Maia Punksungka

Wonmai (Maia) Punksungka is a doctoral student and graduate researcher in the Center for Social Science Research (CSSR), Education and Health Hub at George Mason University (GMU). She holds the academic rank of Researcher and is recognized as a Presidential Scholar at GMU.

• George Mason University: Graduate Researcher, Center for Social Science Research
• University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC): BA and MA in Sociology and Applied Sociology
• Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC): AA in Humanities and Social Sciences

Her research focuses on the sociology of higher education, particularly diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) climates, institutional belonging, and mechanisms to promote equitable workplaces and learning environments. She employs advanced quantitative methods and mixed-method approaches to analyze these themes.

Her publications span adult education participation, civic outcomes in postsecondary institutions, and pandemic impacts on older adults, reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with education, sociology, gerontology, and public health. Notable trends include equity in STEM programs and intersections of gender and race in social trust analysis.

• Presidential Scholar at George Mason University

Maia has taught undergraduate courses in sociology and cultural anthropology at Baltimore City Community College. She has conducted program evaluations for community colleges and non-profits, focusing on transfer pathways and neighborhood revitalization. Her presentations at academic conferences highlight her work on digital problem-solving skills, civic engagement, and workforce education.