Students representing Missouri State University’s Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology (SAG) recently presented their research at the Midwest Sociological Society (MSS) conference in Chicago, Illinois.

Gabriel Patino, Sophia Sampson, Anthony Lam, Jayden Echols, Sophia Dela Coleta and Bruno Guerra Miranda are members of the Health Equity Research Collective (HERC). HERC is directed by Associate Professor Dr. Kyler Sherman-Wilkins.

Founded in 2021 by Sherman-Wilkins, HERC consists of undergraduate students who conduct research in the social, behavioral and health sciences. They specifically research health inequities, Sherman-Wilkins explained.

The goal of HERC is to provide talented undergraduate students with opportunities to sharpen their research skills. Through HERC, they also gain professional and academic experience, he added.

Regional conference ideal learning environment

Sherman-Wilkins described the MSS conference as an ideal place for undergraduate students to present their research.

“[The MSS conference] combines the rigor of a formal academic conference with a welcoming, encouraging and empowering environment for students,” he explained.

In particular, Sherman-Wilkins enjoys seeing his students interact with leading scholars and professionals.

“In a typical paper session, undergraduate students may be presenting their own work alongside prominent sociologists who have contributed much to the discipline,” he said.

HERC students continue to impress Sherman-Wilkins with their work ethic, critical thinking skills and intellectual curiosity.

“What brings me the most joy as a professor is the ability to work with some of the brightest minds of the next generation,” he said. “This year, the students engaged in amazing projects, all aimed at examining the mechanisms underlying inequities in health.”

Patino explores impact of conspiracy theory thinking on health

Gabriel Patino, a senior double major in sociology and philosophy, presented his research “Health in a Time of Humbugs.” The project explored the impacts of political ideology, institutional trust and conspiracy mentality on self-rated health.

Patino will start his doctorate program in sociology at the University of Kansas in Fall 2025.

“Patino’s project seeks to better understand the role that conspiracy mindset and trust in institutions shape health and health behavior,” Sherman-Wilkins said. “Gabriel’s work in particular seeks to refine the very way we measure and assess both conspiracy beliefs and trust.”

Patino said he has had a “lifelong interest in conspiracy theories.” Spurred by this interest, he developed his topic after noticing the large amount of research emerging alongside the COVID-19 pandemic.

His research methodology involved using a convenience sample, a technique by which researchers use the most readily accessible samples for their study. He drew his respondents from various social media sites.

After analyzing his data, Patino wrote about his findings, which he presented at the conference. In total, he spent about four months on the project.

The research results, Patino said, were somewhat disconcerting.

“The most vital aspect of this research is how serious an issue the mainstreaming of conspiracist thinking is becoming,” he explained. “The inability to participate in a shared reality, and a susceptibility to irrational propaganda, have taken societies down dark roads in the past and can do so again.”

Enjoying the scholarly process

To prepare for his research, Patino conducted an extensive literature review. He was surprised that this ended up being the most enjoyable aspect of the entire project.

“It didn’t feel like work at all,” he said. “I got to spend time diving into the history of discourse around a topic I have a great deal of interest in.”

One thing he discovered during his literature review was the long history of conspiracy theories. In the United States, these beliefs stretch back to the Illuminati in the 1790s.

Moreover, the project allowed him to finally practice the scholarly theories and techniques he has been learning at Missouri State.

“[It] not only deepened my understanding of those tools, but it gave me that all too rare experience of directly answering the ‘why does this matter’ question which so many students find themselves asking as they sit through a lecture,” he said.

Patino said SAG faculty Dr. Laura Hart and Dr. Catherine Hoegeman were also “fantastic” in their support. Along with Sherman-Wilkins, they each guided Patino with his analysis and research. They also provided constructive feedback on his paper.

“I don’t think I would have the grad school opportunities I do were it not for the experiences and help I’ve received in the department,” he said. “Getting to conduct my own research has been a big part of that.”

HERC experience enhances career prospects

For students who want to pursue professional and academic career plans, HERC is a sound option, Sherman-Wilkins said. The project has a “strong track record” of steering its students toward highly competitive graduate programs.

HERC alum are pursuing doctorate degrees in sociology at the University of Kansas, The Ohio State University and Boston University. Another alum is working on a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Kansas. Still another is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at University of California-Los Angeles.

In addition, other HERC alum currently work in government and non-profit organizations as data analysts and program coordinators.

“Experiences with HERC not only sharpen students’ research and presentation skills,” Sherman-Wilkins said. “They also help to boost their confidence and instill in them the belief that they can accomplish much.”

2025 HERC student presentations

Jayden Echols

“The Role of Social Support in Mitigating Mental Health and Suicide Disparities among College Students: An Application of Stress Process and Intersectionality.”

Bruno Guerra Miranda and Sophia Dela Coleta

“Understanding Cannabis in Missouri: Attitudes, Knowledge, and Consumption Patterns.”

Anthony Lam

“Sleep and Exercise Behaviors among Asian Identified Adults at the Intersection of Race and Education: Results from the National Health Interview Study.”

Gabriel Patino

“Health in a Time of Humbugs: A Study of Political Ideology, Religion, Conspiracy Mentality, Trust, and Health.”

Sophia Sampson

“Microaggressions, Discriminations, and Mental Health among College Students: A Study on the Role of Race Centrality and Salience.”

Breanna Pace, co-authored with Dr. Kyler Sherman-Wilkins

“Long Arm of Adversity: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Later Life Physical and Cognitive Health among Adults in the United States.”

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Photo credits: Kyler Sherman-Wilkins