Knowledge Construction To Advance Democracy in The 21st Century
Thomas Piñeros Shields, Ph.D.
Dr. Piñeros Shields is a 30-year veteran educator in experiential learning. He has developed internships and field experiences at local, national and international levels. His research emphasizes youth as social movement actors. His work
includes over two decades of experience conducting community-based participatory research, program evaluation and policy analyses for local, national and international youth and community programs including civic engagement, K-12 success, higher education access, out-of-school programs, opioid abuse prevention and urban community development.
Dr. Piñeros Shields is an Associate Professor of in the Department of Policy, Politics and International Relations at Salem State University, and is the founding director of the North Shore Policy Lab..
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Community-Based Participatory Research
Participatory research involves deep relationships with people in the field.
Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
Effective public policy and management in the public and non-profit sectors depend upon accountable, efficient and effective systems.
Undocumented Immigrant Students
Immigrants who entered the U.S. as children (the 1.5 generation) face unique challenges of inclusion/exclusion from society.
Youth in the Environmental Justice Movement
Youth have been on the forefront of demanding policy change. At the COP-26 in Glasgow, Professor Pineros Shields participated in multiple sessions with youth leaders from around the world.
Collective Behavior and Social Movements
Social change depends upon collective and strategic political action.
EDUCATION
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
University of Massachusetts at Lowell, 2013-present
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Associate Teaching Professor Department of Sociology, 2013-present
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Director, Master of Public Administration, 2016-2021
2003 - 2014
Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Policy
Joint degree at Department of Sociology and Heller School for Social Policy.
Dissertation Title: DREAMers Rising: Constituting the Undocumented Student Immigrant Movement
1993 - 1996
Tufts University, Medford, MA
M.A. in Urban and Environmental Policy
Thesis title: The Service of Politics and the Politics of Service: The Policy Paradox of National Service
1987 - 1991
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies
Tufts University, 2012
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Lecturer, Sociology 135: Social Movements
Brandeis University, 2001-2013
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Heller School for Social Policy and Management
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Research Associate, Center for Youth and Communities, 2001-2013
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Research Associate, Institute for Behavioral Health, 2012-2013
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Department of Sociology
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Lecturer, Sociology 89a: Internships for Community Action and Social Change, Spring 2005-2009.
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Peace Conflict and Coexistence Program (PAX)
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Interim Chair, Fall 2008, Spring 2010.
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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Director, Office of Volunteer Programs, 1996-1997, 1998-2001
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Project Coordinator, East St. Louis Action Research Project, 1997-1998