Congratulations Cat!

We are pleased to announce that Catherine Burgess successfully defended their dissertation and completed all requirements for the PhD in Sociology on February 25th, 2026. Their dissertation, titled "Opting Out of Treatment: The Case of Natural Recovery from Substance Use," investigates the pathways and factors that enable individuals to overcome substance use disorders without formal treatment interventions. This important work contributes to our understanding of recovery processes and alternative pathways to healing in the social context of addiction.

Congratulations, Dr. Catherine Burgess!