Maria R. Lowe

Maria R. Lowe is a Professor of Sociology at Southwestern University, specializing in racialized spaces, neighborhood surveillance, campus climate research, and the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement using qualitative and mixed methods. She earned her PhD and Master's in Sociology from The University of Texas at Austin, and a BA in Sociology from Trinity University.

• Current affiliation: Professor of Sociology, Southwestern University
• Education: PhD & MA in Sociology (University of Texas at Austin), BA in Sociology (Trinity University)

Her research focuses on how identity shapes experiences in neighborhoods and universities, particularly examining racialized surveillance in predominantly white spaces and historical civil rights activism. She collaborates with faculty and students on projects related to racial attitudes, diversity ideologies, and campus climate.

Recent publications include studies on racialized surveillance in white neighborhoods (2024), sexual orientation climate at southern universities (2017), and Mississippi Civil Rights Movement analysis (2009). Her work has been presented at major conferences like the American Sociological Association and Southern Sociological Society meetings.

• Notable awards: Christine Robertson Morenz Endowed Professor (2019-2024), Sam Taylor Award (2017), Southwestern University Teaching Award (2009)
• Scientific contributions: Mentored 18 students, including Brigit Reese and Carson Maxfield; Co-authored 20+ peer-reviewed publications; Led collaborative research on racialized surveillance and civil rights history