Mark Woods earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Biochemistry from Christian Brothers University in 1985. He later obtained a Master of Science in Sociology from the University of Memphis in 1992. He practiced as a Cardiovascular Specialist (Perfusionist) in private practice for 14 years and subsequently for the federal government for seven years. Currently, Mark serves as an Assistant Professor of Teaching in Sociology at the University of Memphis, where he has taught a wide range of courses, including race and ethnicity, family, gender, and social problems. His goal is to broaden students' understanding of belonging in a complex world while integrating foundational concepts of community.