Sean M Viña

Dr. Sean Viña began his sociology career at Huston-Tillotson University, a Historically Black college in Austin, Texas. After spending two years at HTU, he transferred to the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he earned his Bachelor's and Master of Science degrees. Sean went on to complete his Ph.D. in Sociology at Indiana University, specializing in health and stigma. His research primarily focuses on the impact of social inequality and stigmas on access to and utilization of health resources, as well as health outcomes.

One of Sean's notable works is his book titled "Health and Inequality in Standup Comedy" published by Lexington Press. In this book, he delves into the role of stigma and structural inequality as barriers to open conversations about trauma, mental health, and social taboos. Sean has also published research on the effects of structural inequality, such as racism, sexism, and classism, on psychedelic use and the associated health outcomes.

Currently, Sean is involved in a project that examines the influence of stigma and social integration/regulation on the educational attainment of high schools serving minority populations. He holds the position of Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Sean is a strong advocate for public service and actively volunteers for various boards and commissions for the City of San Antonio. He is happily married to Dr. Amanda Stephens, Esq., and after five years together, they continue to prioritize their relationship by regularly going on long walks with their two dogs along the River Walk.

• Ph.D. (October 2020) –Sociology (Major), Research Methods (Minor), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
• M.S. (2015) – Sociology, the University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
• B.S. (2013) – Sociology, the University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas

• 2020: Texas A&M-San Antonio Hazing Prevention Committee Member
• 2020: Texas A&M-San Antonio Campus Art
• 2020: Sociology Club Academic Advisor, Texas A&M San Antonio
• 2017-Present: CONTEXT Magazine | Policy Brief Reviewer

• 2019-2020: Texas A&M University - Lecturer
• 2017. Summer Research Associate. The RAND Corporation. “Survey of Health Related Behaviors of Active Duty Military Personnel.”

Vina, Sean M. 2023. "Health and Inequality in Standup Comedy: Stories that Challenge Stigma.” Lexington Press

Vina, Sean M. & Amanda Layne Stephens. 2023. “Minorities Diminished Psychedelic Returns.” Drug Science, Policy, and Law: 9

Vina, Sean M. & Amanda Layne Stephens. 2023. “Psychedelics and Workplace Harm.” Frontiers in Psychiatry: 14

Vina, Sean M. 2023. “Diminished Psychedelics Returns on Distress: Marital Status and Household Size.” PLOS [Accepted Forthcoming]

Stephens, Amanda L. & Sean M Vina. “On Women Professors Who Teach Legal Writing: Addressing Stigma And Women’s Health.” Vermont Law Review [Accepted Forthcoming Spring 2024]

• AKD-Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society
• ASA-American Sociological Association
• ASR-Association for the Sociology of Religion
• PAA-Population Association of America
• SSS-Southern Sociological Society
• SSA-Southwestern Sociological Association American

• 2020-present: City of San Antonio Ethics and Review Board (District 1 Appointee)
• 2016: La Casa Indiana University Latino Cultural Center, High School Mentor
• 2012: Texans for Obama, Presidential Campaign, Neighborhood Canvasser
• 2009-2010: Virginia Organizing Project
• 2000-2010: Voices for Planned Parenthood
• 2008: Texans for Obama, Presidential Campaign, Neighborhood Canvasser
• Boy scouts of America - Eagle Scout - Lifetime Membership

• Stigma, Mental Health, and Treatment Seeking
• Psychedelics and Social Inequality
• Social integration and regulation on high school achievement

• Introduction to Sociology
• Social Problems
• Social Deviance
• Social Stratification
• Sociology of Religion
• Sociology of the Family
• Medical Sociology
• Mental Health