About
As a sociologist, my emphasis on Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies has shaped my academic career through a research focus on the dynamics of gender and sexuality in social contexts and a teaching trajectory that highlights both gender and sexuality as sources of social inequality.
Current Research:
I am conducting a qualitative interview study that examines Native LGBTQ2S+ young adults' life experiences with trauma and violence, and how these experiences shape their understandings of their own mental health and well-being. I am also working with LGBTQ+ young people experiencing homelessness to understand their perspectives on the role of companion animals in their lives within the context of their mental health. My future research plans include a mixed methods study working with LGBTQ+ young adults of color in Oklahoma to explore how they navigate prejudice, discrimination, and health challenges.
Research and Teaching Interests:
Gender & Sexualities, Identity, Health Disparities, Intersectionality, Family, Homeless Youth and Young Adults, Qualitative Methods
Career:
I joined Oklahoma State University’s Department of Sociology in 2018 as an Assistant Professor & received tenure (and a promotion to Associate Professor) in 2022. My research agenda underscores the nuanced aspects of intersecting social inequalities within the realms of gender, sexuality, social class, and family using primarily qualitative methods, with complementary work using quantitative techniques. I recently published scholarly work in numerous academic journals, including Journal of LGBT Youth, Archives of Sexual Behavior, Journal of Research on Adolescence and Culture, Health & Sexuality.
Download CVIn The News:
- My dog, Lucy, and I officially joined Pete's Pet Posse, OSU's Pet Therapy Program on June 7, 2019
- My research is featured in Springer Nature, LGBTQ+ Pride, June 2019
- My research is featured in Summer 2019 Network News from Sociologists for Women in Society, June 2019
- OSU Sociology Newsletter , May 2018
- Texts and data: Researcher studies homeless youth with cell phones, October 12, 2017
- UTRGV Sociology Department Welcomes New Faculty Members This Fall, July 15, 2016
- Study Examines Gender Roles in Parenting Magazines, January 29, 2016
- UNL Presidential Fellowship Award, July 7, 2015
Rachel Marie Schmitz, Ph.D.
Oklahoma State University | Sociology Department
457 Murray Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078
Email: rachel.schmitz@okstate.edu
Website: rachelmschmitz.com
Academic Appointments
2022-present
Associate Professor of Sociology, Sociology Department, Oklahoma State University (Tenured Faculty)
2018-2022
Assistant Professor of Sociology, Sociology Department, Oklahoma State University
2019-present
Affiliated Faculty with the Gender and Women’s Studies Program, Oklahoma State University
2016 – 2018
Assistant Professor of Sociology, Sociology & Anthropology Department, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
2016 – 2018
Affiliated Faculty with the Gender and Women’s Studies Department, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Education
Ph.D., 2016, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies Specialization
M.A., 2013, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies Specialization
B.A., 2009, Wayne State College, Summa Cum Laude; Sociology and Spanish, English Minor
Areas of Research and Teaching Specializations
Sexualities, Gender, Stratification, Intersectionality, Family, Homeless Youth and Young Adults, Health Inequalities, Qualitative Methods
Current Research Projects
Strength of Spirit: Native LGBTQ2S+ Young Adults' Understandings of Trauma & Mental Health
I am conducting a qualitative interview study that examines Native LGBTQ2S+ young adults' life experiences with trauma and violence, and how these experiences shape their understandings of their own mental health and well-being. I am also working with LGBTQ+ young people experiencing homelessness to understand their perspectives on the role of companion animals in their lives within the context of their mental health. My future research plans include a mixed methods study working with LGBTQ+ young adults of color in Oklahoma to explore how they navigate prejudice, discrimination, and health challenges.
Refereed Publications
Tabler, Jennifer, Laryssa Mykyta, Rachel M. Schmitz, Paloma Flores, Akiko Kamimura, Dora A. Martinez, Ruben D. Martinez, Karina Gonzales, Alvaro Marquez, Gladys Marroquin* and Andy Torres*. Forthcoming. “Getting by With a Little Help from Our Friends: Social Support, Perceived Discrimination, and Depressive Symptoms of HIV-Positive, Sexual Minority Adults Seeking Services at the US-Mexico Border.” Journal of Homosexuality.
Schmitz, Rachel M., Brandon Andrew Robinson, Jennifer Tabler, Brett Welch* and Sidra Rafaqut*. 2019 online first. “LGBTQ+ Latino/a Young People’s Interpretations of Stigma and Mental Health: An Intersectional Minority Stress Perspective.” Society and Mental Health.
