About
Jacob Heller is a Professor of Sociology at SUNY Old Westbury, specializing in Historical Sociology, Sociology of Science and Medicine, and Gender Studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Stony Brook University (2001), an M.A. in Sociology (1995), and a B.A. in History (1985). His research focuses on the intersection of knowledge production, health narratives, and institutional trust, with notable contributions to understanding HIV/AIDS conspiracy theories and vaccine hesitancy.
Heller has served in leadership roles such as Assessment Coordinator, Sociology Department Senator, and Chair of the Periodic Review Report Committee for Middle States accreditation (2014–2018). He co-developed the MS in Applied Social Research program, approved by the NY State Education Department in 2018. His teaching spans courses like Medical Sociology, Ethics of Engagement, and Advanced Research Methods.
He has received multiple accolades, including the "Fifty Most Influential Faculty" award (2015) and the "Distinguished Teaching Award" (2001). His scholarly work emphasizes narrative analysis in public health and sociological theory, with publications in American Sociologist, American Journal of Public Health, and Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics.
Heller’s service contributions include advocating for faculty rights, salary equity reforms, and OER initiatives. His presentations address topics like college persistence barriers and the sociological implications of multilevel selection theory.
