PEOPLE | The SexTech Lab

LAB Leadership

Dr. Pani Farvid

She/Her/Hers

Scholar, Advocate, Consultant Lab Founder & Co-Director Dr. Pani Farvid is an Associate Professor of Applied Psychology. She joined The New School in 2019 from Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, where she developed successful teaching and research programs, as well as wide-ranging media profile addressing social and psychological issues (e.g., see her TEDx talk on saying goodbye to binary gender). Dr. Farvid works with interdisciplinary research teams, community organizations and policy makers across the globe. She draws on mixed-methods, discursive methods, as well as new and emerging methodologies. Her current research/supervision interests span the following: Working with marginalized populations (e.g., refugees, immigrants, non-binary, LGBTQI+, ethnic/racial minorities) in order to foster equity and social justice.

Dr. Sedef Ozoguz

She/Her/Hers

Assistant Professor in Psychology, Lab Co-Director Sedef Ozoguz (PhD) is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Schools of Public Engagement at The New School. She completed her doctoral training at the City University of New York and has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of York and University College London. Her research focuses on freedoms denied and freedoms desired in relation to gender and sexuality in non-Western communities. She has published on sexual and reproductive rights, sex education in the US and the impact of sexual empowerment discourses on immigrating women. She has been rewarded the Dissertation Fellowship and the Art Science Connect Award for her thesis on the liberation of women in Turkey, recognized for her contribution to both arts and sciences through multidisciplinary research design. Sedef is committed to public scholarship and has been involved in making gender and sexuality research accessible through her work at SexGenLab at Hunter College in New York, as well as through Wild Women of Anatolia, a documentary project about women’s freedom dreams in Turkey.

Managers

Monika Golakoti

Nameself Pronouns

Lab Manager, Adjunct Lecturer, Human & Artificial Mind Enthusiast Sree Sushma 'Monika' Golakoti is the Lab Manager at The SexTech Lab and an Adjunct Lecturer at The City College of New York. Holding a Master’s degree in General Psychology from The City College of New York and a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from GITAM University, Monika brings a unique interdisciplinary approach. Monika has been orchestrating academic events and contributing to research projects that explore the intersections of psychology, technology, and substances. Her research interests also include the transformative potential of technology in enhancing human understanding and well-being, memory, neurodevelopmental disorders, and generational trauma. Passion for mentorship, combined with technical and academic expertise, positions Monika in driving innovative solutions at the intersection of psychology and technology.

Rebekah Nathan

She/Her/Hers

Student, Research Assistant, Lab Manager Rebekah Nathan is currently pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology, at The New School for Social Research. She is interested in exploring issues of gender and sexuality within clinical and critical psychology. With a focus on critical feminist psychological perspectives and methodology, her research explores the complexities and clinical implications of women’s sexuality and sexual fantasies and how these aspects intertwine with psychological well-being, societal norms, and political contexts. Rebekah is one of the managers of The SexTech Lab and comes from a theoretical film studies background.

Robyn Attarian

She/Her/Hers

Researcher, Student, Advocate Robyn Attarian is a BPATS alumni who is currently studying at The New School For Social Research for her MA degree in Psychology. She is pursuing the Research Track with a minor Transmedia Storytelling. She is interested in exploring issues within social and cultural psychology with a multimodal approach and is dedicated to bringing to life such nuanced experiences via documentary storytelling. Her area of research focuses on using a critical, Anti-Colonial lens to disseminate issues within Persian diasporic identities. She is one of the managers of The SexTech Lab and comes from a video production background.

SPE Fellows

Vlad Nabat

They/Them/Theirs

SPE Fellow, Student, Visual Artist Vlad is a visual artist and designer, now a BPATS student pursuing a BA in Psychology. They are interested in neurobiology social neuroscience, as well as clinical psychology. As a queer person, they are passionate about conducting research which can improve access to mental health services for the LGBTQIA+ community. As an SPE fellow, they will be actively contributing to the research on experiences of nonbinary and trans youth.

Afi Alexandra

It/They/Dia

Student, SPE Fellow, Writer, Poet Afi is a current Master’s student in The New School’s Creative Writing MFA program with a Bachelor’s in General Psychology from the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology. As an SPE fellow, Afi will be focusing on the ontology of sex and thinking critically about western post-humanist thought as it comes into conversation with pre-existing indigenous systems of knowledge. In its creative work, Afi writes about nationality, personal identity, grief, and childhood. It is also interested in the ways language and multilingualism informs constructions of identity.

