January 2026
Dr. Pat Hastings was quoted in a USA Today article, "Hilary Duff's husband, Ashley Tisdale and why modern parenting is so messy" about modern parenting and mom groups.
"These spaces that give advice and companionship are also places where parents are going to implicitly or explicitly compare themselves to other people and their parenting," said Orestes P. Hastings, associate professor of sociology at Colorado State University who studies parenting. "It's just sort of unavoidable."
Ph.D. student Azmal Hossan is now a Graduate Research Assistant for the Collaboratory Research Group on Climate Change and Biodiversity at CSU's School of Global Environmental Sustainability (SoGES). The interdisciplinary research group aims to explore the synergies and trade-offs between climate change action and biodiversity protection, specifically in the agricultural production system.
Additionally, Azmal has been accepted as a Student Ambassador of the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. The prize is known as the 'Nobel Prize for the Environment' and this year's Laureate is Dr. Toby Kiers, an American evolutionary biologist and professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Azmal and his peers help promote Dr. Kiers' activism and research of underground fungal networks and soil biodiversity, work that has reshaped global understanding of ecosystem and climate health.
Dr. Graham Hill, Researcher and Lecturer at the University of Bern Sociology Institute, visited campus to share his research. He gave a Sociology-in-Progress talk titled "Conscientious Citizenship: Everyday Interventions on the Problem of Liberal Separation."
He explored the growing trend of everyday organizations and actors experimenting with – and often distancing themselves from – the category of “religion,” and thereby proposing alternative orientations to conscience work and opening new possibilities of civic engagement.
Dr. Hill and Dr. Pat Hastings crossed paths at UC Berkeley. For his dissertation, Dr. Hill conducted ethnographic research in Mexico and Switzerland, and he has a forthcoming book about this work.
Alumna Jessica Cuningham, (B.A. '17) has been recognized by Influential Women for advancing operational security within the defense and space industry.
"A graduate of Colorado State University, Jessica holds a Degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice and a minor in Legal Studies. Her academic journey included active participation in the Criminal Justice Club, where she developed a passion for security and advocacy. Jessica began her career as an investigator, gaining valuable experience in government contract work and investigations with organizations such as KeyPoint Government Solutions and the Colorado Public Defender’s Office. This foundation has equipped her with essential skills in discretion, critical thinking, and meticulous attention to detail."
2026 is off to an exciting start! Stay tuned for details...
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