Stephen Merino

Stephen Merino is an Associate Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology at Colorado Mesa University (CMU), where he teaches courses such as General Sociology, Social Problems, Race and Ethnic Relations, and Research Methods. He is actively involved in academic life as the faculty representative for Alpha Kappa Delta, the sociology honor society, and hosts regular movie nights for sociology students.

Education:

• PhD in Sociology, Pennsylvania State University
• MA in Sociology, Pennsylvania State University
• MS in Neuroscience, University of Michigan
• BS in Neuroscience, Brigham Young University

Merino's research centers on the intersection of religion, race, and social attitudes. His work investigates how religious beliefs and participation shape views on gun control, LGBTQ rights, and social inequality. He applies sociological theory and methods to understand how individuals navigate diversity and form social ties across racial, religious, and class lines.

His recent publications reflect a consistent thematic focus on religion’s role in shaping civic and social behaviors. Key trends include the influence of religious networks on volunteering, intergroup contact, and political attitudes. His research often employs quantitative analysis of national survey data to explore complex social dynamics in the U.S. context.

Stephen Merino is deeply committed to teaching and mentorship. He emphasizes critical thinking, sociological writing, and real-world application of course content. He encourages dialogue in the classroom to challenge and refine students’ perspectives. While no formal awards are listed, his scholarly contributions appear in reputable journals such as Religions and Social Science Research.

He advises students informally through course engagement and honor society involvement, though no formal advisees are listed. He has not received public mention of research grants, but his publications suggest sustained scholarly productivity. Merino also fosters community through extracurricular activities like sociology movie nights, enhancing student engagement beyond the classroom.