Schmitz, Rachel M., Brandon Andrew Robinson and Jennifer Tabler. 2019 online first. “Navigating Risk Discourses: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Care among LBQ+ Latina Young Adults.” Sexuality Research and Social Policy.
Tabler, Jennifer, Claudia Geist, Rachel M. Schmitz and Jason M. Nagata. 2019 online first. “Does it Get Better? Change in Depressive Symptoms from Late-Adolescence to Early-Adulthood, Disordered Eating Behaviors, and Sexual Identity.” Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health.
Tyler, Kimberly A., Rachel M. Schmitz and Colleen M. Ray*. 2019 online first. “Social and Psychological Resources among Homeless Youth: Protection Against Risk for Physical Victimization?” Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless.
Schmitz, Rachel M., Kimberly A. Tyler and Brandon Andrew Robinson. 2019. “’To Get the Word Out’: LGBTQ+ Young Adults’ Motivations for Participating in Qualitative Research Studies.” Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services 31:242-265.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Kimberly A. Tyler. 2019. “‘Life Has Actually Become More Clear’: An Examination of Resilience among LGBTQ Young Adults.” Sexualities 22:710-733.
Schmitz, Rachel M., Julissa Sanchez* and Bianca Lopez*. 2019. “LGBTQ+ Latinx Young Adults’ Health Autonomy in Resisting Cultural Stigma.” Culture, Health & Sexuality 21:16-30.
Tabler, Jennifer, Laryssa Mykyta, Rachel M. Schmitz, Akiko Kamimura, Dora A. Martinez, Ruben D. Martinez, Paloma Flores, Karina Gonzales, Alvaro Marquez and Andy Torres*. 2019. “Social Determinants of Sexual Behavior and Knowledge of Sexually-Transmitted Infections (STI) among Low-Income HIV+ or At-Risk Residents Receiving Care at the U.S.-Mexico Border.” Journal of Community Health 44:127-136.
Charak, Ruby, Lillianne Villarreal*, Rachel M. Schmitz, Michiyo Hirai and Julian D. Ford. 2019. “Patterns of Childhood Maltreatment and Intimate Partner Violence, Emotion Dysregulation, and Mental Health Symptoms Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Emerging Adults: A Three-step Latent Class Approach.” Child Abuse & Neglect 89:99-110.
Tyler, Kimberly A. and Rachel M. Schmitz. 2018 online first. “Bullying at School and on the Street: Risk Factors and Outcomes among Homeless Youth.” Journal of Interpersonal Violence.
Tyler, Kimberly A., Rachel M. Schmitz. 2018 online first. “Childhood Disadvantage, Social and Psychological Stress, and Substance Use among Homeless Youth: A Life Stress Framework.” Youth & Society.
Tabler, Jennifer, Rachel M. Schmitz, Claudia Geist, Rebecca L. Utz, Ken R. Smith. 2018. “Reproductive Outcomes Among Women with Eating Disorders: Does Methodological Approach Shape Research Findings?” Journal of Women’s Health 27:1389-1399.
Tyler, Kimberly A., Rachel M. Schmitz. 2018. “Child Abuse, Mental Health and Sleeping Arrangements among Homeless Youth: Links to Street Physical and Sexual Victimization.” Children and Youth Services Review 95:327-333.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Kimberly A. Tyler. 2018. “Contextual Constraints and Choices: Strategic Identity Management among LGBTQ Young People.” Journal of LGBT Youth 15:212-226.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Brandi Woodell*. 2018. “Complex Processes of Religion and Spirituality among Midwestern LGBTQ Homeless Young Adults.” Sexuality & Culture 22:980-999.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Kimberly A. Tyler. 2018. “The Complexity of Family Reactions to Identity among Homeless and College Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Young Adults.” Archives of Sexual Behavior 47:1195-1207.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Kimberly A. Tyler. 2018. “LGBTQ+ Young Adults on the Street and on Campus: Identity as a Product of Social Context.” Journal of Homosexuality 65:197-223.
Tyler, Kimberly A. and Rachel M. Schmitz. 2018. “A Comparison of Risk Factors for Various Forms of Trauma in the Lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Heterosexual Homeless Youth.” Journal of Trauma & Dissociation 19:431-443.
