Research Team

Meet the Sagelab Team!

Meredith Chivers

Meredith Chivers, Ph.D.
Laboratory Director

Meredith Chivers is a psychological scientist and clinical psychologist whose research focuses on how sex (biological attributes) and gender (social roles and identities) influence our sexuality. Her academic interest in sexuality began when she was an undergraduate student studying neuroscience at the University of Guelph, sparked by an elective course in sexuality. Upon completing her BSc in 1995, she took a gap year to get more experience in sex research and to have some travel adventures. Meredith then left Canada in 1997 to study clinical psychology at Northwestern University, receiving her PhD in 2003. Trained by scientists at the Kinsey Institute, she began her program of research on gendered sexual psychophysiology at Northwestern University, discovering that women’s and men’s sexual responses were not two sides of the same coin. She continued this work at the University of Toronto and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, supported by postdoctoral fellowships from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and a Women’s Health Scholar Award. In 2007, she received a prestigious Queen’s National Scholar Award and, after parental leave, began her academic career at Queen’s University in 2009. With support from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, she established the Sexuality and Gender Laboratory (Sagelab), a multimethod sexual psychophysiology research facility. She is now an Associate Professor and Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator, leading an exceptional team of junior researchers keen to understand how gender and sex influence our sexual responses, sexual orientations, and sexual health. She is also a registered Psychologist, an Associate Editor for the Archives of Sexual Behavior, and serves on the editorial boards for the Journal of Sex Research, the Journal of Sexual Medicine, and the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality. The Sagelab research program -- supported by grants from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada -- examines gendered sexuality, including sexual psychophysiology, sexual orientations, and sexual functioning, with a focus on women. Off campus, Meredith can be found in the saddle, geocaching in Kingston’s many conservation areas, or conducting (delicious) experiments in her kitchen. Meredith's CV.

Shari Blumenstock

Shari Blumenstock, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow

After her original training in mechanical engineering, Shari began pursuing a career studying romantic and sexual relationships, receiving her PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Human Development and Family Studies in 2019, and postdoctoral training at the Kinsey Institute from 2020-2022. Shari's current research focuses on the sexual aspects of relationships and well-being, with an emphasis on sexual desire, pleasure, and partner influences. She is deeply committed to science as an ever-evolving method of producing and understanding knowledge, and thus as a system that continually requires careful scrutiny and critical self-examination. Shari is also passionate about using science to help others improve their romantic and sexual relationships. One of her overarching goals is to help others become more empowered and intentional in their relationships, particularly when it comes to sex. Shari wants to become a lifelong sexuality scientist, contributing to knowledge, as well as methodological advancements, in the field. Outside of work, Shari enjoys live music, painting, and photography. Shari's CV.

Samantha Maki

Samantha Maki
MSc Candidate (Social Psychology)

Samantha (she/her) is a Master's student in the Social-Personality Psychology program. Samantha recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology from the University of British Columbia Okanagan, where she researched genital self-image, pornography, vulva image, social/sexual scripts, gender, kink, and communication/consent. Samantha hopes to continue researching important questions about gender, sexual minorities, kink communities, and sexual health inequity. Samantha plans to use her passion for advocacy, comprehensive sex education, and accessible knowledge translation to inform future policy changes and impact the general population. When Samantha is not working, she spends her time hiking, camping, and cuddling her two extremely adorable and active dogs (Rory and Padfoot). Samantha's CV.

Natasha Zippan - no photo available

Natasha Zippan
MSc Candidate (Clinical Psychology)

Natasha (she/her) is a mature Master’s student in the Clinical Psychology program. She recently graduated with high distinction from The University of British Columbia, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Critical Studies in Sexuality (CSIS), and is embarking on a second career as a clinical psychologist specializing in sex research and therapy. Her clinical and research interests include female sexual dysfunction, compulsive sexual behaviour, paraphilias (including pedophilia), childhood sexual abuse, body dysmorphia, suicide, and chronic illness. She is determined to help alleviate stigma and shame around problematic sexual behaviours. Natasha was part of the core development team for the UBC Sexual Health Research lab’s online intervention for women’s sexual difficulties, both as a digital design professional and as a researcher; she also provides ongoing support as a treatment navigator. When she is not being passionate about sexuality, she loves doing contemporary dance, yoga, writing kids’ lit, and getting out in nature.

Logan Burley

Logan Burley
MSc Candidate (Social Psychology)

Logan (he/they) is a Master's student in the Social-Personality Psychology program. They graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology and Women's Studies from the University of Michigan in 2020. Their research focuses on how individuals perceive gender in others, particularly nonbinary gender. When they're not working, they spend time chilling with their pet rabbit, Midge, or planning for their Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Logan's CV.

Taylor Lefebvre

Taylor Lefebvre (19tgyl@queensu.ca)
Research Coordinator

Taylor (she/her) graduated from Queen’s in Psychology, and is the Research Coordinator for the SageLab. She has been part of the SageLab team since 2021 as a volunteer and Directed Lab student. She is excited to continue working in the lab on projects she has been a part of for the past few years, as well as begin working on new studies. She is particularly interested in learning more about how the social environment shapes peoples’ understanding of sex and desire. In her spare time, Taylor likes to read, practice yoga, and watch old psychological thrillers. Taylor's CV.

