Shemeka Thorpe, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Shemeka Thorpe (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in Health Promotion. She is an award-winning sexuality educator and researcher. Her research focuses on the sexual well-being of Black women using sex-positive frameworks and Black feminisms. Dr. Thorpe’s primary research focus is on psychological, sociocultural, and physical factors that impact Black women’s sexual well-being and functioning. Additionally, she explores the family planning needs and experiences of Black sexual minority women and couples. Dr. Thorpe serves as the Assistant Director of the UNITE Research Priority Area and is a core faculty member for the Center for Health, Engagement, and Transformation (CHET). She is also a faculty affiliate of African American and Africana Studies and the Commonwealth Institute for Black Studies. She has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles in journals in the field of sexology, psychology, and public health. In 2023, Buzzfeed listed her as one of the top 20 Black sexologists you should follow. She has been featured on numerous podcasts, online magazines, and blogs such as Cosmo, Elite Daily, The New York Times, and Essence. Dr. Thorpe aims to make research relevant to Black communities by translating sex science in meaningful and tangible ways through social media. She serves on the editorial board for The Journal of Sex Research and Culture, Health, & Sexuality.
Research Categories: Sexual Health, Human Sexuality, Health Education