Melissa Cox ’06 (right) majored in sociology and will pursue graduate studies in reproductive and women’s health at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, in Ann Arbor.

“Low-Income Adolescent Mothers and Teen Pregnancy Programs: Do the Services Provide What Young Mothers Seek?”

Lisa Dodson, research professor, sociology department

“Melissa has an essential quality when researching the lives of other people: She pushes aside stereotypes—in the case of her research project, about teen moms—and seeks an understanding of how they know the world. This is critical knowledge if we want to support their chances and those of their children. Melissa thoroughly committed herself to hearing the voices of those who are usually left out of a society increasingly unbalanced by inequality and poverty. It was not only her excellent work but the passion for social justice that made Melissa’s project outstanding.”