Biography

Dr. Jill Doerner is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Sociology & Anthropology and Criminology & Criminal Justice at the University of Rhode Island, where she has been teaching and mentoring students for the past 18 years. She began her academic journey at a small private university in Ohio, majoring in International Business and Economics with a minor in Sociology. After discovering her passion for Sociology, she shifted her academic path and went on to earn both her Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Sociology with a focus on Crime and Deviance. Dr. Doerner is passionate about supporting students through mentorship and advising because she understands how valuable it is to have people who genuinely care and can help navigate the challenges of college and graduate school. She hopes to provide students with the guidance and encouragement she wishes she had during her own educational journey. Her goal is to help students feel supported, capable, and connected throughout their time at URI. She encourages first-generation students to ask questions, seek out support, and believe in their abilities. As a mentor, Dr. Doerner is especially interested in supporting students with personal growth and goal setting, identity development and sense of belonging, navigating college systems, major and career exploration, academics and study strategies, time management, financial literacy, confidence building and imposter syndrome, research and experiential opportunities, and graduate school planning.