Nina Harawa is a Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at both the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health and UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine , with a secondary professorship at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science , where she serves as Associate Director of Research for the Drew CARES Center. Her work focuses on holistic interventions for HIV/STI prevention, substance use disorders, and health equity through policy analysis, particularly for sexual/gender minorities and justice-involved populations. Research Interests span HIV epidemiology, prevention, retention in care, sexually transmitted diseases, social determinants of health, incarceration impacts, and health policy reform. As Director of the NIMH-funded Policy Impact Core at UCLA CHIPTS, she leads agent-based modeling of HIV policy effects. She co-leads NIH multi-site studies on post-incarceration HIV care and PrEP access, while founding REACH UCLA Health to address racial disparities in healthcare access. Education includes a PhD and MPH in Epidemiology from UCLA. She has pioneered community partnerships for HIV research among Black/Latina women, transgender communities, and incarcerated populations, with over 20 years of grant-funded work. Her 2017 JAMA Intern Med trial on peer navigation for viral suppression in post-jail populations remains a landmark study.
Tina Fetner is a Professor and Chair of the Sociology Department at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. She is an accomplished sociologist specializing in gender, sexuality, and social movements. As Principal Investigator for the multi-method Sex in Canada research project, she examines sexual behavior and social attitudes among Canadian adults. Her work bridges academic research and public discourse, with frequent media appearances and contributions to major publications. Dr. Fetner's educational background includes: Bachelor of Arts in Economics from University of California, Santa Cruz Master of Arts in Sociology from New York University PhD in Sociology from New York University Tina Fetner's research primarily focuses on the social organization of sexual behavior, with particular emphasis on gender dynamics, feminist identity, and sexual satisfaction. Her work explores how social structures, cultural norms, and political movements shape intimate experiences and sexual identities. She investigates the intersection of religion and sexuality, examining how Christian religious identity influences sexual behaviors and attitudes. Her research on the gender gap in orgasms has garnered significant attention, revealing how feminist identification correlates with more pleasurable sexual experiences for women. Through her Sex in Canada project, she provides groundbreaking insights into Canadian sexual behaviors, challenging stereotypes and informing public understanding of contemporary sexual practices. Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on gender, sexuality, and social movements. The articles reveal an evolving trajectory from comparative analyses of attitudes toward lesbian and gay people, to in-depth examinations of sexual behaviors and experiences in contemporary Canada. A significant portion of her recent work investigates the relationship between feminist identity and sexual behavior, challenging stereotypes about feminists' sexual lives. Her research also continues to explore the dynamics between LGBT movements and religious right activism, though with increasing attention to contemporary Canadian contexts. The methodological approaches in her work range from large-scale survey research to comparative historical analysis, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to sociological inquiry. Dr. Fetner has received recognition for her scholarly contributions, with her research featured in numerous news outlets and policy discussions, indicating significant public impact. In addition to her research, Dr. Fetner is actively involved in academic leadership and mentoring. She has supervised numerous graduate students through McMaster's Sociology Department and has taught courses including Sociology of Gender and Sexuality, Sociology of Sexualities, and Political Sociology. Her commitment to professional development extends beyond her institution, as evidenced by her leadership roles in major sociological associations. She has served as President of the Canadian Sociological Association, on the governing council of the American Sociological Association, and as Chair of the ASA Section on Collective Behavior and Social Movements. She is also the founding co-Chair of SWS-North, the Canadian regional chapter of Sociologists for Women in Society. Dr. Fetner leads the Sex in Canada research team, which conducts comprehensive studies on sexual behavior and attitudes among Canadian adults. This multi-method project combines survey research with qualitative analysis to provide nuanced understanding of contemporary sexual practices. Her team's work has produced significant findings on topics including the gender gap in orgasms, sexual identity-behavior discordance, and the relationship between feminist identification and sexual satisfaction.
