A graduate of Ohio University, Professor Della Winters earned her PhD at the University of Tennessee and worked for Arkansas State University before landing at the Sociology, Gerontology & Gender Studies department of CSU Stanislaus as an Assistant Professor of Sociology.
Self-autonomy is the defining principle behind Professor Winter’s research as she continues to advocate for the protection of privacy and laws regarding reproductive rights. The Signal had the opportunity to speak with Winters about navigating the relationship between these key issues and her role in teaching Sociology.
Q: Can you provide a brief history of your interest in Sociology?
A: I started my undergraduate career as a journalism major during a time when I wanted to be a music journalist. However, I began watching as magazines and newspapers went away when people were shifting from print to online. I saw the world change as it faced a Great Recession, and I felt the true path forward for me was in sociology, the space where I could recognize these trends and explore its impact on our society.
Q: What would you like the Stan State community to know about your research and agenda?
A: I describe myself as a mass surveillance and law in society scholar, so I am most interested in the laws and policies that shape the most intimate aspects of our lives.
Q: How do you like being involved with Stan State so far?
A: It’s been interesting transitioning to California because going from being in Ohio to living in Tennessee was a cultural transition. Moving from Tennessee to Arkansas was a cultural transition. And now moving from Arkansas to California. I’m excited to be here.
By, Mark Coggins