Human Sexuality Ph.D. Alums Transform the Field

A fall panel hosted by the Department of Human Sexuality gathered notable alumni from the Ph.D. program to discuss their change-making work and research. The panel was one of seven events during the 2024-25 academic year to celebrate the department's decennial by highlighting the dynamic work of faculty and alumni and the importance of scholarship on sexuality, gender, identity, reproductive health, and other critical topics.
 

The alumni panel included four graduates who are making significant strides in their respective fields, including the department’s very first Ph.D., Giacinta Talarico, now faculty at Kean University, who specializes in health equity for all with a focus on LGBTQIA+ and multiply-minoritized populations. Dr. Talarico was joined by Bernard Davis, Founder and CEO of RAO Community Health center in Charlotte, NC, which provides informed care and education to underserved and minoritized populations, with a focus on the LGBTQIA+ communities and sexual health; Andrea Lewis, faculty at UNC Greensboro in Public Health and Program Coordinator for the Southeast STD/HIV Prevention Training Center; and Estefanía Simich Muñoz, a Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor.

Each of the panelists pushes boundaries within their programs and institutions and advocates for a broader understanding of how sexuality intersects with the lives of their clients and communities. Over the course of a fascinating hour-and-a-half conversation, they shared how they apply their critical sexuality training from CIIS to real-world situations in their work. They discussed their research topics, shared challenges from the field — including navigating the sensitive issues of sexuality and gender in the current political climate in the U.S., and offered their visions for the future of critical sexuality studies and sexual health and wellness.

Dr. Lewis shared that her education at CIIS shaped her understanding of how “factors like relationship dynamics, economic situations, and access to healthcare can all impact sexual health outcomes. These elements are essential in understanding the broader context of individuals’ experiences.” Dr. Muñoz added that understanding sex as deeply political has been vital to her work. “It's about recognizing the broader social and political forces that influence sexual experiences and outcomes."

Factors like relationship dynamics, economic situations, and access to healthcare can all impact sexual health outcomes. These elements are essential in understanding the broader context of individuals’ experiences. 
- Dr. Andrea Lewis, MSPA, MPH, PA-C

For Dr. Davis, research in human sexuality is about so much more than scholarship: “it's really about a person's whole life,” he offered. “Gender is just one aspect; we are so many other things. If our program didn't recognize these complexities, we would be remiss in effectively addressing the needs of our patients or clients. It’s crucial to avoid a one-dimensional approach, as that would fail to encompass the full scope of who we are as individuals." Dr. Talarico shared that her hope for the future of the field is even greater diversification. “I often see myself as an ambassador for social work in this space,” she said, “advocating for the integration of sexuality studies across disciplines. In the American context, where sexuality is often taboo, it's crucial to bring these conversations to the forefront.”

To celebrate the Department of Human Sexuality’s decennial, register for their upcoming events. On March 25 the department will host an online panel and keynote on erotic divinity and Black sexuality. The year-long festivities will conclude on April 26 with a party at CIIS, featuring food, drinks, a curated art walk, highlights from student dissertations, and entertainment provided by San Francisco’s beloved drag order, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

If you are interested in joining the conversation, learn more about the department’s doctoral program and groundbreaking new Master of Science in Critical Sexuality Studies and register for an upcoming info session.

Related Programs

Ph.D. in Human Sexuality
New M.S. in Critical Sexuality Studies