Susan Meffert, MD, MPH is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine and a Faculty Affiliate with UCSF Global Health Sciences. She is affiliated with the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences and has established herself as an international leader in mental health implementation science, with particular expertise in designing integrated, evidence-based mental health services for diverse medical populations in low-resource settings. Dr. Meffert's educational background includes: Medical Degree from University of Iowa College of Medicine (2003) Residency in Psychiatry at University of California, San Francisco (2007) MPH in International Health from Harvard School of Public Health (2003) Fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at UCSF (2009) Fellowship in Global Mental Health Research at UCSF (2008) BA, BS, and MA in Biology and Religious Studies from Stanford University (1997) Dr. Meffert's research focuses on implementation science for mental health care delivery in low and middle-income countries, particularly in East Africa. Her work centers on: Developing and testing evidence-based mental health interventions for depression and PTSD Integrating mental health care with HIV services Addressing the mental health needs of populations affected by gender-based violence Training non-specialist providers to deliver mental health care Using implementation science frameworks to scale up mental health services Through her Global Partnership to Enhance Mental (GEM) Health Care program in East Africa, Dr. Meffert has secured over $10 million in research funding from NIH and other entities to develop strategies for delivering evidence-based mental health care using locally available workers. Her research has been presented at high-level forums including the World Health Organization, National Institutes of Mental Health, World Bank, and USAID. Dr. Meffert's scientific contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including: USAID International Mental Health Program invitation World Health Organization innovation fair selection for mental health implementation strategy in Kenya UCSF Hellman Award for UC Investigators UCSF KL2 BIRCWH Award UCSF Global Health Sciences Burke Faculty Scholar award NIMH K23 career development award Dr. Meffert has led multiple significant research projects including the SMART-DAPPER study on tele-mental health care, the DAPPER study on depression and primary care partnership, and research on gender-based violence and HIV outcomes. Her work has established important connections between mental health, HIV care, and gender-based violence, particularly in Kenyan contexts.
Dr. Philippe Adam is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of New South Wales within the Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) school. His research focuses on sociology, psychology, and health promotion, with particular expertise in HIV prevention, STI testing, and behavior analysis among men who have sex with men (MSM), young people, and injecting drug users. Academic Rank: Research Fellow Email: philippe.adam@unsw.edu.au Location: 317 Goodsell Building His work spans multiple continents, including Australia, Europe, and Asia, and he has contributed extensively to understanding how individuals balance risk and pleasure in sexual health contexts. Recent studies examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual health behaviors and mpox outbreak dynamics. Key publication trends include mathematical modelling of infectious disease transmission, digital health interventions, and psychosocial barriers to HIV prevention. While no specific scientific awards are listed in the available data, his research has informed public health policies and interventions globally. Dr. Adam's collaborations with institutions like the Centre for Social Research in Health and his focus on theory-driven health promotion interventions highlight his commitment to bridging research and practice in sexual health.
Dr. Paul Ryan is a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology at Maynooth University's Faculty of Social Sciences. He joined the department in 2010 after serving as an Irish Research Council Post-doctoral Fellow (2007) and lecturing at Technological University Dublin and University College Dublin (PhD, 2005). His work focuses on the sociology of family, personal life, sexuality, law, and minority health. Education: PhD in Sociology (University College Dublin, 2005) His research explores sexual citizenship through Irish social movements, particularly analyzing the transition from homosexuality decriminalization to marriage equality (2015). He examines how state regulation shapes intimate relationships and identities, with recent work on digital media's role in male sex work and European regulatory frameworks. His 2019 book Male Sex Work in the Digital Age reveals how migrant workers leverage social media platforms like Grindr and Instagram for financial gain. Current projects include: Gilead Fellowship-funded collaboration with HIV Ireland and dental practitioners to improve PLWHIV health outcomes EU-wide research with University of Essex and Ca' Foscari on sex work knowledge production He co-edited Sex Work, Labour and Relations (2022) and led multiple funded studies on sex work regulation, mental health, and health-seeking behaviors. His methodological expertise includes life history interviewing, documentary analysis, and community-engaged research. Dr. Ryan actively participates in public discourse through media engagements with RTE, Newstalk FM, and TV3, addressing topics like divorce politics, fertility trends, and sex industry regulation. He supervises graduate research in sociology of sexuality, law, and health, and has presented at international conferences in Spain, Austria, and Thailand.
