Dr. Kristopher Velasco

Biography

Kristopher Velasco is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology. His research lies at the intersections of global and transnational sociology, organizations, political sociology, culture, and sexuality. Kristopher’s work is driven by the overarching question of how organizations and institutions facilitate social and cultural change. He investigates transnational advocacy networks, NGOs, and international institutions that promote the expansion of LGBTI rights around the world, thereby changing cultural understandings of gender and sexuality. Kristopher also examines the cultural dimensions of nonprofit organizations, focusing on attributes like language use and emotionality, and their influence on the wider society. His research has been published in prominent journals such as the American Journal of Sociology, American Sociological Review, Social Forces, and International Studies Quarterly. He has received multiple awards for his research from notable associations including the American Sociological Association and the Ford Foundation. Kristopher earned his B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Kansas, followed by an M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin.

Research Interests