Tyler, Kimberly A., Rachel M. Schmitz and Colleen M. Ray*. 2018. “The Role of Environmental Protective Factors on Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms among Midwestern Homeless Youth.” Journal of Research on Adolescence 28:199-210.
Tyler, Kimberly A., Rachel M. Schmitz, Colleen M. Ray*, Scott A. Adams* and Leslie Gordon Simons. 2018. “The Role of Protective Behavioral Strategies, Social Environment, and Housing Type on Heavy Drinking among College Students.” Substance Use & Misuse 53:724-733.
Tyler, Kimberly A., Rachel M. Schmitz, Colleen Ray* and Leslie Gordon Simons. 2017. “The Role of Entitlement, Self-Control, and Risk Behaviors on Dating Violence Perpetration.” Violence and Victims 32:1079-1095.
Tyler, Kimberly A., Rachel M. Schmitz and Scott A. Adams*. 2017. “Alcohol Expectancy, Drinking Behavior, and Sexual Victimization among Female and Male College Students.” Journal of Interpersonal Violence 32:2298-2322.
- Reprinted in 2018 in Victimology: A Text Reader 2nd Ed. (pp. 242-256). Leah E. Daigle (Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Tyler, Kimberly A., Rachel M. Schmitz, Scott A. Adams* and Leslie Gordon Simons. 2017. “Social Factors, Alcohol Expectancy and Drinking Behavior: A Comparison of Two College Campuses.” Journal of Substance Use 22:357-364.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Emily Kazyak. 2017. “Checking Privilege at the Door: Men’s Reflections on Masculinity in Women’s and Gender Studies Courses.” Gender Issues 34:129-148.
Tyler, Kimberly A. and Rachel M. Schmitz. 2017. “Using Cell Phones for Data Collection: Benefits, Outcomes, and Intervention Possibilities with Homeless Youth.” Children and Youth Services Review 76:59-64.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Trenton M. Haltom*. 2017. “‘I Wanted to Raise my Hand and Say I’m Not a Feminist’: Men’s Use of Hybrid Masculinities to Negotiate Attachments to Feminism and Gender Studies.” The Journal of Men’s Studies 25:278-297.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Emily Kazyak. 2016. “Masculinities in Cyberspace: An Analysis of Portrayals of Manhood in Men’s Rights Activist Websites.” Social Sciences 5:1-16.
Tyler, Kimberly A., Ray Handema, Rachel M. Schmitz, Francis Phiri, Charles Wood and Kristen Olson. 2016. “Risk Factors for HIV among Zambian Street Youth.” Journal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services 15:254-268.
Tyler, Kimberly A., Ray Handema, Rachel M. Schmitz, Charles Wood, Francis Phiri and Kourtney Kuyper. 2016. “Multi-Level Risk and Protective Factors for Substance Use among Zambian Street Youth.” Substance Use & Misuse 51:922-931.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2016. “Intersections of Hate: Exploring the Transecting Dimensions of Race, Religion, Gender and Family in Ku Klux Klan Websites.” Sociological Focus 49:200-214.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Kimberly A. Tyler. 2016. “Growing Up Before Their Time: The Early Adultification Experiences of Homeless Young People.” Children and Youth Services Review 64:15-22.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2016. “Constructing Men as Fathers: A Content Analysis of Formulations of Fatherhood in Parenting Magazines.” The Journal of Men’s Studies 24:3-23.
Melander, Lisa A., Kimberly A. Tyler and Rachel M. Schmitz. 2016. “An Inside Look at Homeless Youths’ Social Networks: Perceptions of Substance Use Norms.” Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse 25:78-88.
Tyler, Kimberly A. and Rachel M. Schmitz. 2015. “Effects of Abusive Parenting, Caretaker Arrests, and Delinquent Behavior on Dating Violence among Homeless Young Adults.” Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma 24:1134-1150.
Scherrer, Kristin S., Emily Kazyak and Rachel M. Schmitz. 2015. “Getting ‘Bi’ in the Family: Bisexual People’s Disclosure Strategies Within the Family.” Journal of Marriage and Family 77:680-696.
Schmitz, Rachel M., and Kimberly A. Tyler. 2015. “Homeless Young People’s Experiences of Caregiver Rejection.” Journal of Child and Family Studies 24:2598-2609.
Tyler, Kimberly A, and Rachel M. Schmitz. 2013. “Family Histories and Multiple Transitions Among Homeless Young Adults: Pathways to Homelessness.” Children and Youth Services Review 35:1719-1726.
