FAQ

frequently asked questions

Programming Questions

What is the SASH Lab?

The Substances and Sexual Health (SASH) Lab is a social science and behavioral health research lab located at Yale School of Public Health. The SASH Lab was founded by Dr. Ijeoma Opara in 2020 with funding from the NIH Director’s Early Independence Award. Dr. Opara moved her lab from Stony Brook University to Yale University School of Public Health in July 2021. The SASH Lab consists of multiple projects that focus on substance use and sexual health research that uses strengths-based approaches.

Where is the SASH Lab located?

We are located at the Yale School of Public Health on 47 College Street, Suite 18, New Haven, Connecticut

Does The SASH Lab have any resources to share with youth?

Yes, our resources page is constantly being updated. Please visit here (Resources)

How can I connect with Dr. Opara?

Dr. Opara is on sabbatical from Summer 2025 through Summer 2026 and will have limited email access. Our research and projects will continue during this time. For questions about our work (excluding financial contributions), please contact us at: thesashlab@yale.edu.

Employment

Do you have any positions available?

We are currently not accepting applications for Fall 2025 through Summer 2026. Please check back around Summer 2026 for opportunities.

Do you have any Postdoctoral Fellow positions available?

We are currently not accepting applications for Postdoctoral Fellowships for Fall 2025 through Summer 2026. Please check back around Summer 2026 for opportunities.

Does the SASH Lab sponsor international students?

We unfortunately are not able to sponsor international students at this time. However, international students who are current students at Yale are able to be considered for a research assistant position in the lab. Please review Yale’s employment for international student policy here: https://oiss.yale.edu/employment-taxes/employment-for-international-students/employment-for-f-1-students

Does The SASH Lab only hire Yale students?

While a majority of our lab members are Yale students, we have a diverse team of students who work with us from New Jersey and New York and attend other universities in the Tri-State area.

How do I become a Lab affiliate?

Becoming a lab affiliate is by invitation only. While we are currently on pause with new collaborations until the summer of 2026, if you think your expertise would be of benefit with The SASH Lab, please email your CV and interest to us at: thesashlab@yale.edu.”

What is The SASH Lab Community Fellow-in-Training Program?

Establish in 2022, The Community Research Fellow in Training program is a way to allow community leaders to have a seat at the table and be in the co-leading process of study design, data collection. Our inaugural fellows have been longtime partners of our work in New Jersey.

Fundraising and Donations

How do I make a financial contribution to The SASH Lab?

Thank you! We are so grateful that you are considering supporting our work so we can continue to create successful prevention programs for urban youth of color. Since our lab is housed at Yale University, all donations for lab-related research will have to be processed through the Yale donations office. Please feel free to contact: https://ysph.yale.edu/about-school-of-public-health/charitable-opportunities/contact-us/

How can I donate to the Dreamer Girls Project Scholarship Fund?

Thank you for considering donating to the scholarship fund for Black girls! If you would like to donate specifically to the scholarship fund, please contact Dr. Opara directly at: ijeoma.opara@yale.edu