Educator & Mentor
Teaching & Mentoring
Transforming lives through education that bridges sociology, genomics, public policy, and the arts — training the next generation of scholars and community leaders.
13+
Courses Taught
25+
Ph.D. Students Supervised
40+
Undergrad Researchers Mentored
5x
Teaching Excellence Awards
Courses Taught
Spanning undergraduate to graduate levels, these courses reflect Dr. Mendenhall's interdisciplinary approach to teaching sociology, African American studies, public policy, and health.
Soc 180
Stress and Health in African American Communities
Sociology
Examines the relationship between structural inequality, chronic stress, and health outcomes in African American communities, with emphasis on resilience and community-based solutions.
Afro 150
Stress and Health in Urban Communities
African American Studies
Explores how urban environments shape health disparities, focusing on the lived experiences of communities of color and strategies for wellness and healing.
Afro 226
Black Women in Contemporary U.S. Society
African American Studies
Analyzes the experiences, challenges, and contributions of Black women in contemporary American society through intersectional lenses of race, gender, and class.
Cross-listed: GWS 226, Soc 223
Soc 163
Social Problems
Sociology
Introduction to major social problems in American society including poverty, inequality, racism, and health disparities, with focus on structural causes and policy solutions.
Afro 220
Research Methods in African American Studies
African American Studies
Training in qualitative and quantitative research methods applied to the study of African American communities and experiences.
Soc 199/IB 199
Discovery Course: Genes and Behavior
Sociology / Integrative Biology
An interdisciplinary discovery course exploring the intersection of genetics, behavior, and social environment, introducing students to sociogenomics.
Soc 380
Social Research Methods
Sociology
Comprehensive training in social science research methods including survey design, interviewing, ethnography, and data analysis techniques.
Soc 373
Social Stratification
Sociology
Examination of social class, inequality, and mobility in American society, with attention to race, gender, and their intersections with economic structures.
Soc 450
Sociology Capstone
Sociology
Senior capstone course integrating sociological theory and research methods through an independent research project.
Afro 490
Theory in African American Studies
African American Studies
Advanced seminar examining major theoretical frameworks in African American Studies, from Du Bois to contemporary critical race theory and intersectionality.
Afro 598/Soc 472/UP 481
Urban Communities and Public Policy
African American Studies / Sociology / Urban Planning
Graduate seminar on urban communities, structural inequality, and the role of public policy in shaping neighborhood outcomes, housing, and community development.
Cross-listed: Soc 472, UP 481
Soc 586
Advanced Social Statistics I
Sociology
Advanced statistical methods for social science research, including regression analysis, multilevel modeling, and techniques for analyzing complex social data.
ICPSR
Methodological Issues in Quantitative Research on Race and Ethnicity
University of Michigan (ICPSR Summer Program)
Specialized summer course at the Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research addressing methodological challenges in quantitative research on race and ethnicity.
Teaching Awards
A. Wade Smith Award for Teaching, Mentorship, and Service
Association of Black Sociologists · 2011
National award recognizing outstanding contributions to teaching, mentorship, and service in the field of sociology.
Faculty Mentorship Excellence Award
McNair Scholars Program · 2013
Recognized for exceptional mentorship of McNair Scholars, supporting first-generation and underrepresented students in pursuing graduate education.
Grand Challenge Learning Teaching Fellow
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · 2015
Selected as a teaching fellow for innovative pedagogy that addresses grand societal challenges through interdisciplinary learning.
Teachers Ranked as Excellent
The University of Illinois publishes a list of instructors rated as excellent by their students each semester. Dr. Mendenhall has been recognized multiple times.
Spring 2014
Sociology
Spring 2012
Sociology
Spring 2011
Sociology
Spring 2009
Sociology
Spring 2008
Sociology
"I believe in the transformative power of education to help students see the world differently — to understand that science, art, and community are not separate domains but interconnected pathways to justice and healing."
— Dr. Ruby Mendenhall
Mentoring & Student Programs
Dr. Mendenhall has mentored over 40 undergraduate researchers and chaired or served on 25+ dissertation committees. She is deeply committed to supporting first-generation and underrepresented students.
Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)
Mentored undergraduate researchers from underrepresented backgrounds in summer research experiences.
McNair Scholars Program
Guided first-generation and underrepresented students toward graduate school through research mentorship.
REACH Scholars
Supported students in developing research skills and academic pathways in social sciences.
ACT-SO Mentor (NAACP)
Mentored high school students through the NAACP's Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics program.
G.E.M.S. Advisory Board (St. Sabina Church)
Served on the advisory board for the Girls Empowerment and Mentoring Support program.
Ph.D. Students & Committees
Selected doctoral students supervised or served on dissertation committees.
Carileigh Jones
Sociology
Aaliyah Martinez
Sociology
Jessennya Hernandez
Sociology
"Everyday Latinx Resistance in Los Angeles"
David Chen
Public Health
Dr. Jasmine Williams
Sociology
"Neighborhood Effects and Maternal Health Outcomes in Urban Black Communities"
Dr. Robert Taylor
NCSA
Dr. Aisha Johnson
African American Studies
"Race, Place, and Chronic Disease: An Intersectional Analysis"
Dr. Michael Davis
Sociology
"Computational Methods for Understanding Health Disparities"
Tanisha King
Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership
"Redefining the Black Superwoman: Racial and Gender Microaggressions at Predominantly White Institutions"
Merin Thomas
Sociology
"Racial Microaggressions and the Experiences of Native American Students at a Predominantly White Midwestern University"