Team Members

Assistant Professor of Family Social Science

curtism@umn.edu | McNeal 270

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Michael Curtis (He/His) is an assistant professor of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on improving the mental health and service utilization of individuals from oppressed and underserved communities. Specifically, his work seeks to address the syndemic effects of intersectional stigma, traumatic stress, HIV, and mental health issues among Black Americans, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ+. 

Shreya Sharma, is a second-year PhD student at the University of Minnesota, in the department of Family Social Science (Couple and Family therapy specialization). She also works as a systemic and relational mental-health practitioner. With a background and experience in community mental health, her interests lie at the intersection of gender, health, and trauma. Her work focuses on understanding intimate partner violence, intergenerational transmission of trauma, and barriers to access to healthcare, among South-Asian women. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies and reading fiction. She loves international and Indie cinema, and geeking out on it!

Lukas is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Biology, Society, & Environment and minoring in Spanish Studies. His research interests include biological and social determinants of health with a focus on LGBTQ+ Black Americans, planning to bring this perspective to his future career in medicine.

Matthew T. Plucker (He/His) is a student at the University of Minnesota majoring in Family Social Science with a minor in Family Therapy. His research interests focus on mental health and resilience among veterans. Matthew plans to pursue licensure as an LMFT or LPCC following the completion of his undergraduate degree.

Mariame Kourouma is a senior at the University of Minnesota, majoring in Family Social Science. She was born in Guinea, which is located in West Africa. A fun fact about Mariame is that she is learning how to sew, and she hopes to travel to many parts of the world. Mariame's research explores how people of color who identify as sexual and gender minorities (SMs) often face challenges due to intersecting experiences of racism and heterosexism, which can lead to depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidal thoughts.

Zareya Nolen is a senior majoring in Family Social Science and Psychology with a minor in African American Studies. As an undergraduate research assistant and social media coordinator, her research interests include Black communities, families, youth, and minority mental health. She hopes to become a therapist supporting marginalized populations

Ċante Nakanishi (she/her) is a couples and family therapist and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on maternal mental health, issues impacting intercultural couples, and historical trauma healing. Her work bridges lived experience, clinical insight, and evidence-based approaches to support American Indian communities.