Student Spotlight: Raul Armenta

November 17, 2025

Raul Armenta is a doctoral student in sociology from Los Angeles, California. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Columbia University and now studies the intersection of education and the criminal legal system under the guidance of Bryan Sykes at Cornell.

What is your area of research and why is it important?

My research focuses on the intersection of education and the criminal legal system, exploring how individuals affected by incarceration make sense of higher education and how these experiences shape political formations and mortality rates. This work has broader implications for reevaluating how we think about public health, rehabilitation, and reintegration. By understanding these effects on postsecondary education access, I aim to inform practices that support people affected by incarceration that prevent further harm. 

What does it mean to you to be a Dean’s Scholar?

Being a Dean’s Scholar personally reaffirms that our work in society has been meaningful. It also reminds us that our efforts do not end here but should continue despite challenges. In this way, being part of the Dean’s Scholar community has served to draw inspiration and hope from others in their respective fields.   

What are you most looking forward to in regards to being a Dean’s Scholar?

I look forward to building new relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. It’s inspiring to learn about others’ experiences that I might not have encountered outside this brilliant community. I also look forward to utilizing the personal and professional development resources to enhance my ongoing work.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?

Beyond my academic work, I enjoy weight training at the gym to decompress. I also like watching movies at the local theater with my program cohort and reading history books or political autobiographies. 

Why did you choose Cornell to pursue your degree?

I chose Cornell after participating in the Consider Cornell program where I was first introduced to the supportive community within the sociology program and its strong alignment with my research interests. I also appreciated that it’s surrounded by natural beauty, including the scenic gorges! I thought that a place like Cornell would be perfect for finding solitude, creating meaningful memories, and growing holistically—that is, rediscovering my own humanity and making sense of the world to improve it. So far, it has proven to be that way.