Student Research Q&A: Rural Native communities build resilience through cultural strength

Student Research Q&A: Rural Native communities build resilience through cultural strength

Friday, February 20, 2026

Media Contact: Jeff Hopper | Communications and Media Relations Manager | 405-744-5827 | [email protected]

Joel Sahmaunt, a senior rural scholar at Oklahoma State University from Edmond, Oklahoma, began his academic journey in psychology to become a therapist. During his time in the College of Arts and Sciences, his interests expanded to include a deeper focus on Native American communities, leading him to pursue a minor in American Indian studies.

He launched his research in the summer of his sophomore year in 2024 and recently completed the project as he finishes his final semester at OSU.

Below, Sahmaunt discusses his research project, titled "Working to Improve the Lives of Rural Oklahomans through Increasing Protective Factors: Learning Strategies of Resilience from the American Indian Culture," and explains the key insights he has uncovered through his work.

Q: What inspired you to focus your research on protective factors and resilience among rural Oklahomans?

A: I think it is extremely important for Native American research to look at what makes our people so special. There is a long history of mistreatment of American Indians, and being able to research not just the negative aspects of what that has done to a population, but also how they overcome this adversity, is research that I love. My own personal experience in rural Oklahoma has been hugely positive. Rural Oklahoma is often forgotten or thought of as less than bigger towns or cities, but rural towns are some of the most charming and rewarding places to do research.

Q: How do resilience strategies rooted in American Indian culture inform or strengthen your research?

A: I think it is vital for this kind of research to examine resilience in American Indian culture. This does not mean we shy away from the hard realities of the population or its history, but rather that we approach the research in a way that highlights strength as well as struggle. For American Indians, there is a long history of tragedy, whether from forced removal from land, endangerment of culture, or many other hardships that have been endured. Yet there has always been an ability to adapt and a resilience that is seen among American Indians throughout time. Our research uses this resilience as a way to move forward into the future. The study recognized that resilience can strengthen the overall literature on American Indians in psychology. Additionally, after the study was conducted, we were able to use the results we collected to return to those communities to educate others and raise awareness about its importance.

Q: What drew you to OSU and the College of Arts and Sciences?

A: The main reason I came to OSU was the American Indians into Psychology program, which takes Native American psychology students and fully prepares them to pursue a Ph.D. or a master's degree. The final reason is that Oklahoma State produces the most Native American psychology Ph.D. students. I want to eventually be a part of that, and I knew that OSU would provide the best education for me.

Q: Can you talk about a faculty mentor or experience at OSU that has been especially impactful in your development as a researcher?

A: A faculty mentor who has directly impacted me is Dr. Lana Beasley. She introduced me to the world of research in its fullest sense. Dr. Beasley showed me how to conduct research in a way that was important to my development. For example, she taught me how to create research posters, which helped me develop my skills as a writer. She was also someone I could ask questions and receive feedback from to better understand what I was doing. She oversaw the research with rural scholars and was vital in every aspect of it. Much of what I learned came from watching her write and seeing how she approached problems. She made research enjoyable and showed me that I wanted a career like hers. I owe much of my skill as a researcher to her.

Q: What has been the most meaningful or eye-opening moment during your time conducting this project at OSU?

A: The most eye-opening thing I got to see is how research and the community relationship influence the study. Our study was conducted in Ada, Oklahoma and required a lot of community involvement. I got to be a part of Chickasaw Nation events such as baby showers and farmers' markets. As well as working with the library and doing diaper drives. This relationship I had with Ada allowed me to connect with the locals to help with the research. We used the research to give back to the community by providing workshops on our data to educate them. Ultimately, the most meaningful thing was the relationships I made with the community.

Q: How has being a CAS research student influenced your academic or career goals?

A: It majorly changed it. Coming into college, I wanted to mainly do clinical work with no idea of what research was. CAS does a great job of providing resources to connect you with a research lab or a faculty member. CAS was a big reason why I was able to get into two different research projects. Without those opportunities to experience research, I may not have ever considered it as a career option or something I had a love for. Now I would love to be in research as a career, which is a shift from my original idea. So CAS is a critical part of my journey in psychology.

Q: In what ways do you hope your research will make a difference in Oklahoma communities?

A: I hope this research makes a difference for rural communities. I also hope the research highlights how American Indians can connect with their communities through resilience. Being able to conduct this study with the Chickasaw Nation was my favorite research experience, mainly because of how deeply they care about public health. I would encourage rural Oklahoma communities to use the resources around them to help improve their well-being. Overall, I hope this research can educate and bring positivity to Oklahoma.

Story By: Annelise Vinson | [email protected]