Education

• B.Sc. Applied Psychology and Sociology, University of Surrey (1994)
• M.A. Sociology, University of North Texas (1997)
• Ph.D. Sociology, University of North Texas (2012)

Research Interests/Scholastic Profile

Dr. Simons' has a variety of interests within the field of sociology. While her main interest focused on disasters; how people responded in disasters, and how disasters affect certain populations, she has expanded her research, while at Texas Wesleyan, to focus on vulnerable populations in general, and what can be done to help alleviate some of the problems they face. This passion in social vulnerability can be seen in her work with the local community of Rosedale and Polytechnic Heights, where, with the help of our students and the Home Owners Association, she organizes events specifically aiding our neighbors. Courses that she teaches reflect this passion for applied, hands-on, experience demonstrating that sociology is not a textbook subject.  

Obviously, you cannot be a sociologist without people watching, and Dr. Simons' also has an interest in collective behavior and collective violence, as well as popular culture, just for the fun of the studies.

Lately, Dr. Simons has been involved in teaching a social justice course alongside Dr. Payne from political sciences. This not only helps students understand a topic from different perspectives but helps throw light on some sociological issues too, and has futhered her interest in social justice. 

As an applied sociologist, Dr. Simons takes what is learned in the research and applies it directly in the field. She believes strongly that the best way to learn is through examples and application.