Her research is in the field of sociology of gender, particularly gender inequality, gender-based violence, and feminist movements. Dr. Shapkina conducts research on sex trafficking of women and anti-trafficking organizations. She teaches courses on sociological theory, sociology of gender, sexuality, racial relations, human trafficking, and post-communist societies. Dr. Shapkina earned her Ph.D. degree from Georgia State University in 2008 (Dissertation: “Operation Help: Counteracting Sex Trafficking of Women from Russia and Ukraine”). Her M.A. degree in Sociology (2000) is from Central European University. She also holds Candidate of Sciences degree in Sociology (1997) and B. A. in Social Work (1995) from Saratov State Technical University in Russia.