Book Reviews
Schmitz, Rachel M. Forthcoming. Review of Growing up Queer: Kids and the Remaking of LGBTQ Identity by Mary Robertson. American Journal of Sociology 125(6).
Revise and Resubmit
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Jennifer Tabler. “Health Services and the Intersections of Care: Promises and Pitfalls Experienced by LGBTQ+ Latino/a Emerging Adults.” Journal of LGBT Youth.
Schmitz, Rachel M., Brandon Andrew Robinson and Julissa Sanchez*. “Intersectional Family Systems Approach: LGBTQ+ Latino/a Youth, Family Dynamics, and Mental Stressors.” Family Relations.
Papers Under Review
Villarreal, Lillianne*, Ruby Charak, Rachel M. Schmitz, Claire Hsieh*, Julian D. Ford. “Serial Mediation between Sexual Orientation Outness, Daily Heterosexism, Emotion Dysregulation, and Alcohol Use in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Emerging Adults.” Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Jennifer Tabler. “Traversing Barriers to and within Health Care among LGBTQ+ Latino/a Emerging Adults.” Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved.
Park, Nicholas K., Rachel M. Schmitz and Kathleen Slauson-Blevins. “’It Takes a Lot of Planning’: Gay and Lesbian Young Adult Perceptions of Parenthood.” Journal of Family Issues.
Papers In Progess
Schmitz, Rachel M., Jonathan S. Coley, Christine Thomas* and Anibal Ramirez*. “Intersecting Strategies of Social Activism: An Examination of the Multifaceted Dynamics of LGBTQ+ Latinx Social Justice Online.”
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Zachary Carlisle*. “Four-Legged Mental Health Resources: The Power of Pets in The Lives of LGBTQ+ Young People Experiencing Homelessness.”
Caddel, Cecile* and Rachel M. Schmitz. “Hispanic Female Scholars: Experiences of an Underrepresented Minority.”
Tyler, Kimberly A. and Rachel M. Schmitz. “Multiple Forms of Violence in the Lives of Homeless Youth: Risk Factors and Outcomes.”
Agency Reports
Tyler, Kimberly, Kristen Olson, Rachel Schmitz and Colleen Ray. “Homeless Youth and Young Adult Texting Project: 2016 Summary Report.”
Grants and Funding
External
National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, PI, 2017-2019: “Diverse Exposure to Violence among LGBQ Latinx Partner Dyads.” in progress.
National Science Foundation-funded STEM ADVANCE Graduate Assistant Support Program, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, PI on research study, 2017-2018: “Marginalized Identities Out and Online: The Growth of Queer Internet Activism among LGBTQ+ Latinx Young People.” ($10,000).
National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Graduate Research Assistant, 2014-2016: “Stressors, Protective Factors and Substance Use among Homeless Youth and Young Adults.” ($408,768).
National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Graduate Research Assistant, 2014-2016: “Social Networks, HIV Risk Behaviors, and Homeless Youth.” ($358,763).
National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services, Graduate Research Assistant, 2014-2016: “Substance use and HIV among Zambian Street Youth.”
American Sociological Association, Student Forum Travel Award, 2014 (travel grant).
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, Graduate Research Assistant, 2011-2012: “Neglect and Abuse Histories Among Homeless Youth Adults.” ($659,525).
Internal
Oklahoma State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Travel funding to SWS in Denver, CO, 2019: “Family Dynamics and Mental Health among LGBTQ+ Latino/a Young People.” ($1,000).
Oklahoma State University, Department of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences, Faculty start-up funding, 2018-2021: “Enhancing LGBTQ+ Homeless Youths’ Wellbeing through their Connections with Companion Animals” & “Native LGBTQ2S+ Young Adults’ Understandings of Violence and Trauma” ($25,000).
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Diversity, Junior Faculty Travel Grant to NWSA, 2017: “Beyond Riesgo y Vulnerabilidad: LGBTQ Latinx Young Adults’ Health Autonomy in Resisting Cultural Stigma” ($600).
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Office of Global Engagement, Travel funding to ASA in Canada, 2017: “’Life Has Actually Become More Clear’: An Exploration of Resilience among LGBTQ Young Adults.” ($500).
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Offic, Faculty start-up funding, 2016-2017: “LGBTQ Latino/a Young Adults and Understandings of Health in the Rio Grande Valley” ($10,000).
