Frank L. Samson

Frank L. Samson is an assistant professor of sociology. His research interests include race and ethnic relations, inequality, social psychology, and political sociology. He has been a fellow of the National Science Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Public Policy Institute of California, and Stanford University's Research Institute for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, as well as an affiliate of the Hiphop Archive. He is currently working on a book manuscript based on his dissertation, Race and the Limits of American Meritocracy, which was supported by a National Science Foundation Dissertation Improvement Grant and chaired by Lawrence D. Bobo (Harvard) with David B. Grusky (Stanford) later serving as co-advisor. Dr. Samson's most recent publication is a chapter in Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s edited volume, Handbook of African American Citizenship, forthcoming from Oxford University Press.

Prior to graduating from Stanford University with an M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology,
Dr. Samson received his Bachelor of Science degree in Cybernetics (with a Behavioral Science concentration) from UCLA, where he was supported by a National Merit Scholarship. He later earned a Master of Theological Studies degree from Harvard University, studying the ethical implications of various social theories with Cornel West (now at Princeton). Before arriving in Miami, Dr. Samson also previously taught at De Anza College, San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, and Stanford University.

Courses Offered


SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (Fall 2009/Spring 2010)


In addition to his academic degrees, Dr. Samson holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, awarded to him by Rilion Gracie.