Lab Members

Erik D. Storholm, PhD - Director

Dr. Erik D. Storholm (he/him) is a tenured associate professor in the Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science in the School of Public Health and director of the Sexual Health Equity Lab (SHEL) at SDSU. Dr. Storholm is a licensed clinical psychologist with an established behavioral research program focused on reducing health inequities through behavioral and biomedical interventions that prevent HIV/STI transmission by improving mental health and reducing substance use and violence among sexual and gender minority populations. Dr. Storholm is currently leading several NIH-funded projects focused on biobehavioral HIV prevention uptake and adherence among sexual and gender minorities.

Benji Jensen, MA - Program Manager

Benji joined the SHEL in February 2023. Prior to his role as Program Manager, Benji held various project management roles at San Diego State University dedicated to university safety, advising, and teaching. He completed a M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration at the Ohio State University and studied Psychology and Business Administration at Creighton University. Benji brings a holistic approach to improving health equity, applying his background in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) education, recruitment, and retention, to create participant-centered processes and form strong community partnerships. He also is a California certified HIV/HCV test counselor.

Sungsub Billy Choo, PhD - Postdoctoral Researcher

Dr. Sungsub Billy Choo (he/they) joined SHEL in September 2024 as a postdoctoral researcher. They received their PhD in public health sciences from Korea University in 2024, majoring in epidemiology and risk management. At Korea University, they conducted and published research on the health of sexual and gender minority individuals in South Korea. Their doctoral dissertation examined the systems of anti-transgender stigma in South Korean society and its contribution to mental health inequities among transgender and nonbinary adults. They are committed to conducting research aimed at understanding and addressing the unique challenges to health and well-being faced by sexual and gender minority individuals.

Carrie L. Nacht, MPH - PhD Research Assistant

Carrie Nacht (she/her) is a 4th year Ph.D. student in the Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health at San Diego State University/University of California San Diego. She previously attended University of Illinois at Chicago for her MPH in Epidemiology with a concentration in Global Health (2019), and finished two bachelor’s degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2016). Her research interests include sexual and reproductive health, substance use, mental health, reproductive justice, and healthcare access and equity.

Keegan Buch - PhD Research Assistant

Keegan Buch (he/him) is a Ph.D. student at the San Diego State University/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, studying under the mentorship of Dr. Keith Horvath. After receiving his BA in Psychology from UCLA in 2022, Keegan spent 2 years as a research coordinator at the USC Keck School of Medicine. His research interests concern risk and protective factors for substance misuse among trans and gender diverse individuals, as well as the development of effective behavioral health interventions for this population

Cleo Spencer - Graduate Research Assistant

Cleo Spencer (she/her) is an educator, advocate, and researcher committed to violence prevention within the LGBTQIA+ community. She is currently completing her MPH in Health Promotion & Behavioral Science at SDSU. Previously, Cleo spent over five years managing the Crisis Intervention Training program at the Center for Community Solutions. In this role she prepared staff and volunteers to support survivors of sexual and relationship violence, taught on the impact of health inequity in the community, and fostered a deeper understanding of the dynamics affecting LGBTQIA+ survivors. Her work is guided by the belief that bodily autonomy and self-determination is a right of all people. She received her BA in Sociology from Pomona College in 2016.

Divya Sen - Graduate Research Assistant

Divya Sen (she/her) is a first-year MPH candidate in the Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences Division at SDSU. Her passion for public health stemmed from her work during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to grow through her academic and professional pursuits. Having completed her BS in Psychology at UC Davis in 2022, Divya spent the last two years working as a Program Manager for the Aggie Mental Health Ambassador Program at UC Davis. As an MPH student, she aims to continue educating about and promoting community well-being while exploring her interests in health equity, mental health, and AandPI community health.

Sunny Mangiameli - Graduate Research Assistant

Sunny Mangiameli (they/them) is a Master of Public Health (MPH) candidate in the Global Health Management and Policy Division at SDSU. Previously, they served as a Prevention Specialist for The Collective Coalition at SAY San Diego, where they focused on LGBTQ+ substance use harm reduction and tobacco/nicotine cessation. In addition to their work with SHEL, Sunny is an intern with the HIV Department at San Ysidro Health. Their research interests include LGBTQ+ health, sexual and reproductive health, substance use, and healthcare quality improvement.

Tyrone Jones - Research Assistant

Tyrone (he/him) is a Senior at California State University San Marcos, passionately pursuing a degree in Psychology. His academic journey has led him to engage in research at UCSD, where he delved into the intricate behavioral dynamics of nicotine addiction. Driven by a profound commitment to public health, Tyrone aspires to make meaningful contributions to society by enhancing individuals' well-being. His research interests extend to advocating for sexual health equity, with a focus on addressing disparities among marginalized communities. Through his work, Tyrone seeks to foster positive change and promote inclusivity in healthcare initiatives.