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Diversity, Junior Faculty Travel Grant to NCFR, 2016: “The Complexity of Family Reactions to Identity among Homeless and College Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Young Adults” ($1,000).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sociology Department, Joyce O. Hertzler Award, Dissertation data collection funding, 2015-2016: “Diverse Life Experiences of LGBT Young Adults” ($2,000).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Office of Graduate Studies, Warren & Edith Day Dissertation Travel Award, Dissertation data collection funding, 2015-2016: “Diverse Life Experiences of LGBT Young Adults” ($500).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Women’s and Gender Studies Department, Karen Dunning Paper Award, 2015: “Constructing Men as Fathers: A Content Analysis of Formulations of Fatherhood in Parenting Magazines” ($500).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sociology Department, Dany Hoyt Graduate Student Paper Award, 2015: “Homeless Young People’s Experiences of Caregiver Rejection” ($500).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Office of Graduate Studies, Travel Award, 2015 (travel grant).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sociology Department, Graduate Student Paper Award, 2014: “Constructing Men as Fathers: A Content Analysis of Formulations of Fatherhood in Parenting Magazines” ($500).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Office of Graduate Studies, Travel Award, 2014 (travel grant).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Strategic Research Cluster Grant, Graduate Research Assistant, 2013-2014: “A Survey of Undergraduate Students’ Attitudes and Experiences” ($90,330).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sociology Department, Nicholas Babchuk Award, original research support, 2014-2015: “Men and Gender Studies Project” ($1,000).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sociology Department, Nicholas Babchuk Award, Master’s thesis publication support, 2013-2014: “Tentative Transitions and Gendered Pathways: Exploring the Revolving Door of Young Adult Homelessness” ($1,000).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Women’s and Gender Studies Department, Karen Dunning Paper Award, 2013: “Tentative Transitions and Gendered Pathways: Exploring the Revolving Door of Young Adult Homelessness” ($500).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Office of Research and Economic Development, Layman Award, Graduate Research Assistant, 2012-2013: “Making Laws Matter: How Families Navigate Legal Uncertainty” ($10,000).
Fellowships
Faculty
National Institutes of Health-funded Texas Center for Health Disparities (TCHD) Steps Towards Academic Research (STAR) Fellowship Program, 2017-2018, University of North Texas – Ft. Worth.
Graduate
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Presidential Fellow, 2015-2016 (9-month salary).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sociology Department, J.J. and Eleanor S. Ogle Fellow, 2015-2016 (9-month salary; declined due to Presidential Fellow status).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sociology Department, Alice Frost Howard Fellow, 2014 (travel grant).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dean’s Fellow, 2013 (9-month salary supplement).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sociology Department, J.J. and Eleanor S. Ogle Fellow, 2012 (Summer salary).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Chancellor’s Fellow, 2011 (9-month salary supplement).
Conference Presentations
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Jennifer Tabler. 2019. “Health Services and the Intersections of Accessibility: Promises and Pitfalls Experienced by LGBTQ+ Latino/a Emerging Adults.” Midwest Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL. April 17-20.
Tabler, Jennifer and Rachel M. Schmitz. 2019. “Does it Get Better? Change in Depressive Symptoms from Late-Adolescence to Early-Adulthood, Disordered Eating Behaviors, and Sexual Identity.” Midwest Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL. April 17-20.
Schmitz, Rachel M., Brandon Andrew Robinson and Julissa Sanchez. 2019. “Intersectional Family Systems Approach: LGBTQ+ Latino/a Youth, Family Dynamics, and Mental Stressors.” Sociologists for Women in Society Winter Meeting. Denver, CO. February 7-10.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2018. “Navigating Risk Discourses and Reimagining Minority Health: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Care among LBQ+ Latina College Students.” National Women’s Studies Association Annual Meeting. Atlanta, GA. November 8-11.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2018. “LGBTQ+ Latinx Young People’s Interpretations of Stigma and Mental Health: An Intersectional Minority Stress Perspective.” RaceSexPower Conference. Chicago, IL. April 6-7.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Kimberly A. Tyler. 2017. “Beyond Riesgo y Vulnerabilidad: LGBTQ Latinx Young Adults’ Health Autonomy in Resisting Cultural Stigma.” National Women’s Studies Association Annual Meeting. Baltimore, Maryland. November 16-19.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Kimberly A. Tyler. 2017. “’Life Has Actually Become More Clear’: An Exploration of Resiliency among LGBTQ Young Adults.” American Sociological Association Annual Meeting. Montreal, Canada. August 12-15.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Kimberly A. Tyler. 2016. “The Complexity of Family Reactions to Identity among Homeless and College Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Young Adults.” National Council on Family Relations Annual Meeting. Minneapolis, MN. November 2-5.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Kimberly A. Tyler. 2016. “LGBTQ Young Adults on the Street and on Campus: Identity as a Product of Social Context.” American Sociological Association Annual Meeting. Seattle, WA. August 20-23.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Trenton M. Haltom. 2016. “’I Wanted to Raise my Hand and Say I’m Not a Feminist’: Men’s Use of Hybrid Masculinities to Negotiate Attachments to Feminism and Gender Studies.” Making A “Man”: 2016 Men at Nebraska Conference on Men and Masculinities. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. April 9.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2016. “LGBTQ Young Adults on the Street and on Campus: Identity as a Product of Social Context.” No Limits Student Conference. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. March 11.
