The Department of Population Science and Policy is fortunate to have a multidisciplinary staff to design projects and research to improve population health.
Christofer Rodriguez
, MPH, CHES is a Research Project Coordinator and his expertise in public health and cancer research adds a valuable component to PSP's efforts.
Why did you choose to work at PSP?
I was introduced to PSP's Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division Chief Wiley Jenkins by a professor in my Master’s program at the University of San Francisco. I had similar research interests and started as an intern under Dr. Jenkins. I later applied for and secured a full-time position in PSP that started immediately after my internship ended.
What are your research priorities?
Some of my research priorities include sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS (including HIV PrEP), mental health, and opioids and substance abuse.
What is your background?
I joined the US Navy right out of high school and was first stationed on the USS Kitty Hawk in Yokosuka, Japan. I spent a year and a half on that ship, where I traveled to South Korea, Hong Kong, Guam, and Australia. I spent some time in the aviation fuels department, where I learned about checking and maintaining fuel levels and refueling aircraft. I then moved into a division that worked directly with the Air Boss, who was in charge of all inbound and outbound aircraft. I then chose to attend advanced training for Hospital Corpsman, which is the medical field for the Navy, and then attended pharmacy technician school. I was in the Navy for about nine years, with duty stations in Guam, Kuwait, and San Diego. My favorite experience was my last deployment to the southeast pacific to provide humanitarian aid to Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia. This deployment is what introduced me to the field of public health, which sparked my interest.
What are your research goals?
I’m currently focused on increasing the body of research among health education and reducing sexually transmitted infections and HIV transmission. I’m also interested in learning more about mental health disparities in individuals who have recently been diagnosed with HIV and how those individuals utilize mental health resources (and/or the lack of resources available) and how this affects health outcomes.
What has been your best/most significant experience at PSP?
I would say the most significant experience is to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with everyone I have worked with and to help guide the type of work that we do now and look to do in the future.