Rob Stephenson

Trained as a demographer and epidemiologist, Dr. Stephenson’s work focuses on the sexual and reproductive health of vulnerable populations.  Dr. Stephenson’s work is centered primarily on the development and testing of interventions that aim to improve sexual health outcomes, with a particular focus on HIV prevention among sexual and gender minority populations in the US and globally. His work seeks to understand the intersections between stigma, violence and sexual health, with the aim of developing interventions that disrupt the negative pathways between stigma, violence and poor sexual health outcomes – particularly for groups at high risk of HIV. Stephenson’s work includes the development of a range of intervention forms and modalities, including telehealth, eHealth and mHealth and counseling and motivational interviewing-based interventions. In addition to his work with sexual health among sexual and gender minority groups, Stephenson has a long history of work in women’s sexual and reproductive health, with a specific focus on family planning and maternal health issues in resource poor countries, examining how climates of gender inequity put women at risk of poor reproductive health outcomes. 

Focused health equity Professor offering 22 years of success in academic roles. Proven success in conceptualizing and managing innovative complex research, having secured >$130m in research funding and published over 400 scientific manuscripts. Over 20 years’ experience working in diverse settings throughout Africa and Asia, with 10 years of service in global leadership positions. 

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Demography: University of Southampton, Southampton, UK 

Master of Science (M.S.) - Medical Demography: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK 

PhD - Demography: University of Southampton, Southampton, UK 

Master of Arts (M.A.) - Photography: Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA