The EMERGE Lab by Dr. Brian T. Nguyen
Expanding Male Engagement in Reproductive and Gender Equity
ABOUT US
The EMERGE Lab by Dr. Brian T. Nguyen is a research group committed to the protection of women's health and gender equity via the engagement of men and male partners.
The EMERGE Lab also provides and compiles information and resources for men who may be interested in ways that they can #EMERGE -- be men who actively engage in issues of reproductive health and gender equity.
Our logo is a contemporary depiction of fatherhood, depicted by seahorses, the only family of animals where the male experiences pregnancy. The male partner's sharing of reproductive responsibility and preparation for paternity capture the philosophy of the EMERGE Lab.
Dr. Brian T. Nguyen joined the University of Southern California’s department of Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2016 following the completion of a fellowship in Family Planning and Contraceptive Research at the University of Chicago. During his fellowship, Dr. Nguyen also completed a Master’s of Science degree for Clinical Professionals and gained research experience at the Population Council in New York and World Health Organization. Throughout his clinical and research training, Dr. Nguyen has sustained an interest in understanding how men are influenced and can influence women’s reproductive health. He has thus explored such topics as men’s access to emergency contraception, expedited male partner treatment for sexually transmitted infections, disparities in the use of vasectomy, men’s experiences of unintended pregnancy and abortion, and most recently, male hormonal contraception. He hopes to continue research that creates a positive role for men in women’s health via his collaboration with students and colleagues in The EMERGE Lab.
"I'm an Ob/Gyn, so I don't see any male patients, but I do take care of their loved ones. Men can learn a lot from these women and, given their power, will use what they learn (or don't learn) to influence society."
Introducing our Research & Advocacy Team
Dedicated to Research, Education, Advocacy, & Community
OUR TEAM
Jasmine Patel, MD
Family Planning Fellow
Research Lead
Dr. Patel is researching one of the only male reversible contraceptive methods, withdrawal or "pulling out," trying to find out once and for all if there really is sperm in the pre-ejaculate. Dr. Patel is also interested in vasectomy provision and is currently working with students to expand procedural training.
Family Planning Fellow
Research Lead
Jennifer Franks, MD MPH
Research Coordinator
Gender Consultant
Ms. Franks joined the EMERGE Lab in 2017 as a research coordinator. Since the beginning, Jen has played a critical role in the organization of the lab, bringing her background in neuroendocrinology research, advocacy for sex education and queer health, and commitment to gender equity. She is actively reviewing projects in male contraceptive safety.
Katie Ciesielski, MD
OB/GYN Resident
Research Coordinator
Dr. Ciesielski is a resident in Obstetrics & Gynecology at LAC+USC Medical Center. She has focused her research and advocacy interests on contraception, sterilization, and reproductive health education, as well as the need for upholding patient autonomy in the provision of family planning services.
Kyle Latack
Research Coordinator
Medical Student
Kyle Latack is a USC medical student with expertise in online data harvesting. He is lending his experience to the EMERGE lab via an examination of stigma-laden topics found on the anonymous social forum, Reddit. He is examining the online community's attitudes and anxieties pertaining to the use of withdrawal.
Ravali Reddy
Research Coordinator
Medical Student
Ravali Reddy is a medical student and president of the Keck OB/GYN Student Interest Group. Recognizing that Asians are commonly viewed as a homogenous group, she is examining risk variations in sexual and reproductive health behaviors among South, East, and Southeast Asians, with attention to immigration status and gender.
Dominic Moog
Research Assistant
Social Media Coordinator
Dominic Moog is an undergraduate, pre-medical student at the University of Southern California. Dominic is currently investigating the portrayal of withdrawal/coitus interruptus on Reddit, as well as examining male hormonal contraceptive acceptability.
Donovan Spencer
Research Assistant
Undergraduate at USC
Donovan Spencer an undergraduate, pre-medical student at the University of Southern California, with intentions of pursuing graduate studies in global health. Donovan is currently investigating the portrayal of withdrawal/coitus interruptus on Reddit, as well as examining male hormonal contraceptive acceptability among Latino men.
Minica Long
Research Coordinator
Medical Student
Minica Long received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Williams College in Massachusetts. She is currently a first year medical student at Keck School of Medicine of USC. She is interested in reproductive health and the psychosocial determinants of reproductive health care and access.
Emily Chang
Research Coordinator
Medical Student
Emily Chang is a first-year medical student at USC. She joined the EMERGE lab to learn how to make sexual health/education a more accessible topic for all patients. She is currently examining the provision of expedited partner therapy among individuals diagnosed with STDs in Los Angeles County.
Helena Galinson
Research Assistant
Undergraduate at USC
Helena Galinson is a talented social media and research recruiting consultant, actively working with Dr. Jasmine Patel on projects related to understanding the use of withdrawal as a contraceptive method among couples.
FAMILY PLANNING FELLOWS
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Melissa Myo, MD (OB/GYN)
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Katrina Heyrana, MD PhD (OB/GYN)
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Hana Reissner, MD (OB/GYN)
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Robyn Schickler, MD (OB/GYN)
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Jasmine Patel, MD (OB/GYN)
MEDICAL RESIDENTS
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Nicole Mitchell, MD (OB/GYN)
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Nicholas Jeffrey, MD (OB/GYN)
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Eric J. Chang, MD (OB/GYN)
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Kimeshia Thomas, MD (OB/GYN)
Not yet pictured (no less important): Chris Douglas, Electra Korn
FORMER MEMBERS & TRAINEES
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Destiny Howell
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Gabriella Watson
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Ke'Ari Brooks
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Lisa Mekhitarian
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August Eberl
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Dayna Grundy
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Cathrine Ha
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Gassia Krumian
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Hrach Hadijan
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Noah Nattell, MD MSc
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Tamirra Johnson
A Commitment to Education and the
Professional Development of Trainees
Dr. Brian T. Nguyen is dedicated to the teaching of students at all levels, with attention to the development of skills and provision of mentorship consistent with the goals and career trajectories of his trainees. Members of the EMERGE lab are expected to help each other as they become more proficient in the methods of the lab. Students have gone on to develop project planning grants, develop research abstracts and presentations, as well as publish in relevant social and medical journals. It is our sincere hope that students are never used below their potential and pushed to emerge from the experience ready to make meaningful contributions.
