My name is Caroline Brooks and I’m an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Kentucky. My research explores how social relationships and social statuses such as gender, race, and ethnicity shape public perceptions and personal experiences of health and illness, with a particular interest in chronic pain conditions, such as migraine.
My scholarship is published in outlets such as the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, Social Psychology Quarterly, Headache: The Journal of Headache and Face Pain, and the Journal of Marriage and Family, among others. More information and a complete list of publications can be found on my CV.
At UK, I teach classes about Medicine, Health, and Society; the Sociology of Health and Illness; and the Sociology of Sport. Check out my teaching page to learn more.
Beyond my scholarship within sociology, I often engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with the field of headache medicine and advocacy work on behalf of migraine and headache patient organizations.
I completed my graduate training at Indiana University where I received a PhD in Sociology in 2025 and an MA in Sociology in 2019. I additionally hold a BS in Molecular and Cell Biology and Sociology from the University of Connecticut.
News and Upcoming Presentations
Upcoming Presentations
- June 2026. “Unlocking The Power of Social Connection: Investigating the Role of Social Networks in the Experience and Management of Migraine” American Headache Society Annual Scientific Meeting, Orlando, FL
- August 2026 ““Having Somebody that Gets it is Really Important”: Navigating Social Networks in Invisible Illness.” American Sociological Association Annual Meeting, New York, NY
In the News
Recently I’ve had the opportunity to discuss the social psychology of March Madness brackets and the identity of sports fans.
- Interview with WKYT (TV, emphasizes brackets)
- Interview with UK Now Campus News (Article, emphasizes identities)