Research Studies
The Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research’s (CSGMHR) research spans a broad range of SGM health concerns, with particular expertise in sexual minority women’s health; transgender and nonbinary individual’s health’ social relationships (e.g., partner, family, chosen family and friends); multiple chronic conditions, particularly cardiovascular health; and the intersections between mental and physical health. The center also conducts research concerning identity development across the lifespan, cognitive reserve, and resilience. Work incorporates multiple disciplinary and theoretical perspectives and includes researchers and trainees at all levels. Below are some of the center’s currently funded studies.
Human-Centered AI
Advancing LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sexual Health Education Through AI‑Driven Simulation and Progressive Skills Training
Multiple Principal Investigators: Mary T. Hickey, EdD, WHNP-BC, FNP-BC, and Natalya Pasklinsky, DNP, ACNP-BC, CHSE, FNYAM
Center Collaborators: Jean-Marie Bruzzese, PhD, Professor of Applied Developmental Psychology (in Nursing), Columbia University School of Nursing
Project Staff: Kristy Deyeso, DNP, RN, CCRN, CHSE, CHSOS, CPAN; Juan R. Gonzalez, BS; Caroline Carnevale, FNP, MPH
Funded by: Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research (CSGMHR) Pilot Grant ($10,000)
Description: This pilot study develops and tests a sequenced educational innovation to strengthen nursing students' skills in providing LGBTQIA+-affirming sexual health care. Students progress through foundational instruction in the GOALS communication framework and the CDC's 5 Ps of sexual history-taking, followed by AI-enabled avatar practice with immediate feedback, and finally standardized patient encounters for summative assessment. The project evaluates feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness using validated competency measures, with findings intended to guide curriculum integration and future external funding for broader implementation.
Developing an AI-enhanced intervention to reduce CVD risk among sexual minority adults
Multiple Principal Investigators: Meghan Turchioe, PhD, RN; Billy Caceres, PhD RN; and Corina Lelutiu, PhD
Project Staff: Bailey Middleton, B.S.
Funded by: Columbia University School of Nursing Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research Pilot Grant
Description: The overall objective of this pilot study is to inform the design, safety protocols, and implementation strategy for an artificial intelligence chatbot that will augment our team's existing intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease risk among sexual minority adults.
Health Systems Science
Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychosocial Wellbeing for Individuals Managing Chronic Conditions after a Major Surgery
Multiple Principal Investigators: Walter Bockting, PhD, and Miriam Ryvicker, PhD
Center Collaborators: Maureen George, PhD, RN, AE-C, FAAN and Kasey Jackman, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC
Project Staff: Tyler Gaedecke, MPhil, BSN, RN; Skylar Hawthorne, LMSW; Carolina Lopez, BA
Funded by: National Institute of Nursing Research [R01 NR019315]
This study examines the impact of gender-affirming surgery on the quality of life of trans and gender nonbinary patients served by the Visiting Nurse Service of New York’s Gender Affirmation Program. Participants will be invited to complete a series of quantitative and qualitative interviews over an 18-month period to understand their psychosocial and sexual adjustment after surgery, and their experiences interacting with the health care system. Findings will inform the development of future interventions to optimize support provided after surgery.
Preparing For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Implementation in Central-Eastern European Countries With Low Access To Biomedical Prevention
Principal Investigators: Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger, PhD (with John Pachankis, PhD of Yale University School of Public Health)
Project Staff: Anna Zavodzky, MPH
Funded by: Fogarty Internation Center [R33 TW011752]
This study will adapt to and test in the context of Romania pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake and adherence protocols developed in the US, with the end-goal of embeddedness into clinical practice after completion of all testing phases.
A Dialectical Behavior Therapy-Based Gender-Affirming Intervention for Suicide Prevention Among Transgender and Gender-Diverse People
Principal Investigators: Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger, PhD and Kasey Jackman, PhD, MPhil, MS, BS, BA, PMHNP-BC
Project Staff: Roberta Scheinmann, MPH
Funded by: Columbia University Irving Medical Center Intervention and Implementation Science Award
This study proposes to adapt and pilot-test an existing evidence-based intervention using dialectical behavior therapy for the general population to prevent suicide-related outcomes among transgender and gender-diverse individuals
Ending the HIV Epidemic with Equity: An All-Facility Intervention to Reduce Structural Racism and Discrimination and Their Impact on Patient and Healthcare Staff Wellbeing
Principal Investigators: Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger, PhD (with Felicia A. Browne, ScD, MPH of UNC – Chapel Hill)
Project Staff: Roberta Scheinmann, MPH
Funded by: National Institute of Nursing Research [R01 NR020583]
The scope of this study is to engage six Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program funded organizations in Ending the HIV Epidemic (ETHE) areas in the South/East US to co-develop context-responsive programs utilizing evidence-informed interventions to reduce structural racism and discrimination (SRD) against Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) living with HIV (PLH) and BIPOC healthcare workers, using a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial to test the SRD reduction intervention named TRAnscenDS.
