Amanda Koontz

Amanda Koontz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Central Florida (UCF), within the College of Sciences. Her office is located in HPH 409E, and she can be reached at Amanda.koontz@ucf.edu or (407) 823-4119. Dr. Koontz holds a Ph.D. (2011), M.A. (2009), and B.A. (2007) in Sociology from Florida State University and Appalachian State University, respectively.

Her research focuses on social inequalities, culture and consumption, identities, and social psychology. Current projects explore inequalities in market representations of 'authenticity' and identity negotiation among marginalized groups. She also teaches courses on sociological theory, gender, pop culture, and race/ethnicity.

Her recent work spans interdisciplinary topics, including craft beer’s role in community-building, racial identity reconstruction, transgender survivorship challenges, and the sociocultural dimensions of modern consumerism. She has contributed to discussions on equity in STEM academia, workplace well-being frameworks, and leveraging technology (e.g., 3D printing) during crises.

While her research often intersects with gender and race studies, she also examines cultural phenomena like art elitism, craft spirits revival, and pandemic-era innovation. Her publications reflect a commitment to understanding how societal structures shape individual and collective identities.