Biography
Dr. Lensch has a comprehensive background in public health, with expertise in epidemiology, population-based survey research, evaluation, community engagement, and advanced data analysis. He currently serves as Data Analytics Manager of the Larson Institute for Health Impact and Equity and collaborates with federal, state, local, and community partners to conduct community-engaged research, needs assessments, and evaluations on issues such as substance use, childhood adversity, HIV/STDs, sexual and gender minority health, and health equity. Dr. Lensch and his team work closely with diverse governmental and community stakeholders to develop key health-related plans and reports, including the 2022 – 2026 Nevada HIV Integrated Prevention and Care Plan, the Nevada Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan, Outbreak Response Plans, various needs assessment reports, and monthly and annual Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) reports. His research interests focus on modifiable risk and protective factors linked to behavioral outcomes such as substance use, emotional health, violence, and risky sexual behaviors. Dr. Lensch has published research in high impact public health journals, including Preventive Medicine, Journal of Adolescent Health, and Public Health.
Education
- PhD, Public Health, Epidemiology, University of Nevada, Reno
- MPH, Epidemiology Specialization, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno
Expertise
- Study design, data collection, and data analysis
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs)
- Substance use and mental health
Key Projects
- Project Title: Nevada Overdose Data to Action (OD2A)
Role: Epidemiologist
Funder: Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Project Title: Nevada Essentials for Childhood (EfC): Promoting Adverse Childhood Experiences and Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences through Data to Action
Role: Epidemiologist, Surveillance Coordinator
Funder: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Project Title: Nevada HIV Integrated Prevention and Care Plan
Role: Project Manager
Funder: Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health
Key Presentations and Publications
- Etiler N, Altinay Z, Lensch T, Dermid G, Akpinar-Elci M. Correlations between environmental justice indicators and community-level COVID-19 vaccination rates among older adults. 2024. Discov Public Health. 21,187.
- Lensch T, Drake C, Clements-Nolle K, Pearson J. Multilevel risk and protective factors for frequent and non-frequent past 30-day marijuana use: Findings from a representative sample of high school youth. 2023. J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 84(4):508-19.
- Lensch T, Clements-Nolle K, Oman RF, Evans WP, Lu M, Yang W. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and co-occurring psychological distress and substance abuse among juvenile offenders: The role of protective factors. 2021. Pub Health. 194:42-47
- Lensch T, Sloan K, Ausmus J, Pearson J, Clements-Nolle K, Goodman S, Hammond D. Cannabis use and driving under the influence: behaviors and attitudes by state-level legal sale of recreational cannabis. 2020. Prev Med. 141:106320.
- Lensch T, Clements-Nolle K, Oman RF, Evans WP, Lu M, Yang W. Adverse childhood experiences and suicidal behaviors among youth: The buffering influence of family communication and school connectedness. 2020. J Adolesc Health. 68(5):945-952.