website shows the art portfolio and the senior thesis project I worked on throughout my time as a college student along with details about who I am as an artist.

Hello! My name is Anneli Salas Olvera and I am currently a senior at Indiana University Indianapolis. I am majoring in Sociology from the IU Indianapolis School of Liberal Arts as well as minoring in Business from Kelley's School of Business. As a fu ... a full-time student, I currently hold a part-time position at a non-profit community center in Indianapolis as an assistant in their youth development program. This position has solidified my passion for helping others and making a difference. I am inspired to continue actively engaging with my community in meaningful and professional ways. I plan to explore opportunities that allow me to apply the insights gained professionally and academically to new endeavors. This might involve volunteering with other non-profits and pursuing internships in human resources and related fields. Read more

This project overviews the sociological causes of substance abuse in Indianapolis, evaluates disparities in overdose deaths across populations, and provides evidence-based solutions.

For my Sociology Seminar class, I decided to make my capstone presentation and paper about mental health among kids, teens, and young adults. Mental health struggles can start early in a person’s life, they can be caused by a variety of reasons (Ex: ... Bullying, Lack of Resources, etc). Oftentimes, it can be overlooked, dismissed, or not properly treated, causing harsh outcomes in the future. It is a growing concern worldwide with rates constantly rising within anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide (One of the leading causes of death). Read more

Finding and keeping a job can be especially challenging for people with disabilities due to discrimination, lack of support, and unfair workplace practices. These issues became even more noticeable during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project looks at ... how people with disabilities are treated in the workplace—especially in Indiana—and explores how we can make jobs fairer and more inclusive. The primary objective of this research was to examine how structural and social inequalities affect employment opportunities for people with disabilities. By analyzing data from recent sociological studies and policy reviews, the project aimed to identify the root causes of workplace exclusion and propose evidence-based solutions. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, combining secondary analysis of peer-reviewed sociological literature with a comparative review of state-level disability employment policies. Key themes included occupational segregation, the effectiveness of antidiscrimination legislation, and post-pandemic labor force participation among disabled populations. Findings reveal that despite legal protections like the Americans with Disabilities Act, many workers with disabilities continue to face hiring discrimination, limited access to accommodations, and lower wages. The project recommends strengthening federal and state-level enforcement of disability rights legislation, expanding remote work opportunities, and promoting inclusive hiring practices through employer training programs. These interventions not only foster equity but also contribute to more diverse, resilient workplaces. Read more

IU Health Recovery Support Group Marketing Portfolio