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New research on LGBTQ+ mental health, SDOH, and suicide risk.
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
I specialize in interdisciplinary research and translational research. More specifically, I work on the creation of innovative, independent projects that bridge academic inquiry with real-world impact. Drawing on the intersection of psychology and public health, I approach complex problems from multiple disciplinary perspectives, developing original frameworks (such as the SDOH-informed framework for queer folks) and initiatives (like Break the STIGMA) that go beyond traditional academic boundaries. My work is characterized by a commitment to translating research into meaningful, community-centered action.
CURRENT WORK
CURRENT WORK
LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience 4+ adverse childhood experiences and less likely to experience 0 adverse childhood experiences (Deneault et al., 2026). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17) that have long term negative impacts on health, opportunity and well being (CDC). It has been established that preventing ACES could reduce many health conditions: reduce suicide attempts by 89%, heart disease by 22% and depression by 78% (Swedo et al., 2024). Recent findings from Phillip Schnarrs et al. published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine in the article, “The Sexual and Gender Minority Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale” finds that disparities in ACEs exposure have led to calls for intersectional ACEs frameworks and measures that explain these differences and account for the unique experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) people (Scharrs et al., 2023).
I would like to explore revising the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) framework to better reflect the nuanced and identity-specific experiences of sexual and gender diverse individuals. This will integrate minority stress theory and intersectionality to address critical gaps in how early adversity is currently conceptualized and measured. I will be assessing to what extent incorporating SGD-specific adverse childhood experiences improve the prediction of mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, PTSD) among sexual and gender diverse individuals beyond the traditional ACE framework. Furthermore, I will also investigate how sexual and gender diverse individuals describe identity-specific childhood adversities not captured by existing frameworks and how the SGD-ACE framework can be revised to better capture identity-specific childhood adversity.
I am seeking additional student collaboration, faculty advisors, and clinical experts on this project currently.
Past Work
Past Work
I designed and executed an independent interdisciplinary research project, "Factors of Growth: Examining the unique effects of social determinants of health on LGBTQIA+ populations, with a focus on suicidality", examining how social determinants of health (SDOH) influence suicide risk among LGBTQIA+ populations. Through this project, I developed a conceptual framework analyzing how intersectional identities (“multi-axis”) compound mental health disparities, integrating psychology, public health, and social theory (SDOH-informed framework of queer suicidality & mental health). I conducted extensive literature review and cross-disciplinary synthesis, transforming an initial article into a 50-page research paper, later refined into a publication-ready manuscript. After rigorous peer review and a round of revisions, this paper has been officially been accepted for publication in the UCSC Journal of Social Medicine (JSM). Furthermore, I was selected to present research at multiple academic conferences, including: UAEM North America Conference (UCLA), Spartan Psychological Association Research Conference, UCSC Psi Chi Undergraduate Research Symposium, and the Cornell Undergraduate Psychology Conference.
Abstract
Abstract
Fundamental factors and predictors of wellness known as the social determinants of health disproportionately affect minority populations, including LGBTQIA+ individuals. Despite growing recognition of these disparities, there remain significant gaps in research that provide practical and accessible explanations informed by queer socio-cultural experiences. This study explores how social determinants of health—such as education access and quality, health care and quality, neighborhood and built environment, social and community context, and economic stability—contribute to suicide risk among LGBTQIA+ populations, and how intersectional identities intensify or modify these effects.
This study employs a qualitative literature review methodology, synthesizing findings from peer-reviewed academic journals, national health surveys and meta-analyses, public health organization reports, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy research reports. Drawing on the analytical frameworks of SDOH, intersectionality, and minority stress theory, this paper critically examines how systemic and structural conditions shape mental health outcomes and suicidality within LGBTQIA+ communities.
Findings indicate that SDOH are strongly correlated with increased suicide risk among LGBTQIA+ individuals, functioning as systemic drivers of health disparities rather than isolated risk factors. Minority stress processes expose sexual/gender minorities to heightened SDOH-related risks, while intersectionality further compounds vulnerability, as multi-axis individuals experience layered and mutually reinforcing forms of disadvantage.
These findings underscore the urgent need for expanded data collection and more nuanced research approaches that center intersectional experiences. Ultimately, SDOH play a pivotal role in shaping suicide risk among LGBTQIA+ populations through systemic and structural mechanisms. Addressing these disparities requires comprehensive, intersectional policy reforms and community-based interventions aimed at fostering equitable environments.
PRESENTATIONS
PRESENTATIONS
UAEM 2026 NORTH AMERICAN CONFERENCE
UAEM 2026 NORTH AMERICAN CONFERENCE
The UAEM North America 2026 Conference is an annual gathering focused on health equity and access to medicines, hosted by Universities Allied for Essential Medicines at UCLA from April 3–5, 2026. Themed "People before profit: Advancing an equitable healthcare future," it brings together student leaders, researchers, and advocates to discuss, network, and advance policies for affordable, accessible medicines.
PSI CHI Undergraduate research Symposium
PSI CHI Undergraduate research Symposium
The Psi Chi Symposium will be hosted on April 24th, 2026 from 11:45am-5pm in the College 9/10 Multipurpose Room on the UCSC campus. The symposium is hosted annually, providing UCSC Psychology, Cognitive Science, and social science students with an introduction to an academic conference. This event is being held in association with the UCSC Psychology Department. It is intended to be a place for undergrads to present research they are involved with and to connect with others in their discipline!
Spartan Psychological Association Research Conference
Spartan Psychological Association Research Conference
Since 1975, the Spartan Psychological Association Research Conference (SPARC) has provided psychology students the opportunity to present their original research in a professional conference setting. The conference will be held on April 20th at San Jose State University.
2026 Cornell Undergraduate Psychology (CUP) Conference
2026 Cornell Undergraduate Psychology (CUP) Conference
The Department of Psychology at Cornell University is proud to host the 2026 Cornell Undergraduate Psychology (CUP) Conference on Sunday, April 26th, 2026 in the Clark Atrium/Physical Sciences Building.
PENDING DECISIONS
PENDING DECISIONS
(Currently none)
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