Nella Van Dyke

Nella Van Dyke is a Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Merced, affiliated with the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts. Her research bridges social movement theory, hate crime analysis, and LGBTQ+ student experiences.

• Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Arizona (1999)
• B.A. with Distinction from the University of Michigan

Her work investigates how social environments shape collective action, including:

• White supremacist protest patterns (1948–1997)
• Coalition dynamics in social movements
• LGBTQ+ identity disclosure in college admissions
• Rhetorical strategies in sexual assault advocacy

Key publication trends include:

• Focus on intersection of political threats and coalition formation
• Analysis of racial justice and labor movements
• Examination of LGBTQ+ campus experiences
• Historical studies of right-wing mobilization

Contact: nvandyke@ucmerced.edu