Brandon Alston is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Sociology at Northwestern University with graduate certificates in African American Studies and Teaching and Learning. His research examines how surveillance systems operate across poor neighborhoods, prisons, and parole programs. His work has been published in Socialism & Democracy and the Journal of African American Studies. His research has been supported by organizations including the National Academies of Sciences, the American Bar Foundation, the Institute for Citizens and Scholars, the Social Science Research Council, and the Washington Center for Equitable Growth. Brandon’s research has received awards from national and regional professional associations, including the American Sociological Association, the Association of Black Sociologists, Midwest Sociological Society, and the Society for the Study of Social Problems. Brandon is also a member of the Edward Bouchet Graduate Honor Society. At Dominican University, he serves as the inaugural Sociologist in Residence, providing career support to students in Sociology. Brandon’s work extends into local Black communities, where he has implemented social interventions centered on mental health and gun violence. Prior to attending Northwestern, Brandon earned a Master of Science in Management (MSM) from Wake Forest University Business School, where he was a Corporate Fellow. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Religion (with distinction) from Haverford College, where he received the Mellon Mays Fellowship.
