Sexual and gender minority health
Mentee Oluwaseyi Tobi Owaseye and Mentor Arjan van der Star
Mentee Oluwaseyi Tobi Owaseye MPH, AFHEA, AMRSPH Doctoral Candidate at the Department of Public Health and Wellbeing (Faculty of Health, Medicine & Society) of the University of Chester, United Kingdom
Arjan van der Star is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at San Diego State University (USA) and the current President of the EUPHA - SGMH Section.
In October 2023, I embarked on an enriching journey as part of the EUPHAnxt Mentoring Program, where I had the privilege of being mentored alongside another participant under the guidance of Arjan, an assistant professor at San Diego State University and the president of the EUPHA section on Sexual & Gender Minority Health. This experience not only enhanced my academic knowledge but also provided vital support for my research in sexual and reproductive health. Over the course of six months, from December 2023 to May 2024, I had the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and share ideas in the field of sexuality and minority health.
One of the highlights of this mentorship was the diverse academic backgrounds and interests within our group. While my research focuses on sexual and reproductive health, particularly the sexual health of female sex workers, my co-mentee brought a passion for nutrition, gender studies, and LGBTQ+ health. Our mentor, Arjan, who has expertise in sexual and gender minority mental health, provided invaluable knowledge that bridged our varied interests. His experience and guidance were very valuable in shaping our individual PhD research.
Our group meetings were more than just academic exchanges. They were opportunities to delve into pressing public health issues, share challenges, and explore how our research could contribute to positive change. The mentorship allowed us to exchange ideas about the intersections of gender, sexuality, and health equity.
During our mentoring sessions, we also explored the topic of job prospects as researchers, discussing the potential paths of staying in academia or transitioning into industry. We reflected on the different opportunities and challenges each route presents, such as the focus on research and teaching in academia versus the applied, practical impact in industry. Additionally, we considered the possibility of switching between the two at different stages of our careers and the factors that might influence this decision. These conversations were helpful as we strategically plan our professional journeys.
The EUPHAnxt Mentoring Program has been an unforgettable experience, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to learn from both my mentor and my co-mentee. The mentoring program allowed me to grow not only as a researcher but also as a public health professional dedicated to promoting health equity.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Arjan, my co-mentee, and the EUPHAnxt team for creating such a supportive and intellectually stimulating mentoring program. This experience has been invaluable, and I encourage future participants to embrace this opportunity for growth and collaboration.