Visiting Scholars

Dr. Cecilia Strand

She/Her/Hers

Cecilia Strand (PhD) is a visiting scholar to The SexTech Lab Cecilia Strand (PhD) is a visiting scholar to The SexTech Lab and The Gender and Sexuality Institute, from the Department for Informatics and Media, at Uppsala University, Sweden. Her research interests span LGBTIQ+ activism in the Global South and in particular their digital media practices in repressive contexts, as well as development industry policy and practices when it comes to SOGIE rights. Her multi-disciplinary work draws broadly on the fields of digital media studies, activism, and development studies. Prior to returning to academia in 2010, she worked as a development practitioner spending eight years in three different Sub-Saharan African countries working primarily with HIV/AIDS mainstreaming and prevention campaigns.

Marie Deschamps

She/Her/Hers

Psychotherapist, Researcher Artist Originally from Europe (France/Germany) but based in Houston (TX, USA), Marie Deschamps (she, her) is an art psychotherapist, researcher and artist, with clinical specialty in psycho-oncology and palliative care (UNAM, Mexico). A current doctoral candidate at Lesley University (Cambridge, USA), her research focuses on enhancing self-disclosure of oncological symptoms in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center (TX, USA). A graduate of the MIT-Harvard Medical School Innovation in Healthcare bootcamp, she developed a software to integrate art-based expression in health data monitoring and collaborates with the SexTech lab at the New School University (NY, USA) on researching the use of AI generative art in fostering therapeutic attunement and inclusion. An activist, she has worked with a number of gender and social justice initiative, from Tostan in Senegal, to the Kering Foundation (France), Planned Parenthood (USA) and the One Billion Rising movement led by Vagina Monologues writer Eve Ensler. For the past two years, she has been teaching future art psychotherapists from Central and South America at the Instituto Mexicano de Psicoterapia de Arte (IMPA). Prior to art therapy, Marie pursued her Masters in Public Policy and Management from London School of Economics and Sciences-Po Paris and worked with Global 500 companies and NGOs. She is a mother to Emilio and Matteo. Website: www.curiousarttherapy.com

Members

Dr. Thomas A. Vance

He/Him/His

Culture Researcher, Psychologist, Professor Dr. Thomas A. Vance, an esteemed counseling psychologist with over a decade in clinical practice, specializes in multicultural psychology, advocating for marginalized voices and community empowerment. He founded ClearMinds LLC, a tele-mental health practice committed to providing accessible, culturally responsive care. An Adjunct Professor at The New School of Public Engagement and NYU, he imparts vital insights into psychology. His accolades include post-doctorate training from Columbia Irving Medical Center and The New School for Social Research. He received his PhD in Counseling Psychology from The University of Akron.

Dr. Jedediah Walls

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Media Psychologist, Provisional Art Therapist, LMHC Jedediah Walls (they/them) is a Media Psychologist, Provisional Art Therapist, and clinical mental health counselor (LMHC) based in Las Cruces, New Mexico. As an independent researcher, Jedediah collaborates with the SexTech lab at The New School, focusing on the use of AI generative art to enhance therapeutic attunement. Their work seeks to integrate media psychology and art therapy, particularly in supporting the liberation and self-actualization of queer and neurodivergent individuals. Jedediah holds a PhD in Media Psychology from Fielding Graduate University and a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health from Pennwest University. Jedediah has published notable work, including a contribution to "The Handbook of Art Therapy and Digital Technology" with Dr. Cathy Malchiodi, where they examined the application of virtual reality in therapy. They are actively involved in Media Psychology, a field within the American Psychological Association's Division 46, dedicated to understanding the complex interactions between media, technology, and human behavior.

