معرفی
Dr. Holly Patch is a Research Associate at the Professorship of Sociology of Gender Relations at TU Dortmund University's Faculty of Social Sciences, working under Prof. Mona Motakef since April 2021. She completed her PhD in January 2023 at Bielefeld University with distinction (summa cum laude) for her dissertation 'Claim Your Voice: An Ethnographic Study of Trans* Vocality,' which received the Bielefeld Equality Award in gender research. Her academic journey includes significant research positions at Bielefeld University and a study abroad year at TU Dortmund University during her undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa.
- PhD in Sociology, Bielefeld University (2023)
- MA in Gender Studies, Bielefeld University (2016)
- BA in Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies and Music, Voice Performance, University of Iowa (2011)
Dr. Patch's research spans multiple interconnected fields including gender studies, trans* studies, sociology of gender, body and music, and voice studies. Her work combines theoretical rigor with practical engagement, particularly in exploring the intersections of gender identity, vocal expression, and social participation. Her current postdoctoral research investigates the complex relationships between time, nature, and gender relations, with specific focus on gendered dimensions of transformations in small-scale farming practices using biographical methods. She has developed expertise in both qualitative ethnographic approaches and participatory action research methodologies.
Her publication portfolio demonstrates consistent scholarly output across multiple disciplines, with a clear trajectory from vocal studies toward broader investigations of gender relations in diverse contexts. The publications reveal a methodological commitment to interdisciplinary work that bridges sociology, musicology, and gender studies, with increasing attention to rural sociology and ecological perspectives in her most recent work.
- Bielefeld Equality Award in gender research (2023)
- Outstanding Thesis Award from German Sociological Association (2017)
- Junior Fellowship at Center for Interdisciplinary Research (2020-2021)
- Multiple prestigious scholarships including Presidential and Old Gold Scholarships from University of Iowa
Dr. Patch has been actively involved in academic mentoring through programs like 'Movement' at Bielefeld University (2025-2026) and 'Blickpunkte' at Bielefeld University (2020-2021). Her research has received support from significant funding bodies including the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for the 'We CAN virtuOWL' International Virtual Academic Collaboration. She maintains strong international connections, evidenced by her upcoming visiting fellowship at the University of Trento, Italy, and previous collaborations with institutions in the United States. Her work bridges academic research with community engagement, particularly through her investigations of trans* choral singing and vocal practices.
