Ryan Assaf

Ryan Assaf, PhD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Health Equity and Society at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). His work focuses on the intersections of infectious diseases, substance use, and sexual health among marginalized populations, particularly people experiencing homelessness and sexual/gender minorities. He holds a PhD and MPH in Epidemiology from UCLA and a BS in Public Health Science from UC Irvine.

Education:

• BS in Public Health Science, UC Irvine (2016)
• MPH in Epidemiology, UCLA (2019)
• PhD in Epidemiology, UCLA (2022)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship at UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (2024)

Research Interests:
Dr. Assaf employs community-engaged methods and social determinants frameworks to address health disparities. Key areas include:

• Substance use and overdose among homeless populations
• HIV/STI prevention in LGBTQ+ communities
• Policy impacts on healthcare access

Publications:
Recent work examines cannabis use trends during the pandemic, homelessness and healthcare access, and STI screening gaps. His 2025 JAMA study on illicit substance use among unhoused adults highlights critical treatment access barriers.

Awards/Grants:
No awards explicitly listed, but has contributed to op-eds in the LA Times and collaborated with organizations like the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

Labs/Teams:
Associated with the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative and co-investigator on studies like the California Statewide Study of Homelessness.