Kate Phelps

Kate Phelps is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Gender and Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts-Boston and has taught at UMass-Boston, Tufts University, Madison College, and UW-Madison. Her research focuses on body politics, digital spaces, and gendered experiences in institutions, with a particular emphasis on tween girls’ social media practices and weight-inclusive healthcare collaborations.

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s in Women’s and Gender Studies, Beloit College
  • Master’s in Gender and Cultural Studies, Simmons University
  • Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Massachusetts-Boston

Phelps’ groundbreaking work Digital Girlhoods (2025) explores agency, identity formation, and community building among tweens on platforms like YouTube. Her research employs arts-based methodologies such as body mapping workshops and challenges simplistic narratives about social media risks while highlighting its potential for visibility and empowerment.

Scientific Awards:

• 2025 College of Letters & Science Academic Staff Teaching Excellence Award

She actively connects classroom learning to social impact through the Wisconsin Idea, emphasizing praxis and community engagement. Outside academia, Phelps enjoys ultimate frisbee, music, and outdoor activities in Madison, Wisconsin.