Dr. Kathleen Sexsmith

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Kathleen Sexsmith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education. Her research focuses on gender and rural development, particularly in domestic and international contexts. In the U.S., she studies the impacts of gender, legal status, and geographical isolation on the living and working conditions of the Latin American workforce in agricultural industries. This includes investigating workplace safety, health access, housing, and employment conditions, as well as participation in sustainable agriculture initiatives. Sexsmith's international research explores gender dynamics in sustainable agriculture initiatives, emphasizing voluntary certifications and responsible investments, with a focus on climate-smart agricultural programming in Central America. She is also engaged in community outreach and advocacy, aimed at building partnerships with organizations that support underserved populations in agriculture. Sexsmith holds a Ph.D. in Development Sociology from Cornell University and has prior degrees from the University of Oxford and the University of Manitoba. Her commitment to research and community engagement reflects her dedication to understanding and improving the lives of agricultural workers and their environments.

Research Interests

Courses

Gender in International Development (CED/WMNST 420W) Community Development: Concepts and Practice (CED 152) Development Issues in Global Context (CED 230) Community-engaged Learning for PA Farmworkers (CED 497) Qualitative Research Methods (RSOC 514) Gender and Agricultural Development (RSOC 597)

Requirements for Pennsylvania State University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
GRE General
Prerequisites
Master's degree in related field for PhD Baccalaureate degree from accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Writing Sample
  • Official Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE scores are highly recommended but not strictly required for Applied Linguistics.