Faculty Member
Yi Yin received her PhD in Sociology Department from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in June 2022. Her research interests include political sociology, methodology, globalization, environmental sociology, culture, and social network analysis. She has strong programming skills (Stata, R, SPSS, Python, and SQL) as well as teaching experiences on introduction to sociology, introduction to statistics, advanced statistics, environmental sociology, classical social theory, social change, survey research design, and globalization, which require multi-disciplinary and a cross-cultural outlook.
Major: Sociology
Major: Law
Major: Law
Modern Social Problems, Summer 2026
Classical Social Theory, Spring 2026
Intro to Sociology, Spring 2026
Modern Social Problems, Spring 2026
Survey Research Design, Spring 2026
Through student‑centered teaching and innovative curriculum design, Yin expanded access to sociology coursework by launching the sociology online degree, redesigning high‑demand courses, and developing new offerings. Together, these efforts broaden opportunities for students with varied schedules, backgrounds, and levels of preparation while maintaining rigorous academic standards. She further advances belonging by co‑facilitating a Faculty Learning Circle focused on community‑engaged pedagogy — practices that faculty across disciplines can integrate to create classrooms where students can come as they are and feel empowered to thrive. Students consistently describe her courses as respectful, engaging, and supportive spaces where diverse perspectives are valued.
Yin’s commitment to individualized mentorship is extensive and deeply impactful. Through UVU’s Faculty Externship Program, Yin partnered with an external organization to gain firsthand insight into workplace expectations and the durable and technical skills students need to thrive in today’s job market. She uses this experience to inform the applied learning opportunities she designs for her students. Through her teaching, mentorship, and leadership, Yin exemplifies UVU’s highest standards of exceptional care and academic excellence.
The Early Career Inspiring Scholarship Award recognizes early career faculty (with 0–5 years of professional experience) whose research demonstrates innovation, strong promise, and a clear impact on student learning in their field. The award especially highlights faculty who are dedicated mentors, providing sustained support for undergraduate students through research engagement, scholarly development, and professional growth.
This honor is awarded by the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), a highly respected national organization that advances high-quality undergraduate research and hosts the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), one of the most prestigious venues for showcasing undergraduate scholarship.
Faculty Senate Teaching Awards Based on School and College Reviews recognize full‑time and adjunct faculty whose teaching demonstrates excellence and meaningful impact on student learning. Selected through school‑ and college‑level review processes, this award honors faculty who create engaging, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning environments that support UVU’s teaching mission. The award serves to publicly acknowledge exemplary instructional practices and to encourage the continued pursuit of high standards in teaching across the university.
I was nominated by my department chair, Dr. Rachel Arocho, for the CHSS Distinguished Scholarship award. Although I was not selected as the final recipient, I was honored to be named a finalist. My scholarship reflects a productive, interdisciplinary, and collaborative research agenda that advances knowledge on the social impact of AI, research methodology, health informatics, social change, and network analysis, and it meaningfully engages undergraduate students in the research process. In addition, I have sustained a strong record of peer‑reviewed publications, national and international presentations, grant activity, and global collaboration. My work consistently demonstrates scholarly rigor, interdisciplinary, student‑engaged research, and growing visibility. Being nominated and advancing to the finalist stage affirmed that my contributions are highly valued by colleagues across the college and encouraged me to continue pursuing ambitious, collaborative projects that elevate student involvement and scholarly impact.
I was nominated by my department chair, Dr. Rachel Arocho, for the CHSS Distinguished Teaching Award. Although I was not selected as the final recipient, I was honored to be named a finalist. This recognition reflects my steadfast, holistic, and intentional commitment to teaching that aligns with departmental, college, and university expectations. My teaching philosophy is simple but powerful_ the classroom is a launchpad for discovery where students actively build, test, and apply knowledge. I have made sustained contributions to curriculum development and program growth, and I strive to design courses that are pedagogically rigorous, deeply supportive, and consistently student-centered. My mentorship is an integral part of my teaching, contributing meaningfully to students’ professional and personal development. In addition, I actively support and collaborate with colleagues to enhance teaching and learning within my department and the broader academic community. Being nominated and advancing to the finalist stage for the CHSS Distinguished Teaching Award affirmed that my teaching contributions are highly valued by colleagues and encouraged me to continue pursuing innovative, student-centered approaches that enhance learning and foster meaningful student success.
I am honored to receive the Global Scholar Award in recognition of my research contributions to AI in education. I lead collaborative projects that examine current practices, highlight innovations, and address critical gaps. Through these efforts, this project will contribute to the development of strategies, resources, and professional development initiatives that support educators and institutions in adapting to the challenges and opportunities of AI. Additionally, I support colleagues interested in AI and education by facilitating research collaborations and knowledge-sharing. This award acknowledges my ongoing commitment to advancing technological integration in teaching and learning through global and scholarly collaborations.
