2025 Sociology Undergraduate Thesis Prizes

The department would like to congratulate three students for their outstanding thesis work.

Fulton Prize

Each year the Albert M. Fulton, Class of 1897, Prize is presented to the senior who submits the best thesis ". . .judged by its contents," research methods, "and literary expression in the field of . . . sociology." This prize was established from a bequest of Albert M. Fulton, A.B. 1897, and includes a monetary prize.

This year's Fulton Prize was awarded to Adrienne Chan for her senior thesis, "What They Did for Love: Passion and Its Impacts on Work Conditions, Labor Advocacy, and Solidarity in New York City’s Dance Industry”, advised by Shira Zilberstein and Prof. Michele Lamont. 

Hoopes Prize

The Thomas Temple Hoopes Prize is awarded to undergraduates on the basis of outstanding scholarly work or research, usually in the form of a senior thesis. It is considered the most prestigious undergraduate research award given by Harvard College. Each student winner receives a $5,000 award. Advisors of winning projects are awarded $2,000 for “excellence in the art of teaching.”

We are proud to announce that Sociology concentrator Sophia Barakett received a Hoopes Prize for her senior thesis, "Negotiating Inclusion: Dancers’ Perspectives On The Changing Diversity Of The Ballet World”, advised by Dr. Caitlin Daniel.

Joan Morthland Hutchins Prize on Latino Studies

The Joan Morthland Hutchins Thesis Prize is awarded to recognize the Harvard College senior who writes the best thesis on a subject concerning Latinos (either recent immigrants or established communities of Latin American descent in the United States). The award is administered by the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies.

We are proud to announce that Sociology concentrator Angie Gabeau received the Hutchins Prize for her senior thesis, "HAÏTI CHÉRIE: The Collective Memory of the Haitian People”, advised by Dr. Danilo Mandic.

Rose Award

The Stephen Rose Sociology Undergraduate Research Fund (Rose Award) was established in memory of Stephen Rose, AB 2006, who studied sociology as an undergraduate at Harvard College.  One of Stephen’s favorite quotes by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., states “The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” A award supports a rising senior to conduct thesis research during their senior year.

Sociology concentrator Oneli Perera has been award the Rose Award for the 2025-2026 academic year. Perera will use her Rose Award funds to conduct senior thesis research on classroom integration and inter-ethnic relations in Sri Lankan universities.