Jodi O'Brien

Jodi O'Brien, PhD, is a Professor of Sociology and Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs at Seattle University's College of Arts & Sciences. Her leadership roles include overseeing academic affairs and faculty development across the university. She holds a Sociology PhD and has been actively publishing since 2005.

Her research focuses on intersections of gender, sexuality, religion, and social inequality. Key themes include queer Christian identities, LGBTQ+ mental health in academia, and the cultural politics of religious belonging. She has edited special journal issues and contributed to foundational sociological texts like The Production of Reality.

Her publications span sociology, gender studies, and religion, addressing topics like transgender biocultural theory, homophobia, and academic institutional contradictions. She has been a consistent voice in reshaping sociological methodologies and addressing LGBTQ+ issues in higher education contexts.