Jade Burns, PhD, RN, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing within the Department of Health Behavior and Clinical Sciences. Her work focuses on adolescent sexual health, health equity, and technology-driven interventions. Education: PhD from University of Michigan, MSN from University of Pennsylvania, BSN from University of Michigan Research Interests: Dr. Burns specializes in community-engaged research and digital health strategies to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes for adolescent Black males. She also advocates for nursing practice improvements in underserved areas. Research Trends: Recent publications emphasize social media interventions, STI self-testing, HPV vaccination gamification, and addressing trauma-informed care for Black male adolescents through digital platforms. Scientific Awards: Society for Adolescent Health & Medicine – Racial Justice and Health Equity Award, 2022 Detroit Regional Chamber - Leadership Detroit fellow, 2020 Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation Clinical Scholar, 2017 National Health Service Corp Scholar, 2014 American Association of Colleges of Nursing Jonas Nurse Leader, 2014 Paul Ambrose Scholar, 2013 Advising & Grants: Dr. Burns mentors nursing and public health students. Current NIH/NIMHD grant K08MD017303 explores new media for sexual health access among Black youth in Detroit.
Jennifer MacDonald is a Research Fellow in the Nursing department at Glasgow Caledonian University. She holds a BSc in Psychology from University of Stirling (2006), an MSc in Health Psychology from the same institution (2010), and completed her PhD at GCU in 2017 focusing on condom use intentions among older adults using the Reasoned Action Approach. Her research integrates psychological theories with infection prevention, specializing in behavioral change interventions for sexual health and antimicrobial stewardship. Current projects include optimizing HIV PrEP implementation in Scotland and developing digital health interventions for sexually transmitted infection contact tracing. Publications demonstrate strong focus on digital health solutions, mindfulness interventions for stroke survivors, and antimicrobial stewardship workforce challenges during COVID-19. Her work frequently employs mixed-methods approaches and systematic reviews to inform practical healthcare solutions.
Chuncheng Liu is an Assistant Professor of Communication and Sociology at Northeastern University, with a PhD in Sociology and Science Studies from UC San Diego and postdoctoral research at Microsoft Research New England. His work bridges science and technology studies, political sociology, and global health, focusing on the politics of algorithms, surveillance systems, and public health classification practices. Education: MA (2019) and BA (2015) in Sociology from UC San Diego and Sun Yat-sen University, respectively. His research investigates how sociotechnical systems surveil and classify citizens, particularly in China’s Social Credit Systems and pandemic contact tracing. He employs mixed methods to analyze algorithmic governance, public perception, and institutional power dynamics. Article Trends: Recent publications address algorithmic surveillance in China, pandemic response frameworks, and long-term studies on HIV stigma, testing behaviors, and sexual health interventions among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). Key subfields include sociotechnical systems, health communication, and data politics. Scientific Awards: Hacker-Mullins Graduate Student Paper Award (2022) Martin Levine Student Paper Award (2020) Best Paper Award, Lancet-CAMS Health Summit (2017) Multiple internal and external fellowships from UC San Diego, ASA, and AAS He has guest-lectured at the University of Milan, Boston University, and Arizona State University and served as a teaching assistant at UC San Diego for courses on health sociology, law, and future prediction. His work is supported by grants from the Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation, Horowitz Foundation, and Microsoft Research.