Tyler, Kimberly A., Rachel M. Schmitz and Scott A. Adams. 2015. “Alcohol Expectancy, Substance Use and Sexual Victimization among Female and Male College Students.” American Sociological Association Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL. August 22-25.
Tyler, Kimberly A. Rachel M. Schmitz and Elizabeth A. Richardson. 2015. “Protective Behavioral Strategies and Alcohol Use among Female and Male College Students.” American Sociological Association Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL. August 22-25.
Schmitz, Rachel M., Emily Kazyak and Elizabeth A. Richardson. 2015. “Checking Privilege at the Door: Men’s Reflections on Masculinity in Women’s and Gender Studies Courses.” American Sociological Association Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL. August 22-25.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2015. “Masculinities in Cyberspace: An Analysis of Portrayals of Manhood in Men’s Right’s Activist Websites.” Understanding Masculinities: 2015 Men at Nebraska Conference on Men and Masculinities. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. April 10.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Kimberly A. Tyler. 2014. “Homeless Young People’s Experiences of Caregiver Rejection.” Alpha Kappa Delta Qualitative Symposium. University of Nebraska-Omaha. October 30.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2014. “Reshaping Constructions of Men as Fathers: A Content Analysis of Formulations of Fatherhood in Parenting Magazines.” American Sociological Association Annual Meeting. San Francisco, CA. August 16-19.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Elizabeth A. Richardson. 2014. “Transcending Gender: Men’s Experiences Taking Women’s and Gender Studies Courses.” Midwest Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Omaha, NE. April 3-6.
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Kimberly A. Tyler. 2014. “Homeless Young People’s Gendered Experiences of Caregiver Rejection.” Midwest Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Omaha, NE. April 3-6.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2014. “Transcending Gender: Men’s Experiences Taking Women’s and Gender Studies Courses.” American Men’s Studies Association Annual Meeting. Tacoma, WA. March 27-29.
Tyler, Kimberly A. and Rachel M. Schmitz. 2013. “Effects of Abusive Parenting, Caretaker Arrests, and Delinquent Behavior on Dating Violence Perpetration among Homeless Young Adults.” American Society for Criminology Meetings. Atlanta, GA. November 20-23.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2013. “In The Numerical Minority: Men’s Experiences Navigating Women’s and Gender Studies Courses.” Men at Nebraska Poster Presentation. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. November 7.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2013. “Tentative Transitions and Gendered Pathways: Exploring the Revolving Door of Young Adult Homelessness.” Research Fair Poster Presentation. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. April 10.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2013. “Tentative Transitions and Gendered Pathways: Exploring the Revolving Door of Young Adult Homelessness.” Midwest Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL. March 27-30.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2013. “’Forging Elite Fitness’: Exploring the CrossFit Phenomenon Through a Gendered Lens.” No Limits Student Conference. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. March 1-2.
Schmitz, Rachel M., Patrick Habecker, Alexis Swendener and Sarah Malone. 2012. “Transforming Introductory Sociology Discussion Sections to a Mixed Mode Electronic Format.” Southern Sociological Society Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA. March 21-24.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2012. “All You Need is Sex: Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Feminist Pragmatism and Contemporary Mass Media.” Midwest Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Minneapolis, MN. March 29-April 1.
Schmitz, Rachel M., Patrick Habecker, Alexis Swendener and Sarah Malone. 2012. “A Comparison of Recitation Section Delivery Methods: Classroom vs. Online.” Midwest Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Minneapolis, MN. March 29-April 1.
