Makella S. Coudray

Makella S. Coudray, PhD, MPH, CPH, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Department of Population Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She is the Director and Principal Investigator of the Sexual Health, Equity, and Empowerment Research (SHEER) Lab. Dr. Coudray is an epidemiologist and implementation scientist who leads dynamic research about sexual and reproductive health for populations with historically limited access to care.

Her research focuses specifically on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and access to testing and treatment for medically underserved populations. At the SHEER Lab, her research helps develop solutions to reduce sexual and reproductive health inequities. Her work aims to address the high rate of STIs by exploring new screening options and providing greater access to testing.

Dr. Coudray grew up in the Twin Island Republic, Trinidad and Tobago. She advocates for disadvantaged populations because as someone from a multicultural minority background, she understands the systemic issues and social inequalities people face. It’s critical that people, especially medically underserved populations, have access to sexual and reproductive health care at a time when infection rates for treatable conditions like syphilis are rising in the U.S., and maternal mortality rates are high. Her work supports the development of practical solutions that promote respectful, informed decision-making and improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Explore Dr. Coudray’s research.

Previously, she was a fellow at the HIV, Infectious Disease and Global Health Implementation Research Institute (HIGH IRI) at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Currently, she participates in the Center for HIV & Research in Mental Health Equitable Implementation Science Boutique Mentoring Program and is a Fellow of the Fordham University Research Ethics Training Institute. She also serves on the Membership Committee for the American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association.

Dr. Makella S. Coudray has a PhD in Public Health (Epidemiology) from Florida International University. She has a CPH (Certified in Public Health) credential from the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). She got her Masters in Public Health (MPH) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology from St. George’s University in Grenada.

She lives in Orlando, Florida with her husband and is a dog mom to her black lab mix, Nala. She loves going to her local famer’s market and listening to Soca music.