Dr. Pramod Regmi is a Senior Lecturer in International Health at Bournemouth University, UK. He serves as a Visiting Fellow at the Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences (Nepal) and Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (India). His work focuses on migrant health , maternal health , research ethics , and health disparities in low-income settings . PhD in Public Health, University of Aberdeen (2011) MSc in Health Services & Public Health Research, University of Aberdeen (2005) MSc in Population Studies, Tribhuvan University (2001) His research spans chronic kidney disease among Nepali migrants, mental health , pre-departure training , and social stigma . He leads the Migration Health Research theme at Bournemouth University and co-leads the Athena Swan initiative for gender equality. Recent publications (2024-2025) address kidney disease in Gulf migrants , condom use in MENA , and health burdens of returning migrants . Key collaborators include institutions in Nepal, India, Malaysia, and the UK. Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2023-) Nepal Bidhya Bhusan 'Ka' Education Award (2012) Fellow, Chitwan Medical College (2015-) He supervises PhD students on topics like migrant health , HIV stigma , and caesarean section trends . Grants include funding from the British Academy , Colt Foundation , and Bournemouth University GCRF . He co-founded the Health Research Network for Migrant Workers in Asia and contributes to policy through the Nepal Family Health Cohort .
Dr. Caroline Mallory is the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Indiana State University and holds the rank of Professor. Her academic journey includes a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of North Carolina (2000), a Ph.D. in Nursing Science from Indiana University (1998), and prior degrees in Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Sacramento City College. She specializes in HIV prevention, nursing education, and health disparities, with a focus on marginalized populations such as African American women and incarcerated individuals. Her research has been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, including a $1.99 million R01 grant for HIV prevention among women in county jails. Dr. Mallory’s scholarly work spans over three decades, with publications in journals like Journal of Advanced Nursing , Nursing Forum , and Public Health Nursing . Her research emphasizes behavioral interventions, qualitative methodologies, and evidence-based practice. She has authored textbooks on statistics for nursing and led initiatives addressing HIV risk behaviors, occupational health for nurses, and health promotion in rural communities. Her awards include the Harriet H. Werley New Investigator Award and the Meridean Maas Mentoring Award. As a dean, she oversees interdisciplinary programs in health sciences, nursing, and human services. Her administrative roles include strategic planning, faculty development, and community partnerships. She has presented at national conferences such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Midwest Nursing Research Society, often focusing on research methodology and nursing leadership.
Katherine Brown is a Professor of Behaviour Change in Health at the University of Hertfordshire's School of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences. She leads the Public Health Interventions Responsive Studies Team (PHIRST), funded by the NIHR, and directs the Public Health and Applied Behaviour Change (PHAB) Lab within the Centre for Research in Psychology and Sports (CRePS). Her work focuses on designing and evaluating behavior change interventions for public health challenges, with a strong emphasis on digital health solutions and community co-production. Education : PhD in Health Psychology, Sheffield Hallam University (2006) BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University (2000) PgCert in Higher Education, Coventry University (2007) Research Interests : Behavioral interventions targeting preventive health, digital health innovations, co-design with communities, and addressing disparities in public health outcomes. Grants & Awards : Over £12.5M in grants from NIHR, MRC, and EU. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications and 40 invited keynote presentations. Labs & Projects : PHIRST Team: NIHR-funded research on public health interventions PHAB Lab: Focuses on applied behavior change methodologies
Shanti Parikh is a Professor of Sociocultural Anthropology and Chair of the Department of African and African-American Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. She holds joint appointments in African and African American Studies and courtesy appointments in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Urban Studies and Policy. Her research examines intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and capitalism, with a focus on Uganda and the HIV/AIDS epidemic's sociocultural impacts. She has authored books like Regulating Romance (2015) and The Secret: Love, Marriage, and HIV Risk (2009), exploring themes of regulation, intimacy, and public health interventions. Parikh’s academic background includes a PhD from Yale University. Her work integrates ethnographic and historical methods to analyze global processes shaping local dynamics, such as state interventions and mobility patterns. She has led research on black masculinity along the TransAfrica Highway and commercial sex in HIV hotspots. Courses are cross-listed in International and Area Studies (IAS) and American Cultural Studies (AMCS). Her research trends emphasize HIV/AIDS in Uganda, gendered inequalities, and the interplay of law, culture, and health. Articles address topics like marital HIV risk, age of consent laws, and infidelity. Parikh previously directed the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program and serves as a Faculty Fellow in T.H. Eliot Residential College. Her ongoing projects include studies on infidelity and HIV transmission, and the social history of sexuality in post-colonial Uganda.
