About
I’m a qualitative sociologist working at the intersection of diaspora/ethnic return, migration, and digital media technologies. My doctoral research explores the relationship between homeland spatial imaginaries and (voluntary) diasporic return pathways among young adults. I use Jamaica as a case study to explore this. While my primary regional focus is the Caribbean, I am a global historical and comparative thinker who finds immense value in drawing connections across different global contexts and temporal periods.
Before beginning my PhD, I received my MA in Sociology from the University of British Columbia. I completed my undergraduate training at McMaster University, where I received my BSc (honours) in the Life Sciences, and BA (summa cum laude) in Health Studies.
My interdisciplinary training has provided me with the unique opportunity to study and address various contemporary social issues. I have published work on topics ranging from urban inequality to medical education to the impact of COVID-19 on society, to racism and health. My work on racism and health has appeared in academic textbooks, such as The Routledge Companion to Intersectionality, academic journals, such as The Lancet Regional Health and The Journal of Healthcare for The Poor and Underserved, as well as online, public-facing magazines, such as TRAD.
My research has been recognized by the American Sociological Association and the Pacific Sociological Association as the recipient of the Louise Johnson Scholar Award and the Outstanding Graduate Student Paper Award, respectively.
My current doctoral research has been generously supported by the Social Science & Humanities Research Council of Canada and the University of Michigan’s Internationl Institute.
Outside of my academic work, I enjoy latin dancing, running, cafe-hopping, and trying out new hobbies. You can learn more about me and my work at my website, www.kayonnechristy.com
