Alissa Klein

Alissa Klein is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Sociology & Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at the University of South Florida (USF), College of Arts and Sciences. Her primary roles include teaching undergraduate courses such as Social Science Statistics, Social Psychology, and Introduction to Sociology. She holds a BA (2008), MA (2015), and is pursuing a PhD (planned 2024) in Sociology from USF. Her research focuses on inequality, poverty, socio-economic mobility, and social psychology, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. She has received multiple teaching awards, including the Distinguished Teaching Award and the Keith Roberts Teaching Innovations Award.

Her research explores the interplay between beliefs about mobility and attitudes toward public assistance. Klein is also deeply engaged in pedagogical innovation, completing certifications in inclusive pedagogy, online instruction, and belonging-focused teaching. She has led workshops on topics like fostering student resilience and neurodiversity in education. Klein’s service includes roles on departmental committees, conference organizing, and community outreach, reflecting her commitment to public sociology.

Her scholarly contributions span presentations on socio-economic inequality, classroom engagement strategies, and policy narratives. Klein’s work bridges academic research with practical teaching excellence, emphasizing equity and student success.