About Sunkanmi Folorunsho
Instructor & Researcher | Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Professional Background
Sunkanmi Folorunsho is an Instructor and Researcher in the Department of Sociology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he specializes in the social determinants of health, aging, and health disparities across racial and socioeconomic groups.
His research examines how structural inequalities shape health outcomes in later life, with particular attention to the experiences of marginalized populations in both the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa. Using mixed methods approaches and longitudinal data analysis, his work bridges critical sociological inquiry with public health applications.
Sunkanmi has published extensively in leading peer-reviewed journals, with numerous publications appearing in outlets such as Alzheimer's & Dementia, BMC Public Health, Aging & Mental Health, and Sociology Compass. His research has gained recognition from government agencies, including citations in policy reports from Germany's Federal Ministry for Family Affairs and the UK Foreign Office.
Current Position
Instructor of Record
Department of Sociology
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
2023 – Present
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Sociology
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
2025 – Present
Graduate Certificate
Mixed Methods Research
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
2025 – Present
Master of Arts, Sociology
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
2023 – 2025
Bachelor of Science, Sociology
University of Ilorin, Nigeria
2015 – 2019
Best Graduating Student
Research Focus
Health Disparities & Inequality
Investigating racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequalities in health outcomes, healthcare access, and quality of care among older adults in the United States.
Aging & Mental Health
Exploring the social determinants of mental health in later life, including the roles of social support, economic security, masculinity norms, and structural factors.
Global Health in Sub-Saharan Africa
Examining aging, healthcare access, multimorbidity, and mental health challenges in Sub-Saharan African contexts, with attention to policy implications.
Awards & Recognition
Nicholas Babchuk Graduate Student Research Award
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2025
Dan Hoyt Graduate Student Publication Award
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2025
Mentor of the Month
Illinois Science and Technology Coalition, March 2025
David C. & Morilyn S. More Quantitative Research Award
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2024
J. J. & Eleanor S. Ogle Summer Fellowship
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2024
Best Graduating Student
Department of Sociology, University of Ilorin, 2019
Professional Service
Editorial & Review Work
Reviewing Editor - Springer Nature Reviewer Community
Peer reviewer for numerous journals including BMC Public Health, Aging & Mental Health, Global Health Action, Journal of Population Ageing, and many others across Springer, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, and Emerald publishers.
Professional Affiliations
- • American Sociological Association (ASA)
- • Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP)
- • Midwest Sociological Society (MSS)
- • Alpha Kappa Delta (International Sociology Honor Society)
Community Service
- • American Red Cross, Member (2024 – Present)
- • People's City Mission, Lincoln, Nebraska (2023 – Present)