Virginia Berndt

Virginia Berndt is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at McDaniel College, where she teaches courses such as Introduction to Sociology: A Global Perspective and Sociological Theory. She began her academic career in 2021 at Texas A&M International University and is now actively contributing to undergraduate education and research at McDaniel College.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Sociology, University of Delaware (2021)
• MA in Sociology, Lehigh University (2016)
• BA in Sociology & Philosophy, Millersville University of Pennsylvania (2013)
• AA in Social Sciences, HACC: Central Pennsylvania's Community College (2011)

Dr. Berndt's research is centered on health and illness, particularly focusing on medical sociology, reproductive health, embodiment, gender, disasters, and sociological theory. Her work draws on both qualitative and quantitative methodologies across interactional, national, and global contexts. Her dissertation explored women's embodied experiences with contraception and its medicalization, a theme that continues to inform her scholarship. She co-authored the book Body Art (Arts for Health), which examines body art as a pathway to mental and physical wellbeing.

The recent publications of Dr. Berndt reflect a consistent focus on reproductive health, gendered vulnerabilities in health crises, and patient-provider dynamics. Her work often intersects with issues of social justice, disability, and marginalized communities, particularly evident in her studies on contraception access during disasters and the impact of environmental stressors on health outcomes. The articles demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary approach, bridging sociology, public health, and gender studies.

While no formal scientific awards are listed in the available information, her research has been published in reputable journals such as Social Science & Medicine, Health, Population and Environment, and Sociology Compass.

Dr. Berndt is deeply committed to mentoring and supporting students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, including chronically ill and disabled students. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes accessibility, inclusivity, and academic rigor. Although no specific grants are mentioned, her research agenda suggests engagement with funding opportunities related to health disparities, reproductive justice, and disaster resilience. She has not listed any advisees in the provided materials.

She is actively involved in her academic community and continues to develop research that bridges personal experience with sociological inquiry. Her work contributes significantly to understanding how structural and embodied factors shape health outcomes, particularly for women and vulnerable populations.