Kelly Beavan is a doctoral candidate and research assistant in the sociology department at the University of Maryland. Her research interests include attitudes and public opinion, demography, social identity, status and social structure, and the intersection between social psychological processes and research design/survey measurement. Kelly's involvement in the department began as an undergraduate student, where she successfully completed a honors thesis on subgroup differences in sexual attitudes and the role of religiosity. Kelly also works as a research assistant in the sociology department's Group Processes Lab where she conducts experimental lab studies and mentors current undergraduate students. Currently, Kelly works closely with Dr. Jeff Lucas as a research assistant on a government-funded project examining organizational culture, leadership, and (un)ethical behavior in the military,.

Kelly earned her master's degree and bachelor's degree with honors from the University of Maryland, where she studied sociology and survey methodology. She is excited to continue her postgraduate education and research involvement here at Maryland.