Mary Corcoran

I discovered Sociology when I began a degree in Economic and Social Studies at Trinity College Dublin in October 1979. I was instantly hooked! After completing a degree in Sociology and Politics and a stint working in the newly formed Telecom Eireann (now Eircom) I went to New York City to continue my studies. I received my doctorate in Sociology from Columbia University, New York in 1991 www.columbia.edu. My PhD research explored the experiences of undocumented Irish immigrants in the city in the 1980s. While in New York, I worked as an adjunct lecturer in Sociology at New York University and at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY. On my return to Ireland in 1988 I spent two years teaching at UCD before moving to the National University of Ireland, Maynooth in 1990. My research and teaching interests lie primarily in the fields of urban sociology, public cultures and the sociology of migration. For a full list of my publications, teaching record and presentations please see my curriculum vitae. One of my main ambitions is to bring sociology and the sociological perspective to wider audiences. I do this through my engagement with community groups and civic organisations and through regular appearances in the broadcast media. I have for many years been an active member of the Sociological Association of Ireland helping to promote the discipline more widely. When I am not 'doing sociology' I like to go cycling, walk in the mountains and read fiction.