Dr. David G. Embrick is a distinguished scholar, educator, and thought leader whose work examines contemporary racism, racial inequality, and social justice. He holds a joint appointment as Professor of Sociology and Africana Studies at the University of Connecticut (UConn) in Storrs. He also serves as Director of Research and Community Engagement, Director of Research on Resilient Cities, Racism, and Equity (RRCRE), and Co-Director of the CoLab at UConn Hartford. In 2027, he serves as President of the Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP). He is the incoming Co-Editor of the journal, Social Problems (2027-2030).

Dr. Embrick has made significant contributions to the advancement of sociological scholarship, editorial leadership, and public engagement. A former American Sociological Association (ASA) Minority Fellow, he is the past founding co-editor of Sociology of Race and Ethnicity, a highly ranked academic journal. He currently serves as Founding Series Editor of Sociology of Diversity with Bristol University Press and Founding Series Co-Editor of Sociology of Race and Ethnicity with the University of Georgia Press.

His scholarship has earned national recognition, including the American Sociological Association’s 2023 Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award for scholarship in service to social justice and the Society for the Study of Social Problems’ 2024 Joseph B. Gittler Award for significant achievements in the ethical resolution of social problems. These honors reflect his longstanding commitment to research that advances social understanding and addresses pressing societal challenges.

Dr. Embrick’s research focuses on the ways contemporary forms of racism shape the experiences and opportunities of people of color. His extensive body of work explores diversity ideology, racism and the relationship between space and place, racial microaggressions, and social exclusion in online virtual environments. His current scholarship examines comparative and global anti-Black racism, white sanctuaries, and whitelash, contributing to broader conversations about racial power, inequality, and social change.

Beyond his scholarship, Dr. Embrick is deeply committed to translating research into meaningful community engagement and public impact. He has secured more than $3.5 million in external research funding and delivered over 200 invited talks, seminars, and workshops at academic institutions, industry forums, government agencies, and community organizations. Through his research, leadership, and community partnerships, he continues to advance critical conversations about race, equity, and social justice while helping bridge the gap between academic scholarship and real-world change.