Ashon Bradford

General Interests
In my research, I utilize historical data to challenge individualistic explanations of inequality and racial disparities in society. I am currently working on research projects that focus on the long-term effect of New Deal policies on African Americans, post-secondary aspirations of minorities in the United States, spatial inequality with a specific focus on the Rural South and an exploration of Black Leadership in America Post-1970.

In my courses, I encourage the development of critical and analytical thinking, creative problem solving, systematic problem assessment and the linkage of theoretical knowledge to real world problems. I believe the classroom represents one of the places in society where individuals from different backgrounds can share and learn in a safe-space. Therefore, I strive to make my courses accessible to students from all backgrounds.

Years at Knox: 2019-Present

Education
2018 Ph.D., Developmental Sociology, Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)
2012 M.S., Developmental Sociology, Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)
2008 B.A., Sociology, Grambling State University (Grambling, LA)

Teaching Interests
Rural Poverty, Race and Ethnicity, Demography, Education and Social Mobility, Spatial Inequality, Hip-Hop, Black Leadership.

Selected Professional Accomplishments

Honors/Grants

• Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Faculty Fellow, 2019
• Outstanding Teaching Assistant, Department of Development Sociology, 2012
• Fellowship Recipient, State University of New York, 2009 & 2013

Presentations

“Holding Fast to a Dream: Estimating the Probabilities of Class-Vulnerability and Class-Security Among the Middle Class.” Poster presented with Thomas Hirschl, Ph.D. at the Population Association of America Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA. May 3, 2012.

“Asset Poverty Risk and the Race Divide over the Period 1984 to 2004.” Poster presented with Thomas Hirschl, Ph.D. at the Encore Conference of the Cornell Population Program, Ithaca, NY. October 1, 2010.

“Asset Poverty Risk and the Race Divide over the Period 1984 to 2004.” Poster presented with Thomas Hirschl, Ph.D. at the Population Association of America Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX. April 15, 2010.

Professional Service

• American Sociological Association
• Population Association of America