
Hi, my name is Ian.
I am a sociologist who studies social perceptions of uncertainty at the intersections of race, gender, religion, and spirituality. My research examines how people navigate identity and belief in a world that often demands certainty where none exists.
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My work specializes in mixed-race identity, focusing on the seemingly simple yet deeply consequential question—"What are you?"—as a social force. This question shapes the daily lives of multiracial individuals, influencing their mental health, social interactions, and even broader democratic ideals. My dissertation, The Monoracial Imperative: What are you? What am I? Who are we?, unpacks these dynamics, revealing the pressures and possibilities of multiracial identity.
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Additionally, I study astrology as a cultural and social phenomenon, particularly how it is positioned within the so-called “conflict theory” between science and religion. I examine the ways in which masculinity and rationality influence perceptions of astrology, shedding light on broader tensions between belief and knowledge.
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At its core, my work seeks to understand how individuals make sense of identity, belonging, and uncertainty in an ever-changing social world.


04_EXPERIENCE
I am currently on the job market, seeking a sociology department that values rigorous engagement with the complexities of race—particularly mixed-race and multiracial scholarship—as well as the study of religion and spirituality.
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I am eager to join a department that not only fosters intellectual curiosity in these areas but also implements concrete strategies for the development and support of junior faculty.
As a dedicated teacher and mentor, I am especially drawn to departments that prioritize teaching excellence and are deeply committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
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I look forward to contributing to a dynamic academic community where research, teaching, and mentorship are valued as integral to sociological inquiry and social change.
BA I University of Washington
International Studies - 2016
M.A. I University of Washington
Education - 2018
M.A. I University of California - SB
Sociology - 2020
Ph.D. I University of California - SB
Sociology - 2025 (expected)
Areas of Research
& Expertise
Mixed Race Identity
Gender: Masculinities
Qualitative Research Methods
Sociology of Religion and Spiritualities


Recent Publications