
Associate professor Dr. Alicia Walker of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology has been enjoying a successful 2025.
First, Walker recently received the 2026 Sociology of Sexualities Early Career Award from the American Sociological Association.
The award honors an exceptional early career scholar whose contributions to the discipline and to the sociological study of sexualities are evident across scholarship, teaching, service and community-building, Walker said.
Nominated by four colleagues in the field, Walker added that she was “incredibly honored to receive this recognition.”
In addition, Walker will publish a new book this year that she co-wrote with Arielle Kuperberg. “Bound by BDSM: Unexpected Lessons in Building a Happier Life,” is, based on the largest-ever study of BDSM practitioners. The book uses in-depth interviews to explore issues in consent, boundaries, communication and creativity.