Laboratory Director

Meredith L. Chivers, PhD, CPsych

Principal Investigator | CV

Dr. Meredith L. Chivers is a Professor in Psychology, Queen’s National Scholar, Director of the Sexuality and Gender Laboratory (Sagelab), and a Member of the Centre for Neuroscience at Queen’s University (Kingston, Canada).  She received her PhD in clinical psychology from Northwestern University in 2003, was trained in sexual psychophysiology at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, and completed her clinical residency and post-doctoral fellowships at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)/University of Toronto. Dr. Chivers served as President for the International Academy of Sex Research in 2023, is a registered Psychologist, and serves on the editorial boards for many academic sexuality research journals, including the Archives of Sexual Behavior and the Journal of Sex Research. Dr. Chivers is an international leader in sexual response and attraction research. She has published over 100 articles, won several awards for her foundational science, and SageLab research has been widely covered by international media such as the New York Times, and featured in numerous PBS, CBC, and BBC documentary and television programs. Off campus, Meredith can be found in the saddle or hiking with her dogs in one of the many beautiful conservation areas that surround Kingston.

Grad Students & Postdoctoral Fellows

  • Shari Blumenstock, PhD

    Postdoctoral Research Fellow | CV

    After her original training in mechanical engineering, Dr. Blumenstock (she/her) 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. Shari is also passionate about using science to help others improve their romantic and sexual relationships. 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.

  • Samantha Maki, MSc

    PhD Candidate (Social Psychology) | CV

    Samantha (she/her) is a PhD 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. She plans to use her passion for advocacy, comprehensive sex education, and accessible knowledge translation to inform future policy changes and impact the general popualtion. When Samantha is not working, she spends her time hiking, camping, and cuddling her two extremely adorable and active dogs (Rory and Padfoot).

  • Jessica Johnson, MSc

    PhD Candidate (Social Psychology) | CV

    Born and raised in St. Catharine’s, Ontario, Jessica (she/her) graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology and from Trent University with a Master of Science in Social Psychology. Jessica’s research interests include sexual well-being, psychological well-being, sexual dysfunction, performance anxiety, identity formation, and sexual communication within the BDSM/kink community. Jessica hopes to use her research to fight discrimination against kink communities, foster well-being for practitioners, and apply specific skills and values from the BDSM community to sexual education curricula to improve assertiveness, self-esteem, and healthy sexual functioning for all. She is also the current Junior Student Representative for the Canadian Sex Research Forum. When Jessica is not in the lab, she is often performing in and/or directing local musical theatre, discovering new wineries to add to her already overflowing wine collection, or trying new board games at local cafes with friends.

  • Natasha Zippan, BA

    MSc Candidate (Clinical Psychology) | CV

    Natasha (she/her) is a Master’s student in the Clinical Psychology program. She graduated with High Distinction from The University of British Columbia, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Critical Studies in Sexuality (CSIS), and is embarking on a second career as a clinical psychologist specializing in sexual issues. Her research interests include sexual dysfunction, sexual desire, compulsive sexual behaviour, and paraphilias, with a particular focus on women. Natasha is determined to alleviate the stigma and shame around problematic sexual behaviours, and improve treatment accessibility. Natasha was part of the core development team for eSense, UBC Sexual Health Research’s online intervention for female sexual dysfunction, both as a design professional and researcher, and provides ongoing support as a Treatment Navigator. When not busy running her design business or being passionate about sexuality, she loves dancing, yoga, writing children’s stories, horseback riding, and hugging trees.

  • Logan Burley, BA

    MSc Candidate (Social Psychology) | CV

    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 their next Dungeons and Dragons campaign.

  • Carly Bretecher, BA

    MSc Candidate (Clinical Psychology) | CV

    Carly (she/her) will be joining the Clinical Psychology program as a Master’s student in September 2024. She completed her Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in psychology at the University of Manitoba, where she researched topics ranging from gender stereotypes, to dementia, to transcranial magnetic stimulation. Carly is looking forward to beginning a line of research she has long been passionate about involving sexual functioning after experiences of sexual violence. Her other research and clinical interests include gender and sexual minority stereotypes, intimate partner violence, sexual trauma, and interventions for sexual dysfunction. Outside of the lab, Carly enjoys running, reading thriller and fantasy novels, and trying new restaurants with friends.

Lab Staff

  • Taylor Lefebvre

    Research Coordinator | CV

    Taylor (she/her) graduated with a BA (Honours) in Psychology at Queen’s University in 2023. She has been involved in the Sagelab since the early years of her undergraduate degree, and is excited to continue in her role as Research Coordinator. Taylor loves that she gets to assist her co-lab members with their exciting projects, and is particularly interested in learning more about how the social environment shapes peoples’ understanding of sex and desire. Her goal is to continue her education in Counselling Psychology to become a psychotherapist. In her spare time, Taylor likes to read, practice yoga, and watch old psychological thrillers.

  • Jessica Merletti

    Research Assistant | CV

    Jessica (she/her) is currently in her fourth year of the Life Sciences (Major) program at Queen’s, and started a Master’s of Neuroscience in fall 2023. Through her experience working at the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, assisting a UBC professor in atrial fibrillation research, and volunteering in underdeveloped hospitals in Sri Lanka, Jessica developed a strong passion for biomedical research. She aims to contribute to breakthroughs in research by applying the skills and knowledge she has acquired throughout her degree. Jessica is thrilled to be working on lab’s Cardamom project, where pelvic MRI is being used to image structural change in the internal clitoral bodies during sexual response.

