Our Projects

A condom rolled onto a banana.

  • This study seeks to understand student engagement in STI status conversations, as well as personal perceptions of condom usage and what it means to be “clean” in a sexual health context. Students are recruited from the student body and participate in 1-hour interviews to examine their sexual histories and preconceived notions about sexual activity and appropriate terminology. Currently, interviews are ongoing and work in the lab involves transcribing, coding, and synthesizing data collected from these discussions. In the coming months, efforts will involve reviewing the existing literature and working to develop materials for publication.  

Two hands, each holding a menstrual cup.

  • This student led research project aims to assess college students’ perceptions surrounding reusable menstrual products and general attitudes surrounding menstruation. Throughout winter quarter 2021, the researchers distributed a campus wide Qualtrics survey generating over 400 student responses. To further elucidate survey findings, the researchers facilitated 8 focus group discussions consisting of 32 total menstruators throughout spring quarter 2021. The research team is currently completing quantitative and qualitative data analyses on the collected data and aims to submit a manuscript for publication at the end of the school year. Preliminary analyses reveal two overarching themes: 1) college facilities do not adequately meet the needs of menstruators (especially those who use reusable menstrual products) and 2) menstruators are negatively impacted by the shame they feel regarding menstruation. 

Three rows of books on a bookshelf.

  • This project aims to destigmatize the conversation surrounding menstruation and address the universal issue of period poverty. Each year has a distinct focus, and data collection efforts involve surveys and questionnaires that ask about menstruator’s personal experiences. There is a large social media aspect involved in this project, where people’s stories are shared anonymously to promote open conversation.  

Pattern made of clean tampons.

  • This project intends to educate Cal Poly students on important sexual and reproductive health topics, particularly those that often go unaddressed in university settings. This information will be collected and relayed using Canvas, delivered in the form of specialized modules. Work on this project involves determining which content should be incorporated, compiling relevant data, and designing materials for dissemination to the student population. 

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