Leah Keegahn
She/Her/Hers, Academic/Career Advisor
About
B.A. Sociology, M.A. Sociology, Western Washington University; Ph.D. Sociology, University of British Columbia
I transferred to Western from Whatcom Community College and planned to major in Marine Biology. I quickly struggled in the math and science foundation courses and was academically dismissed. I was reinstated and found my new major, Sociology, which has been a great joy to focus on. This experience was the reason why I wanted to become and advisor and help students.
My academic focus has been on student success and the barriers that some students face. I am Tlingit from Southeast Alaska and have focused my graduate work on researching early school leaving for Native Americans. My dissertation work at UBC focused on educational outcomes for Indigenous students and their lack of representation in the data.
I enjoy spending time with my family and our pets. My hobbies include rock hounding, sewing, thrifting, traveling, and spending time outdoors. I also enjoy practicing Taekwondo and hope to reach black belt soon.
I love Western and all the opportunities it provides. I especially enjoy helping students navigate their own academic careers at the university.