Melander, Lisa A., Kimberly A. Tyler and Rachel M. Schmitz. 2012. “Substance Use Behavior among Homeless Youth and Their Social Networks.” Midwest Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Minneapolis, MN. March 29-April 1.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2009. “Living Latino/a in the Midwest: An Analysis of Cultural Perspectives Through the Lens of Latino-owned Businesses.” Nebraska Undergraduate Sociological Symposium. University of Nebraska-Kearney.
Departmental Presentations
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2019. “LGBTQ+ Latinx Young Adults and Health: Navigating Stigma, Social Relationships, and Services.” Women’s Faculty Council Poster Symposium, OSU.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2018. “LGBTQ+ Latinx Young People’s Intersectional Interpretations of Stigma and Mental Health.” Gender and Women’s Studies Brown Bag Series Event “LGBTQ in the RGV and Beyond: Diverse Lives and Experiences”, UTRGV.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2012. “Tentative Transitions and Gendered Pathways: Exploring the Revolving Door of Young Adult Homelessness.” Sociology Departmental Poster Session, UNL.
Schmitz, Rachel M. 2012. “All You Need is Sex: Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Feminist Pragmatism and Contemporary Mass Media” Sociology Departmental Colloquium, UNL.
Teaching Experience
Teaching Awards.
American Sociological Society, SAGE Teaching Innovations & Professional Development Award, 2016.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sociology Department, Cheryl Applegate Instructor Award, 2014.
Courses taught
- Sociology 4213 Sociology of Sexualities (face-to-face and online) (OSU)
- Sociology 5283 Advanced Qualitative Methods (OSU)
- Sociology 3223 Social Psychology (online) (OSU)
- Sociology 4365 Sexuality and Society (UTRGV)
- Sociology 4310 Sociology of Gender (face-to-face and online) (UTRGV)
- Sociology 200 Gender in Contemporary Society (UNL)
- Sociology 225 Contemporary Families (face-to-face and online) (UNL)
- Sociology 101 Introduction to Sociology recitation instructor (UNL)
- Guest lecturer on qualitative methods for undergraduate senior seminars (UNL)
Graduate Advising
Ph.D. Students
Member, Ph.D. Dissertation Committee
Current: Kyong Sung, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (OSU)
Current: Zac Carlisle, Department of Sociology (OSU)
M.A. Students
Chair, Master’s Thesis Committee
Current: Ashley Beaird, Department of Sociology (OSU)
Completed 2018: Bianca C. Lopez, Department of Sociology (UTRGV): “Generational Status and Views on Nonconforming Gender Expression Among Individuals of Mexican Origin.”
Current position: Lecturer, Sociology Department, UTRGV.
Completed 2017: Brett Welch, Department of Communication Science & Disorders (UTRGV): “The Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist when Working with Clients who are Transgender: A Guide of Gender Identity and Cultural Competency.”
Current position: Ph.D. student in Dr. Leah Helou’s research lab in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh.
Professional Development
Research
2018
“Write Winning Grants Workshop: Navigating NIH Mechanisms” (OSU)
2017
“Meet NVivo: Using NVivo as a Research Tool” Online Webinar (UTRGV)
2016
“Moving on with NVivo for Mac” Online Course (UTRGV)
2016
CITI Training Refresher Course (UTRGV)
2016
Qualitative and Mixed Methods Interest Group (UNL)
2015
Research Administration Management Program “Using Social Media” workshop (UNL)
2012
New Investigator Collaborative Series grant workshop (UNL)
2012
Professional Development Seminar (UNL)
2011
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) (UNL)
2011
Responsible Conduct in Research Training (UNL)
2009
Northeast Nebraska Child Advocacy Center Undergraduate Internship
Teaching
2019
Pilot participation for Learning Management System Canvas (OSU)
2018
College of Arts and Sciences New Faculty Teaching Orientation (OSU)
2018
Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence Online Teaching Course (OSU)
2017
Undergraduate Research Cohort with the Center for Teaching Excellence and the Office of Engaged Scholarship & Learning (UTRGV)
2017
Faculty workshops for developing the Gender and Women’s Studies program (UTRGV)
2017
Apply the Quality Matters Rubric (APQMR) Workshop (UTRGV)
2016
ASA Pre-conference Teaching Workshop
2015
25th Annual Campus-wide Workshops for Graduate Teaching Assistants (UNL)
2014
MSS Gender Diversity and Sexuality Studies Certificate
2013
MSS Preparing Future Faculty Certificate
2012
22nd Annual Campus-wide Workshops for Graduate Teaching Assistants (UNL)
2011
21st Annual Campus-wide Workshops for Graduate Teaching Assistants (UNL)
2011
Teaching Sociology Seminar (UNL)
Professional Service
Discipline
2019
Schmitz, Rachel M. Discussant for Session on Youth Experiencing Homelessness. Midwest Sociological Society0. Chicago, IL. April 17-20.