  • Zara Luck

    Research Assistant | CV

    Zara (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Queen's University pursuing a specialization in Biology and Psychology. She is excited to be joining the SageLab 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.

Honours Thesis Students

  • Megan Ronalds

    Honours Student | CV

    Megan (she/her) is a fifth-year BScH student pursuing a degree in Psychology at Queen's University. She is excited to be an honours thesis student in the SageLab, and her research interests include sexual self-schema and their influence on sexual functioning and behaviour. After obtaining her degree, Megan hopes to continue studying clinical psychology for her Masters and Ph.D. In her free time, Megan enjoys working out, reading historical fiction, and watching K dramas.

  • Liv Arbess

    Honours Student | CV

    Hello! I'm Liv (She/Her) and I'm so thrilled to be one of the honours thesis students in Sage Lab for the 2024-25 academic year. My research interests lie in clinical psychology and cognitive neuroscience, particularly neural correlates partnered with sexual response in different populations. Building connections and having a direct impact on a person/community has always been a constant, unchanging career goal of mine, which I hope to do this year at the Sage Lab! I am also deeply passionate about research communication, ensuring our findings are accessible and applicable to the broader world. About me outside of academics: I love nature and canoe tripping (my heart is in Algonquin Park), I have two guitars (acoustics name is Brock and my electric is Jenny), and I secretly want to be a stand up comedian (I think I'm really funny). Also always down for ice cream. 

Directed Lab Students & Volunteers

  • Meredith Battagello

    Volunteer & Directed Lab Student | CV

    Meredith (she/her) is a 3rd year psychology student at Queen’s University. She is working as a research assistant and directed lab student for the first time this year. Meredith is passionate about clinical psychology and furthering her understanding and interests within the field. Meredith is excited to make meaningful contributions in and out of the lab. In her free time, Meredith plays hockey and enjoys being active.

  • Grace Phinney

    Volunteer & Directed Lab Student | CV

    Grace (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and pursuing a Certificate in Business. With a strong passion for clinical psychology and sexual health, she is excited about contributing to a lab that values inclusivity and acceptance. In her free time, Grace enjoys going to the gym and spending time outdoors. 

  • Charlotte Rea

    Volunteer & Directed Lab Student | CV

    Charlotte (she/her) is a fifth-year undergraduate student majoring in biology and psychology. She is excited to be a directed lab student in the Sage Lab this fall. Her research interests include utilizing queer and feminist perspectives in sex and sexuality research. In her free time, she enjoys reading, travelling, and running!

  • Hannah Harrison

    Volunteer & Directed Reading Student | CV

    Hannah (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate student at Queen’s University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. She aspires to become a clinical forensic psychologist, and is extremely interested in human sexuality and sexual disorders. Her areas of research she is passionate about includes, but is not limited to, early-onset disorders among juvenile delinquents, sexual disorders among offenders, and the impact of trauma on developing psychotic disorders. Hannah cares deeply about clinical psychology and furthering her understanding and interests within the field, as well as gaining experience within the Sage Lab. Beyond her academic pursuits, Hannah is a competitive martial arts fighter who enjoys reading, traveling, and checking out new local venues with her dog, Harley.

  • Mara Dacey

    Volunteer & Directed Lab Student | CV

    Mara Dacey (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and minoring in French Studies at Queen's University. She will join the SageLab as a Directed Lab Student in the fall term and as a Student Volunteer in the winter term. Mara has a strong passion for clinical psychology and is particularly interested in developing inclusive counselling skills to support diverse client populations. Her primary research interests include mental health and dynamics within relationships. In her free time, Mara enjoys running, listening to music, and playing with her two dogs.

  • Clarke Phillips

    Volunteer & Directed Reading Student

    Clarke (She/Her/They) is a fifth-year BA (Honours) student pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Health Studies. She is excited to be pursuing a directed lab in the SageLab.  Their research interests include knowledge translation by providing current, correct, and thought-provoking research findings to the general public to help create a healthier and more informed community.  Clarke is passionate about helping people live happier and fuller lives and understanding how to facilitate that through empirical research. In her free time, Clarke enjoys writing, knitting, swing dancing, and trying new things. 

  • Rebecca Krichker

    Volunteer | CV

    Rebecca (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biology. 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.

  • Tongyan Ban

    Volunteer | CV

    Tongyan (she/her) is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Health Sciences at Queen’s University. She joined the SageLab in the fall of 2023, eager to embark on a journey in the study of human sexuality. Her areas of research interest are 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!

  • Aparna Kuchibhatla

    Volunteer | CV

    Aparna (she/her) is a third-year medical student at Queen’s University, pursuing her Doctor of Medicine. Her current research interests surround cardiac-obstetrics, gynecology-oncology, and women’s reproductive health. She is passionate about mentorship, advocacy, and medical education to make healthcare more equitable for patients. Outside the lab, she enjoys playing badminton, reading, traveling, and (attempting) to cook Indian food!

  • Camilla Graziani, BA

    Volunteer | CV

    Camilla (she/her) 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. Along with volunteering at the SageLab, she has been a Workshop Manager for Dr. Shari Geller for ten years, supporting the long-term vision of therapeutic presence becoming a foundational component of training across psychotherapy approaches and teaching modalities.