Former Lab Members

Stephen Ramos, PhD, MA - Postdoctoral fellow

Stephen Ramos (he/him) is a postdoctoral fellow who joined the SHEL in August 2022. He is a psychologist and previously completed his PhD at Illinois Institute of Technology (2022), his MA at Texas State University (2016), and bachelor’s at University of North Texas (2014). He completed his clinical internship at the University of Florida. His research interests include HIV, behavioral syndemics, and marginalized populations.

Owen Jessup - Graduate Research Assistant

Owen Jessup (he/him) is a MPH student at SDSU concentrating in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science. He is a Certified Health Education Specialist and recently graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with his Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health concentrating in Worksite and University Health Promotion. His interests include tobacco cessation, sexual health, injury and disease prevention, and mental health.

Andy Huizar - Graduate Research Assistant

Andy Huizar (he/him) is a second-year MPH student at SDSU, specializing in Health Promotion & Behavioral Science. With significant experience in health education, community health, and supporting the County of San Diego’s Office of Equitable Communities, Andy is dedicated to improving health outcomes through culturally competent health communication and program coordination. Bilingual in English and Spanish, his research interests focus on health literacy among underserved communities, relational communication, sexual health, and enhancing patient-provider dynamics. Andy’s commitment to public health is highlighted through his work in sexual health workshops, mental health campaigns, and community initiatives to address health disparities.

Mari Amato - Graduate Research Assistant

Mari Amato (she/her) is a second year master’s student in the Child and Family Development program at San Diego State University. Previously, she attended San Jose State University, earning a B.A. in Psychology. Mari’s research interests center around culture, gender identity, and sexuality, and how the intersection of these identity factors impacts the experiences of adolescents and emerging adults.

Hannah Reynolds - Graduate Research Assistant

Hannah Reynolds (she/her) is a first year student in SDSU’s MPH program, emphasizing in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences. She recently graduated in 2022 from SDSU with her Bachelor of Science in Public Health. This will be her second year contributing to the SHEL Lab. Her interests include promoting community health through equitable healthcare services, disease prevention, sexual health and wellbeing, and queer sexual and reproductive health equity.

Jasmine Wells - Undergraduate Research Assistant

Jasmine Wells (she/her) is a 4th year undergraduate student at San Diego State studying Public Health. Her academic interests include health inequities and genetic therapy with an emphasis on cultural competency. Through the SHEL, she has also found a love for qualitative data and its importance within the realm of sexual health research.

Audrey Bowman - Undergraduate Research Assistant

Audrey Bowman (she/her) is a 4th year student of Public Health at San Diego State University. She chose Public Health as her major because since she was in high school, she has recognized the inequities and challenges that marginalized communities face. Looking ahead, she has her mind set on becoming an optometrist with a goal to advance beneficence, champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, and uphold justice within systems on a global scale. She is deeply committed to engaging with underrepresented communities, exploring diverse cultures through travel, and contributing to the betterment of those in need

Sandhya Muthuramalingam - Undergraduate Research Assistant

Sandhya Muthuramalingam (she/her) is a 4th year undergraduate student obtaining a BS in Public Health with a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her interests include addressing health inequity for minority groups and improving health literacy rates for underserved communities.