Dr. Rajasekar finished his PhD in Sociology at the University of Minnesota--Twin Cities in 2021. After working at UMN Duluth and Luther College, Dr Rajasekar started at UIS in Fall 2023. He teaches core classes in sociology such as Introduction to Sociology, Research Methods, and Senior Seminar. Dr Rajasekar also teaches topical classes related to race and racism, critical race theory, multiculturalism and diversity, media, discourse, social problems, and political culture in the USA. Rajasekar has a mixed-methods background with experience in both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Dr Rajasekar's research focuses on how discourse surrounding race and diversity in the USA is associated with different Americans' political ideas, ideological beliefs, and policy attitudes. His current research includes studies of recent changes in diversity discourse and research about political polarization in digital media spaces. When he's not in the office, you can find Dr Rajasekar playing cricket, walking his dog, or cooking something delicious in the kitchen.