1. Melody Sherard-Redman
1129 Jefferson Ave
Akron, Ohio 44313
mjs195@zips.uakron.edu
330-255-8818
As an emerging Sociologist, I have been trained to study society and social behavior
through the examination of groups, cultures, social institutions, organizations, and the processes
people develop to navigate through the social world. My training has equipped me to design
research projects that test theories about social issues. This involves the collection of data using
various sources such as, interviews, observations, and surveys. I am proficient in preparing
reports and presentations that detail research conclusions. These skills are useful in advising
clients, policy makers, program developers and other groups interested in research findings
related to sociological issues. My concentration has been crime and deviance. My research
interests are parental incarceration and the effects of mass incarceration on the family in modern
society. Issues concerning race, religion, class, gender, and sexuality play specific roles in
shaping the lived experiences of individuals. I have spent my academic career studying human
behavior and examining the effect of social influences on different individuals and groups. The
knowledge I have acquired qualifies me to collaborate with administrators, educators, social
workers, and lawmakers implementing sociological research to solve social problems by
formulating public policy.
I embody a wide range of work experiences. I will have completed an MA in Sociology
from The University of Akron this December, I also hold a BA in Sociology, Criminology, and
Law Enforcement from the University of Akron (’14). I am excited to apply for this position
because my background is full of unique qualifications and life experiences. My background in
library work is useful because I have been trained to engage with diverse populations well. I
worked within ASCPL and Stow Library as a Library Assistant I&II from 1984-1990.
Additionally, I had the role of Children’s Librarian Assistant at Stow Library. In that position, I
created and implemented programming for pre-school and kindergarten aged children,
supervised volunteer, and student assistant staff, created programming for school aged children,
and designed events for home school groups.
My background in Private Duty Nurse Assisting Provided me with yet another skill set
that proved beneficial. I worked within Rockynol Nursing Facility between 1984-1990 as a staff
member which resulted in my caring for a specific resident upon request. Additionally, I had the
role of caregiver to my late husband from 2000-2011. In August of 2000, my husband suffered a
debilitating stroke that left him disabled to the extent that required skilled nursing care. At the
time, we had two school aged children, and two babies. The skills I acquired as a nurse assistant
made it possible for me to oversee my husband’s rehabilitation and subsequent nursing care. I
made the decision to bring him home and care for him myself. Despite, these life changing
events, I home schooled our children and cared for our two babies. I successfully managed this
acute situation, completed the education of my two oldest children who have both attended and
graduated from college. My husband passed away in 2011 in the presence of loved ones. I

2. possess the compassion and knowledge of what families experience during acute situations. I
completed my education, raised our family, and managed every detail of my husband’s care
while working small jobs to sustain our family. I am an energetic individual with a unique set of
skills that will benefit any organization I become a part of.
Additionally, I work well under pressure and possess the ability to be inventive when it
comes to designing solutions for tough problems. In my position as Aquatics Coordinator at the
Canal Square/University Park YMCA I had the responsibility of acting as supervisor to all
aquatics staff, training aquatics staff and lifeguards, organizing and facilitating training clinics
and Learn to Swim™ events. I have experience in working both as a leader and independently
behind the scenes. As a Graduate assistant in both the Sociology and Adult Focus departments at
the University of Akron I provided support to the programs by acting as a teaching assistant and
student advisor. I acted as the instructor of record for two classes at the University of Akron and
as a guest lecturer at both Kent State University and the University of Akron. Stemming from
that position, I have experience working in office settings and with sensitive information. My
graduate research has included Adult Students and Adult Learners in higher education, as well as
mass incarceration and incarcerated fathers.
I am a diligent and hardworking individual, always striving to rise above set expectations. I seek
to be intentional and genuine in my action to and interactions with others daily.
Sincerely,
Melody Sherard-Redman