Mehmet Balkanlioglu

Holding a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of North Texas and having completed postdoctoral research at Georgetown University, Dr. Mehmet Balkanlioglu has a distinguished record of instructing undergraduate and graduate courses. He is presently a Lecturer in the Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations within the School of Management and Labor Relations at Rutgers University.

Dr. Balkanlioglu's research portfolio encompasses gender, work, race and ethnicity, immigration, family, religion, social justice, and inequality. His scholarly work has been presented at prominent academic conferences, including those organized by the American Sociological Association and the European Sociological Association. His scholarship has also been cited across diverse academic and media platforms. He actively contributes to the academic community as a peer reviewer for leading international journals, such as International Sociology. Furthermore, he has been an invited speaker for national and international organizations, disseminating his expertise on topics including gender, work, marriage and family, religion, mental health, and social justice.

He has designed and delivered an extensive array of undergraduate and graduate courses across online, hybrid, and in-person modalities. His teaching portfolio includes, but is not limited to: Working Women in American Society, Sociology of Marriage: Diversity, Inequality, and Social Change, Race and Ethnicity, Introduction to Sociology, Social Theory, Intercultural Perspectives on Family, Research Methods, Social Statistics, Sociology of Religion, Social Work and Social Welfare, and Sociology of Mental Health. Dr. Balkanlioglu is recognized for his inclusive and engaging instructional approach, consistently receiving outstanding evaluations for his teaching excellence.

Guided by a philosophy of inclusive pedagogy, Dr. Balkanlioglu employs diverse instructional strategies to accommodate a broad spectrum of learning styles. He integrates multimedia tools, flipped classroom models, and active learning techniques to foster critical thinking, enhance academic engagement, and promote the practical application of sociological theory.

Beyond his contributions to teaching and research, Dr. Balkanlioglu demonstrates a profound commitment to service at both institutional and community levels. His institutional contributions include curriculum development, student assessment, academic advising, and thesis supervision. In the community, he has spearheaded initiatives supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, survivors of domestic violence, and other marginalized populations, viewing public engagement as an integral component of his academic mission.

With a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, impactful research, and dedicated service, Dr. Balkanlioglu is exceptionally well-positioned to enrich dynamic and inclusive academic communities. He is particularly eager to develop interdisciplinary courses and pioneering research initiatives that address emerging trends in sociology and integrate innovative pedagogical practices.