Alexis Franzese

Alexis Franzese is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Elon University and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. With dual doctoral training in Sociology and Clinical Psychology, she integrates interdisciplinary perspectives into her research at the intersection of medical sociology, social psychology, and gender studies.

• Education: PhD in Sociology (2007) and PhD in Psychology (Clinical) (2011) from Duke University
• Research Focus: Authentic behavior, identity negotiation, and reproductive/family-building decisions
• Key Methodologies: Mixed-methods surveys, in-depth qualitative interviews

Her work examines how gender expectations shape healthcare experiences and self-perception authenticity. Current projects include studies on authenticity in sexual orientation, extramarital affairs, and reproductive identity. She advises Elon's Sociology Honor Society and teaches courses ranging from Introduction to Sociology to specialized topics on happiness and medical sociology.