The Sexual, Reproductive, and Mental Health Disparities Program
Our Focus
Program Mission
The Sexual, Reproductive, and Mental (SRM) Health Disparities Program in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Boston University focuses on the intersection of sexual, reproductive, and mental health in minoritized and marginalized populations, both domestically and internationally. We aim to (1) identify psychological barriers to optimal sexual and reproductive health and (2) develop psychosocial interventions that mitigate the influence of these barriers among populations at risk for poor sexual and reproductive health. We seek to continue and grow our collaborations with international and local research teams to ultimately implement these interventions on a large scale.
Featured Research
Recent Publication
“I’ll Continue If I Have a Positive Mind”: Identifying the Ways in Which Depression and PTSD Impact PrEP Adherence Among PrEP-Experienced Pregnant and Postpartum Women in Cape Town, South Africa.
Recruitment
Recruitment Update
Master’s & Undergraduate Students
We are not currently hiring master’s or undergraduate students.
Applications will reopen during the transition between the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters.
Prospective PhD Students
Dr. Amelia Stanton will not be accepting PhD students for Fall 2026.
Get Involved
Ideal Qualities & Qualifications
Master’s Students
- Research interests include: sexual, reproductive, and mental health disparities, health behaviors, global mental health, women’s health, pregnancy and the postpartum period, diverse sexual identities, and gender diverse individuals.
- Commitment to SRM Health Disparities Program’s mission: to reduce mental health barriers that negatively affect sexual and reproductive health. Our goal is to minimize sexual, reproductive, and mental health disparities in minoritized and marginalized populations at the global and local levels.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion: The SRM Health Disparities Program is committed to building an inclusive, diverse, and supportive environment in our workspace and across our projects. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and positive lab environment that embraces our differences to generate more rigorous and comprehensive science.
- Other qualities:
- Interested in completing an independent study and/or directed study
- GPA 3.0+
- Able to commit to 12–15 hours per week (Monday–Friday) for at least one year
Undergraduate Volunteers
- Commitment to SRM Health Disparities Program’s mission: to reduce mental health barriers that negatively affect sexual and reproductive health. Our goal is to minimize sexual, reproductive, and mental health disparities in minoritized and marginalized populations at the global and local levels.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion: The SRM Health Disparities Program is committed to building an inclusive, diverse, and supportive environment in our workspace and across our projects. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and positive lab environment that embraces our differences to generate more rigorous and comprehensive science.
- Other qualities:
- Completed 2+ psychology courses
- GPA 3.0+
- Able to commit to 10 hours per week (Monday–Friday) for at least one year
