Kelli Jones

Kelli Jones is a 1st year Sociology PhD student at the University of Southern California. Her research interests include urban sociology, race and ethnicity, and civic action, specifically the importance of community and cultural narratives in historically marginalized communities. 

Prior to enrolling as a doctoral student at USC, she was a Research Rookie Undergraduate Research Fellow, a Million Dollar Hoods Undergraduate Student Researcher, a Ronald E. McNair Research Scholar, and a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her McNair senior thesis in Black sociology and education titled “Breaking Free From The Burning House: An Exploration of Anti-Blackness and Holistic Empowerment Through The Experiences of a Black Pre-College Social Justice Program” studied how Black educational and community safe spaces for Black high school youth prepare Black youth to create social change and pursue higher educaiton. 

Kelli earned her Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in June 2025. She earned two degrees in Sociology and African American Studies. She has previously worked with Dr. Ugo Edu and Dr. David C. Turner III.

• BA University of California Los Angeles