Avery Solis

Motivation to pursue graduate studies at FSU

I became interested in sociology after about a year of struggling to find where I fit into FSU during undergrad. Discovering sociology felt like discovering a superpower; exploring sociological perspectives became not only intuitive to me, but exciting and empowering. Since then, I've felt passionate about doing the work of teaching and creating knowledge, and as an academic, I hope to nurture and inspire future sociologists as my professors at FSU have done for me.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

I plan to study constructions of fitness, gender and race, particularly as they relate to perceptions of morality. I'm curious about the types of bodies we perceive as fit, how fitness upholds traditional race and gender hierarchies, and how different bodies are valued under American capitalism. My research is important because it seeks to challenge binary understandings of gender, race and health, which often act as barriers to participation in fitness and exacerbate negative health outcomes for the already marginalized. My research is also valuable in questioning the notion of poor health as indicative of moral laxity and individual responsibility, a dominant narrative that pushes many of the most vulnerable members of our society into isolation and stigmatization.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Talk with your professors and TAs! I learned about applying for graduate school, getting involved in research, and best practices for graduate students during office hours with professors and graduate instructors. These people will likely become valuable professional references and mentors as you pursue a graduate degree.

Accomplishments during graduate career

As I prepare to begin my first year of doctoral studies, I am proud to have submitted my undergraduate honors thesis for publication in the Sociology of Sport Journal, and I am most looking forward to working with undergraduates in sociology and presenting my research at conferences. So far in my academic journey, presenting research at conferences has been exciting and reinvigorating, not to mention invaluable for refining my research and writing skills.

Career aspirations

I plan to pursue a career in academia. I hope to work as a professor and researcher at an R1 research university.