Michaela DeSoucey

Michaela DeSoucey is an Associate Professor and Director of the Sociology Graduate Program at the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, North Carolina State University. Her research bridges cultural sociology and organizational theory, focusing on the intersections of consumption, markets, and social movements. She holds a B.A. from Swarthmore College (2000), and M.A. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University (2004, 2010).

Her work examines food politics, including foie gras controversies, craft beverages, and food allergy advocacy. Notable contributions include Contested Tastes: Foie Gras and the Politics of Food (2016), which won multiple awards. She explores themes like authenticity, risk perception, and cultural globalization through case studies of chocolate, beer, and pisco production.

• Research Interests: Food systems, consumer markets, risk sociology, organizational innovation, cultural globalization, and qualitative methodologies.
• Awards: 2023 CHASS Research Award, 2019 Southern Sociological Society Junior Scholar Award, and ASA accolades for her book and articles.
• Advising: Oversees graduate programs in sociology, focusing on training in ethnographic and institutional analysis.
• Labs/Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary projects on food politics and cultural heritage through NC State’s research networks.