Cheryl Llewellyn

Cheryl Llewellyn, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Sociology Department at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell). She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Stony Brook University (2015), an M.A. from American University (2007), and a B.A. from Stonehill College (2006). Her research focuses on the intersection of gender, sexuality, and migration, particularly legal barriers for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and media representations of refugees. She teaches courses in classical sociological theory, gender studies, and refugee policy.

• Education: Ph.D. in Sociology (Stony Brook University, 2015), M.A. (American University, 2007), B.A. (Stonehill College, 2006)

Her research examines three key areas: legal obstacles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in U.S. asylum systems, trauma experienced during asylum applications, and media framing of refugee politics. Her work has been published in Sexuality Research & Social Policy, Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies, and American Behavioral Scientist.

Her awards include the 2019 UMass Lowell Teaching Excellence Award and the 2013 Stony Brook President’s Award for Teaching. She has advised numerous students on topics like LGBTQ+ campus climate and refugee policies.

• Awards: Teaching Excellence (2019), Excellence in Graduate Teaching (2013), Paper Award (2010)

Dr. Llewellyn serves on committees addressing multiculturalism, global migration, and women’s leadership. She co-edited a 2017 special issue on gender and migration and organizes conferences on gender studies and refugee policy.