Lab Members

Angel B. Algarin PhD, MPH

Position: Principal Investigator

Dr. Angel B. Algarin is an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University's Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation and affiliated with the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Currently, he is funded under a National Institute on Drug Abuse Career Development Grant entitled, "Addressing intersectional stigma through coping, resistance, and resilience to improve methamphetamine use and factors influencing PrEP uptake among Latino MSM: a step towards ending HIV by 2030 (K01DA055521)."

Research Interests:

SARAH PORTLE, MEd, RN, NCSN

Position: Graduate Research Assistant

Sarah Portle is a third-year PhD student at Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University. Sarah is a registered nurse and has worked in school health for 15 years. Her research interests include school-based substance-use interventions, sexual education for LGBTQ+ students, and the school health workforce in rural and underserved communities.  Sarah Is excited to be a part of the SHH Lab and the important work they are doing.

XIANGMING ZHAN

Position: Graduate Research Assistant

Xiangming Zhan is a PhD student in Nursing at Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University. Xiangming's research focus is quantitative and cross-disciplinary, with a focus on machine learning, causal inference, and public health initiatives, especially in the context of HIV. After graduation, she plans to secure a faculty position where she can continue research on personalized healthcare strategies and contribute to global efforts in HIV prevention and care.

Kaelyn Creegan

Position: Research Assistant

Kaelyn Creegan is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical  Sciences at Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University. She cultivated a keen interest in community health projects after completing one in a course that had a focus on the impact of substance use and food environment in central Tempe, Arizona. She is also passionate about advancing equity in healthcare and rare disease research with a particular focus on conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. She plans to attend medical school after graduation. Kaelyn is thrilled to be a member of the SHH lab and to take part in this crucial research.

GORDON KOK

Position: Research Assistant

Gordon Kok is a senior currently studying Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biology and Society at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University. He has an interest in human health and the evolution of diseases. He has recently completed a thesis project under Dr. Carolyn Compton, Dr. Ben Hurlbut, and Jason Bronowitz studying HPV prevention and carcinogenesis, which is currently being compiled into a textbook for publication. He plans on attending medical school, continuing to research, and finding applications to improve the lives of others. In Gordon's spare time, he loves backpacking, swimming, and playing board games.

MELANIE RIZO LEAL

Position: Research Assistant

Melanie Rizo Leal is a first-generation college student from Mexico, Sonora. Majoring in Medical Studies major at the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University. She is passionate about healthcare and research and aspires to become an obstetrician-gynecologist after graduation. Dedicated to serving her community and advancing women's health and aiming to make a meaningful impact in the medical field.

ANGELO NAWAR

Position: Research Assistant

Angelo Nawar is a pre-medical undergraduate student studying Biomedical Sciences at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University. His experiences in clinical settings and community outreach have inspired his interest in understanding and improving public health outcomes, particularly among underrepresented populations. Angelo is eager to enhance healthcare access and interventions that reduce disparities while fostering greater community engagement in health.

VICKY NGUYEN

Position: Research Assistant

Vicky Nguyen is a first-generation college student studying Psychology and Biomedical Sciences at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University. Her passion for research began during her participation in Glendale Community College’s psychology research program, SOAR, in 2021. There, she conducted research on the impact of wellness resources on prompting self-disclosure among undergraduate college students. She is dedicated to improving patient care and advancing medical research.

PREVIOUS LAB MEMBERS

ZOE HILL

GRADUATE 2024

FRIDA GUZMAN

GRADUATE 2025