Bio

Keith Wilkins is a Research Scientist at the Center for Applied Research and Analysis (CARA) at the Institute for Social Research (ISR). He completed his M.A. in Sociology at the University of New Mexico with a focus on health and illness, and science, knowledge and technology (SKAT). Keith’s Master’s thesis explored the social movement framing of press releases among Right-to-Die and Right-to-Life organizations, illuminating how physician assisted suicide (PAS) is constructed as a legitimate or illegitimate medical treatment through narratives of good and bad death. His research training and experience has primarily consisted of qualitative methods including content analysis and in-depth interviews with a focus on health social movements and the public understanding of science. Keith’s previous professional experiences have ranged from serving as the teacher of record for 8^th grade physical science with Rio Rancho Public Schools, to working as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant for TriCore Reference Laboratories. As a native to New Mexico he also deeply enjoys all that the Land of Enchantment has to offer, from green chili to the transcendental landscapes of the Sandia Mountains and cottonwood filled Bosque. His time outside of work is usually spent practicing the piano, reading a science fiction novel, or going for another hike in our beautiful national parks.