Sofia Locklear

Dr. Sofia Locklear is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto Mississauga, specializing in the racialization of Indigenous peoples across North America. An enrolled Lumbee Tribe member with Ukrainian heritage from Kenora, Ontario, she earned her PhD from the University of New Mexico in 2021 and focuses on colonial structures impacting Indigenous health, education, and urban housing.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Sociology, University of New Mexico (2021)

Locklear's research integrates Colonialism, Racialization, and Indigeneity with Critical Whiteness Studies and Indigenous Public Health. She develops decolonizing methodologies that center Indigenous knowledge systems, particularly through qualitative analysis of systemic inequities while incorporating quantitative data where necessary. Her work bridges critical race theory, Indigenous studies, and public health evaluation frameworks.

Recent publications examine Indigenous evaluation frameworks for urban communities and settler-colonial impacts on housing, revealing intersections of racial capitalism, displacement, and community resilience. These works advance methodological innovations in community-led research and policy reform.

Scientific recognition includes:

• American Sociological Association Minority Fellowship Program (2020-2021, Cohort 47)

She currently co-leads a National Science Foundation-funded project with Elizabeth Korver-Glenn investigating urban housing experiences of American Indian/Alaska Native populations across the United States. While specific advising details aren't provided, her faculty role involves graduate mentorship in sociology and Indigenous studies.

Locklear collaborates with interdisciplinary teams including Indigenous scholars and community organizations, emphasizing community-driven research that prioritizes Indigenous sovereignty in evaluation and public health initiatives.