Alesha Doan

- Professor
- School of Public Affairs & Administration
Contact Info
Wescoe Hall, Room 4060
Lawrence
Lawrence
Biography —
Alesha E. Doan is an Associate Professor at the University of Kansas and holds a joint appointment in the School of Public Affairs & Administration and the Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies Department. Professor Doan's interdisciplinary research program is situated at the intersections between gender, public policy and organizations, with a substantive focus on reproductive politics, sexual violence, and gender & the military. Her research examines the ways in which gender is infused into the social and political structures that shape formal and informal practices. Professor Doan interrogates how these gendered practices create obstacles for people that limit their decisional autonomy, and create inequities in organizations, policies and the lived experiences of people. Her publications include articles in a variety of journals as well as four books: Abortion Regret: The New Attack on Reproductive Freedom (co-authored, Praeger 2019), Organizational Obliviousness: Entrenched Resistance to Gender Integration in the Military (co-authored, Cambridge University Press, 2019), Opposition and Intimidation: The Abortion Wars and Strategies of Political Harassment (University of Michigan Press 2007), and The Politics of Virginity: Abstinence in Sex Education (co-authored, Praeger 2008).
Education —
Political Science, Texas A&M University, 2000, College Station, TX
Political Science, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 1997
Sociology, University of New Mexico, 1995, Albuquerque, NM
Research —
Alesha Doan is an Associate Professor at the University of Kansas and holds a joint appointment in the School of Public Affairs & Administration and the Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies Department. Professor Doan's interdisciplinary research is guided by her broader interests in public policy, organizations and gender/social equity, with a more specialized focus on the development, adoption and implementation of reproductive policies. Her publications include articles in a variety of journals as well as two books: Opposition and Intimidation: The Abortion Wars and Strategies of Political Harassment (University of Michigan Press 2007), and The Politics of Virginity: Abstinence in Sex Education, (co-authored, Praeger 2008). Professor Doan is currently collaborating on a book, For Their Own Protection: Abortion Regret and the Attack on Women's Reproductive Freedom. Professor Doan also continues to work with a collaborative research team investigating gender integration and equity in the military; and she is the lead researcher on a three-year grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health to develop and implement policies and prevention programs addressing the issue of sexual assault on college campuses.
Research interests:
- abortion politics
- reproductive policy
- reproductive justice
- gender and military
- sexual violence
Teaching —
Professor Doan’s strives to establish a safe learning space, which is crucial for engaging students as they learn to deconstruct the underlying dynamics of privilege and inequality that influence many public policies and formal/informal organizational practices. She promotes the success of underrepresented students in the classroom and integrates inclusive practices in selecting readings, creating assignments, designing the classroom environment, and assessing students. These practices allow multiple opportunities and pathways for all students to be successful. Professor Doan uses a positive-feedback model of professional growth aimed at supporting and encouraging students without diminishing the constructive critical feedback that aids professional development.
Teaching interests:
- public policy
- reproductive policy
- feminist methods
- reproductive justice
- diversity and equity in public organizations
Awards & Honors —
Byron A. Alexander Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Kansas
2018
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Kansas
2018
Higher Education Award
Dialogue Institute Southwest
2015
Dialogue Institute Southwest
2015
University of Kansas Woman of Distinction
Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity, University of Kansas
2014
Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity, University of Kansas
2014
Outstanding Young Professional Award
Population, Reproductive and Sexual Health Section of the American Public Health Association
2012
Population, Reproductive and Sexual Health Section of the American Public Health Association
2012