Regan Yaraskavitch

Regan Yaraskavitch
Research Assistant

Regan (she/her) graduated from Queen’s University with a major in Psychology, a minor in Sociology, and a Certificate in Sexual and Gender Diversity. Regan was a volunteer and directed lab student in the Sagelab in 2021-22, and is excited to continue as a research assistant. She is interested in studying the mental and social impacts sexual response and functioning has on individuals. Outside of the lab, Regan enjoys volunteering in the Kingston community, reading, and playing sports.

Taylor Birrell

Taylor Birrell
Honours Student

Taylor is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Queen’s University working toward her B.Sc. in Psychology. After obtaining her degree, Taylor plans to pursue a M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Taylor is very excited to join the SageLab as an honours thesis student, and her research interests include the mental and social consequences associated with sexual arousal and desire problems in women and exploring potential treatments. In her free time, Taylor enjoys seeing friends, reading, and travelling. Taylor's CV.

Brenna Hartleib

Brenna Hartleib
Honours Student

Brenna is a fourth year BScH student pursuing her degree in Psychology alongside a certificate in Sexual and Gender Diversity. She is excited to be an honours thesis student in the Sage Lab for the 2023-2024 school year. Brenna is interested in researching the effects of antecedents such as sexual violence on a person’s sexual arousal, desire and functioning later in life, through an intersectional lens. In her spare time, Brenna loves to play sports and travel - she just got back from a semester abroad in Australia! Brenna's CV.

Adriana Helou

Adriana Helou
Directed Lab Student/Volunteer

Adriana is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Queen’s University majoring in Psychology. She will be starting in the SAGE Lab in the fall as a directed lab student. She is excited to be broadening her research experience in the human sexuality field. Outside of the lab she enjoys reading and hanging out with friends.

Rebecca Krichker - no photo available

Rebecca Krichker
Directed Lab Student/Volunteer

Rebecca is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biology. She is working as a research assistant and directed lab student for the first time this year. Rebecca is passionate about clinical psychology and sexual health, and is excited to contribute to a lab that focuses on promoting inclusivity and acceptance. In her free time, she enjoys being active and spending time outside. Rebecca's CV.

Camilla Graziani

Camilla Graziani
Volunteer

Camilla is pursuing a Master of Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School in Toronto and holds Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Queen’s University. She is aiming to practice sex therapy, developing her psychotherapy skills to offer present, safe, and supportive therapeutic relationships for people to explore sexuality, gender identities and roles, intimacy, pleasure, and sexual well-being. Camilla is passionate about therapeutic presence for the promotion of safe therapeutic environments and effective therapeutic relationships; and mindfulness, self-compassion-based approaches to support sexual functioning and wellbeing. She is a volunteer at the Sexuality and Gender Lab (Sagelab) with Dr. Meredith Chivers and has been Workshop Manager for Dr. Shari Geller, Ph.D., C. Psych for ten years supporting the long-term vision of therapeutic presence becoming a foundational component of training across psychotherapy approaches and teaching modalities. Camilla's CV.

Maya Haklai

Maya Haklai
Volunteer

Maya is a fifth-year Queen's student working as a research assistant in the SageLab. After completing her undergraduate psychology degree, she is interested in pursuing a graduate degree in psychophysiological research. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, drawing, and painting. Maya's CV.

Annika Bey

Annika Bey
Volunteer

Annika Bey is a 3rd year Bachelor of Health Sciences undergraduate student and research assistant in the SAGELab. Her research interests include recovery from sexual trauma, experiences of Queer and Transgender individuals with healthcare, and the influences of social technology on sex. She is currently working on the VANILLA study investigating sources of distress amongst those who practice BDSM and fetishism. Outside of the lab, she is the 2023/24 Director of the Sexual Health Resource Centre (SHRC) on Queen’s campus. When she’s not working, she can be found with iced coffee in City Park. Annika's CV.

Zara Luck

Zara Luck
Volunteer

Zara is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Queen's University pursuing a Specialization in Biology and Psychology. She is excited to be joining the Sage Lab as a volunteer research assistant this Fall. Zara is interested in understanding behaviour, including sexual behaviour, from a neurological and biological perspective. In her spare time, Zara enjoys skiing, swimming, and travelling. Zara's CV.

Melissa Ban

Melissa Ban
Volunteer

Melissa is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Health Sciences at Queen’s University. She joins the Sagelab in the fall of 2023, eager to embark on a journey in the study of human sexuality. Her particular area of interest focuses on researching intimate relationships, women's sexual desire and sexual response. Beyond her academic pursuits, Melissa is a dedicated nail artist and gecko breeder, with aspirations to become a licensed cat breeder in the future! Melissa's CV.

Aparna Kuchibhatla

Aparna Kuchibhatla

Aparna (she/her) is a second-year medical student at Queen’s University, pursuing her Doctor of Medicine. She is interested in specializing in either obstetrics/gynecology or psychiatry upon graduating. In her free time, she enjoys playing badminton, reading, and traveling. Aparna's CV.