2018
Sally Hacker Best Graduate Student Paper Award committee member American Sociological Association Sex and Gender Section
2017
Best Graduate Student Paper Award committee member
American Sociological Association Section on Sexualities
2014
Schmitz, Rachel M. Discussant for Invited Session on Homelessness. American Sociological Association Annual Meeting. San Francisco, CA. August 16-19.
2014
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Elizabeth A. Richardson. Organizer of formal paper session “Towards the Inclusion of Men and Masculinities in Gender Studies.” Midwest Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Omaha, NE. April 3-6.
2014
Schmitz, Rachel M. Moderator of Session on Masculinities. American Men’s Studies Association Annual Meeting. Tacoma, WA. March 27-29.
2013
Schmitz, Rachel M. and Kimberly A. Tyler. Organizer of formal paper session. “Exploring the Realm of Dating and Partner Violence and its Social Ramifications.” Midwest Sociological Society Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL. March 27-30.
University & Department
2019-present
Pete’s Pet Posse Pet Therapy Program member (OSU)
2019
Sociology Department Head Search committee member (OSU)
2019
Faculty judge for the Graduate and Professional Student Government Association’s Research Gala poster competition (OSU)
2019
Panel participant for the Office of Multicultural Affairs-sponsored event “Queer Conversations” (OSU)
2019
Presented to the Sociology Department Sociology Teaching Colloquium on “Teaching Gender, Race, and Sexuality” (OSU)
2018-present
Sociology Graduate Student Association co-advisor (OSU)
2018-present
Women’s Faculty Council member (OSU)
2018-present
Sociology Undergraduate Committee member (OSU)
2018
Presented to Proseminar for new graduate students on “Preparing to Teach” (OSU)
2018
Panel participant for the Gender and Women’s Studies-sponsored event “LGBTQ in the RGV and Beyond: Diverse Lives and Experiences” (UTRGV)
2017-2018
Faculty advisor to student-led Intersectional Feminist Book Club (UTRGV)
2017-2018
Faculty advisor to UTRGV chapter of student organization Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity (URGE)
2017
Panel participant for the Office for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention-sponsored event “Let’s Talk about Consent” (UTRGV)
2017
Safe Zone Ally Training (UTRGV)
2016-2018
Gender and Women’s Studies Program committee member (UTRGV)
2016-2018
Co-chair of Alpha Kappa Delta committee (UTRGV)
2016
Undergraduate Recommendation for Teach for America (UTRGV)
2016
Ethics Center Brown Bag on Ethics in Research with LGBTQ Populations panel participant (UNL)
2015
Graduate student representative on Sociology search committee for Sexualities position (UNL)
2015
Pi Gamma Mu Invited Speaker at Wayne State College “Research, Reflections, Rewards: The Graduate School Journey”
2014
Academic Undergraduate Letter of Recommendation (UNL)
Ad Hoc Journal Reviews
2019
Journal of Marriage and Family; Journal of Homosexuality; Journal of LGBT Youth; Sociological Inquiry
2018
Sociological Inquiry; Social Sciences; Journal of Adolescent Research; PLOS ONE; Journal of Interpersonal Violence; Feminist Media Studies; Journal of Adolescence; Youth & Society
2017
Community Mental Health Journal; Journal of Interpersonal Violence
2016
Journal of Adolescent Research; American Sociological Review; Journal of Adolescent Health; Sociological Perspectives; Journal of Interpersonal Violence
2015
Journal of LGBT Youth; Journal of Interpersonal Violence; Children and Youth Services Review
2014
World Medical & Health Policy
2013
Sociological Inquiry; Sex Roles
2012
Qualitative Sociology
Professional Memberships
National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA)
Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS)
American Sociological Association (ASA)
National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)
Midwest Sociological Society (MSS)
Community Service
2018-present
Volunteer, Youth Services Tulsa (YST), Tulsa, OK
2017-2018
Member, South Texas Equality Project (STEP), McAllen, TX
2015-2016
Volunteer, Street Outreach worker for at-risk youth agency, Lincoln, NE
