Virginia Riel

Virginia Riel is an Asst Teaching Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at North Carolina State University, within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She specializes in teaching courses such as Theories of Social Structure, Sociology of Family, and Juvenile Delinquency. Additionally, she serves as an academic advisor for sociology and criminology majors, helping students navigate academic goals and opportunities. As director of the departmental honors programs, she mentors students in research projects.

Education:

• B.A. in Sociology and American Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• M.S. and Ph.D. in Sociology, North Carolina State University

Research Interests: Racial dynamics in education, school choice policies, charter school recruitment strategies, and social inequality. Her work examines how structural and interpersonal factors shape educational opportunities and racial stratification.

Recent Research Trends: Her publications analyze the interplay between educational policies and social inequality, particularly through studies on charter school practices, racial microaggressions in schools, and the impact of school siting on community dynamics.

Advising and Mentorship: Virginia advises students on academic trajectories and supports honors program research, fostering student engagement in sociological inquiry.