Dr. Kyler James Sherman-Wilkins is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Faculty Affiliate in the Gerontology program at Missouri State University. A social demographer and life course sociologist by training, Dr. Sherman-Wilkins’ research centers around the social and structural determinants of health and health inequities, particularly as they pertain to cognitive health across the life course. He is a dedicated educator who focuses on empowering students to address challenges in their communities through activism and policy. Dr. Sherman-Wilkins holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, and both a master’s and a Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University. He sits on the board of trustees for PRB, a population research organization in Washington D.C., as well as on the board of directors for PROMO, Missouri’s statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization.