Dr. Erin Cech

Biography

Erin Cech is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan, specializing in sociology. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego, along with two B.S. degrees in Sociology and Electrical Engineering from Montana State University. Her research focuses on the cultural mechanisms of inequality reproduction, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Cech employs both quantitative and qualitative approaches to explore issues such as the retention of women, LGBTQ, and racially minoritized students in STEM professions. She investigates how cultural definitions of 'good work' and the 'passion principle' contribute to occupational inequalities. Cech's work has receive attention from major media outlets including the New York Times, CNN, and Forbes. She has authored notable publications, including 'Trouble with Passion: Searching for Fulfillment at Work Fosters Inequality' and has been awarded the prestigious Henry Russel Award for her contributions to academic research.

Research Interests