Health and Development Across the Lifespan
Impact of Minority Stress on Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Resilience
Multiple Principal Investigators: Walter Bockting, PhD, and Donald Edmondson, PhD
Center Collaborators: Billy Caceres, PhD, RN, AGPCNP-BC, FAAN, and Kasey Jackman, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC
Funded by: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [R01 HL151559]
This study will be the first to determine the relationship between minority stress, resilience, mental health, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (blood pressure, sleep and physical activity, tobacco use, and BMI) in a diverse sample of the U.S. gender minority population, using both self-report and objectively measured data. Findings will inform the development and testing of future intervention strategies aimed at reducing CVD risk and promoting the health and wellbeing of this and other vulnerable populations.
A Daily Diary Examination of the Influence of Anticipated and Vicarious Stressors on Blood Pressure
Principal Investigators: Billy Caceres, PhD, RN, AGPCNP-BC, FAAN
Project Staff: Kassidy Wade, MPH, Melis Baltaci, B.S.
Funded by: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [R01 HL168489]
The objective of this daily diary study is to examine physiological, behavioral, and affective mechanisms linking intersectional stigma with blood pressure among sexual, racial, and ethnic minority adults.
Affirmative Psychotherapy for Sexual Minority Women's Mental and Behavioral Health
Principal Investigator: Tonda Hughes, PhD, RN, FAAN (with John Pachankis, PhD of Yale University School of Public Health)
Funded by: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
This study will assess the efficacy of LGBTQ-affirmative cognitive behavioral psychotherapy to target the common cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses to minority stress that lead to mental and behavioral health disparities for sexual minority women.
Social Convoys, Cognitive Reserve and Resilience, and Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Principal Investigator: Walter Bockting, PhD
Funded by: National Institute on Aging [R01 AG069041]
The purpose of this study is to compare cognitive test performance of a community sample of age-matched LGBT and non-LGBT adults and to examine the role of minority stress and related risks and assets in cognitive aging in these two identity groups.
Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Sexual Minority Adults
Multiple Principal Investigators: Billy Caceres, PhD, RN and Corina Lelutiu, PhD
Project Staff: Bailey Middleton, B.S.
Funded by: Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation
Description: The goal of this project is to establish the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of My Heart, My Pride, a minority-stress informed intervention for cardiovascular disease risk reduction among sexual minority adults. We will recruit 30 community-dwelling sexual minority adults (ages 40-64) living in NewYork City and/or surrounding areas. Findings will be used to further refine the intervention.
Exposomics
Social Stress, Social Connectedness, and Health
Principal Investigator: Walter Bockting, PhD
Center Collaborators: Billy Caceres, PhD, RN, AGPCNP-BC, FAAN; Kasey Jackman, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC; Maureen George, PhD, RN, AE-C, FAAN
Project Staff: Christian Adames, MA; Josh Mosby, BA
Funded by: National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities [R01 MD017085-02]
This study examines the social relations of gender minority people of color (GM POC) living in New York City and New Orleans and identifies targets for future interventions to enhance their social connectedness, health and wellbeing. Guided by the Convoy Model of Social Relations, the study aims to: (1) examine the social relations and connectedness of GM POC age 18-69 through in-depth, qualitative interviews; (2) adapt the established structured Social Convoy Interview protocol to quantitatively assess the contemporary social networks and support of GM POC adults through a series of cognitive interviews; and (3) identify strengths and weaknesses in social connectedness that moderate the association between minority stress and outcomes of mental health and aging among a community sample of GM POC.
CSGMHR Pilot Award Program
The CSGMHR pilot program supports Columbia University School of Nursing faculty in conducting studies related to SGM health by providing funds to support the collection of pilot data that can be used in applications for external funding. The program is one of the pilot grant programs funded by the Columbia University School of Nursing Office of Scholarship and Research Development.
Studies Funded by the CSGMHR Pilot Grant Program
Investigating the influence of structural stigma on cardiovascular disease risk among sexual minority adults
Funding Cycle: 2022 – 2023
Investigators: Billy A. Caceres, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN and Morgan Philbin, PhD, MHS
Barriers and facilitators to reducing harmful drinking patterns among sexual minority women
Funding Cycle: 2023 – 2024
Investigators: Tonda L. Hughes, PhD, RN, FAAN and Lauren A. Bochicchio, PhD, LCSW
Promoting social capital for increased HIV prevention and care among sexual minority men in Kenya
Funding Cycle: 2023 – 2024
Investigators: Rebecca Schnall, PhD, MPH, BSN, FAAN, FACMI and Dustin Duncan, ScD
Developing a mobile tobacco cessation intervention for SGM individuals in Eastern Europe
Funding Cycle: 2023 – 2024
Investigators: Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger, PhD and Phoenix A. Matthews, PhD, MS, BS, LCP
Experiences of aging among economically marginalized transgender and gender expansive older adults in the U.S.
Funding Cycle: 2024 – 2025
Investigators: Emily Paine, PhD and Walter Bockting, PhD, LP
Age, period, and cohort effects of sexual orientation disparities in alcohol use
Funding Cycle: 2025 – 2026
Investigators: Sarah McKetta, MD, PhD, Katherine Keyes, PhD, MPH, and Tonda L. Hughes, PhD, RN, FAAN
Advancing transgender health equity: Evaluating the implementation of Healthy Divas
Funding Cycle: 2025 – 2026
Investigators: Sabrina Cluesman, PhD, LCSW and Walter Bockting, PhD, LP
Adaptation of an internet cognitive behavioral therapy treatment intervention for sexual and gender minority individuals in Armenia and Georgia
Funding Cycle: 2025 – 2026
Investigator: Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger, PhD