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 full time in June 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.
Carrie L. Nacht, MPH - PhD Research Assistant, Lab Manager
Carrie Nacht (she/her) is a 2nd 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 equity, reproductive justice, social support, power dynamics in sexual relationships, and sexual/reproductive health education and access.
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.
Tyrone Jones - Research Assistant
Tyrone 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.
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.
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.
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.