Prof. John de Wit is a Professor of Interdisciplinary Social Science: Public Health and Head of the Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science at Utrecht University. His research focuses on health behavior, HIV/AIDS prevention, sexual health, and social inequalities. He has led major studies on PrEP uptake, condom use trends, and the impact of pandemics on vulnerable groups. Notably, he is an IAAP Fellow and has contributed to global health policy through over 250 publications and €26M in research funding. Education: MSc, PhD (social psychology). Research: Specializes in health promotion, infectious diseases, and LGBTQ+ health. Current projects include HIV prevention among key populations, chemsex interventions, and societal responses to health crises like the pandemic. His work bridges individual, social, and structural factors influencing health outcomes. Publications: Over 250 peer-reviewed articles, emphasizing HIV/AIDS, behavioral science, and public health policy. Recent work addresses mpox vaccination strategies and PrEP implementation in Australia. Awards: IAAP Fellow (2018), Secretary of IAAP Division 8 (Health Psychology). Grants/Teaching: Secured >€26M in funding. Teaches courses at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Supervises 20+ PhD students on topics like LGBTQ+ health, substance use, and global health equity. Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams in Utrecht and collaborates with global institutions like UNSW Sydney and the WHO. Involved in policy advisory roles for health ministries and NGOs.
Donna Goldstein is a Professor of Anthropology with a focus on political anthropology, race, gender, and corruption in Latin America. Her work critically examines the intersection of power, violence, and cultural practices, particularly in Brazil and Hungary. Fields of Interest: Political Anthropology, Race and Ethnicity, Gender and Sexuality, Science and Technology Studies, Medical Anthropology. Goldstein’s research spans topics like illiberal politics during the Trump era, corruption in governance, and the cultural politics of childhood and violence. She has contributed to debates on nuclear expertise, pharmaceutical crime, and the historical reconstruction of ethnic identities. Her publications highlight the role of gesture and spectacle in politics, the ethical challenges of scientific research, and the structural violence embedded in health and social policies. She has engaged with comparative studies of environmental and health crises across regions. Goldstein is associated with the California Series in Public Anthropology and has reviewed works on sleep disorders, addiction, and beauty standards, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach. Notable Themes: Political Spectacle, Ethnographic Methodology, Structural Violence, Bioethics, Environmental Risk, Post-Truth Politics.
Jean M. Breny serves as Professor and Undergraduate Program Coordinator in the Department of Public Health at Southern Connecticut State University's College of Health and Human Services. She holds dual affiliations as Associate Scientist at Yale University's Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS and Affiliated Researcher at Boston University Center for Antiracist Research, while co-developing SCSU's Center for Health Equity and Eliminating Racism (CHEER). Her research centers on eliminating health disparities through antiracist photovoice methodology and community-based participatory research. Key focus areas include HIV/AIDS prevention, gender dynamics in sexual health, stigma reduction, and structural interventions to address systemic racism. Her work emphasizes community empowerment and translating research into actionable public health practice, particularly through visual storytelling and collaborative frameworks that center marginalized voices. Recent publications (2019-2025) reveal consistent thematic evolution toward antiracist praxis across multiple domains: health pedagogy transformation, digital adaptation of participatory methods during the pandemic, LGBTQ+ health equity, and community-driven policy advocacy. Her scholarship demonstrates methodological innovation in photovoice applications while maintaining focus on power dynamics, intersectionality, and actionable solutions for racial justice in health systems. Dr. Breny's scholarly recognition includes: Fulbright Senior Specialist in Global/Public Health (Izmir, Turkey) Past Presidency of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) She has secured significant grant funding including Connecticut Health Foundation support for implicit bias training systems change ($25,000), CSU projects on campus breastfeeding experiences ($5,000), and formative evaluations of peer education programs for male students ($3,000). Her grant portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on community-academic partnerships addressing health equity through photovoice methodology. As co-developer of SCSU's Center for Health Equity and Eliminating Racism (CHEER), she leads initiatives training students in antiracist research while collaborating with Yale and Boston University centers to advance systemic approaches to health justice.