He/Him/His

Dr. Shahin Payam

Professor, Researcher Prof. Shahin Payam is a Professor of Health & Developmental Psychology at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Munich. He has previously worked as a lecturer and researcher at the Technical University of Munich and Charité – Berlin University of Medicine in Germany, as well as Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, where he completed his PhD. His interdisciplinary research focuses on heteronormativity, relationships, sexualities, gender and health environments from a social justice perspective, to foster equality and practical change (e.g., sexual reproductive rights, egalitarian relationships, re-designing children’s clinics). In his research he draws on discursive and innovative methods to give voice to marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as children or the LGBTQIA+ community. Outside of academia, he has worked in counselling roles in the areas of child protection, occupational rehabilitation and refugee aid.

She/Her/Hers

Dr. Kaisa Wilson

Glynis Rigsby

She/Her/Hers

Associate Professor, College of Performing Arts, Stage Director, Intimacy Professional and Educator Glynis Rigsby is a director, educator, and intimacy choreographer based in New York City. She has directed for PROTOYPE, The Opera Project, Yale Center for British Art and HERE, among others. Associate Professor at the College of Performing Arts, she is developing a piece for exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia this May. She has been engaged in scholarship and practice around intimacy work in entertainment since 2014 and has led workshops on consent culture at The New School, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, Pace University, and Brooklyn College.

Dr. Matt Finch

He/They

Strategist, writer, researcher Matt Finch is a strategy & foresight practitioner, working with communities, companies, and institutions around the world to help them create innovative and effective strategies, programmes, partnerships, and offerings. Matt is an Associate Fellow of Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.

She/Her/Hers

Shireen Soliman

Fashion Educator, Artist, Community and Cultural Advocate Shireen Soliman is a Muslim Egyptian-American artist and educator, based in NYC. She brings her extensive professional and academic fashion expertise to her work in the higher education classroom, as well as to her research, and speaking engagements . As an independent teaching artist, she facilitates innovative interdisciplinary workshops focusing on fashion, narrative, identity, and culture. These community-centered programs empower marginalized youth, especially Muslim-American young women, by enabling self-expression through mindful storytelling. Participants create meaningful connections between style, storytelling, and self-discovery by synthesizing personal narratives, exploring their identity and aesthetic, all through the transformative lens of fashion.

She/Her/Hers

Ekin Ataman Yonet

Researcher Ekin Ataman Yonet graduated from Barnard College with a degree in Psychology. She built a career in executive recruitment, organizational consulting, and talent management, helping organizations build high-performing teams and refine their leadership strategies. Driven by a passion for understanding the intersection of people, technology, and work, she pursued a Master’s in Technology Management at Columbia University. Currently, Ekin is a researcher in the Management Division at Columbia Business School, where she explores team dynamics, leadership, and the evolving nature of collaboration in an era of rapid technological advancement and shifting workplace dynamics. Her research interests lie at the intersection of organizational behavior, motivation, and the future of work.

Rachel Lau

She/Her/Hers

Researcher, Sex Educator, Advocate for Sexual Assault and Intimate Partner Violence Survivors Rachel Lau is a Research Assistant at the SexTech Lab. She holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, specializing in Psychotherapy, Child & Family Studies, and Sexuality, Women, & Gender. She also earned a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced (GDPA), a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (GDP), and a Bachelor of Business & Commerce from Monash University, Australia. Her GDPA honor's thesis was published in Anthrozoös and Pet Behaviour Science. A CPA-qualified former accountant, Rachel transitioned to psychology after gaining experience in counseling and grief support during the MH370 crisis. Her research interests include child and adolescent development and all aspects of human sexuality. In addition to her role in the SexTech Lab, she is also a Child Life Volunteer at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital and a Teaching Fellow at Girls Health Ed.

Eleanor Henry

She/Her/Hers

Student, Researcher Ellie is currently a first year Master of Psychology student at The New School for Social Research, and aspires to become a clinical psychologist. She earned her B.A. in International Political Economy and Development from the University of Michigan in 2022. Her interests include feminist psychology, eating disorders, body image, body dysmorphia, body representation, anxiety disorders, attachment, and ADHD/attentional disorders and their impact on eating disorders.

She/Her/Hers

Azanah Khadduri

Student, Researcher, Feminist, Computer Scientist Azanah is a first-year master's student in General Psychology at the New School for Social Research. She earned her BA in Computer Science and Economics at New York University in 2022. In addition to the SexTech Lab, Azanah is also a member at the Center for Global Mental Health, where she focuses on mental health initiatives for the New School and the broader NYC community.

She/Her/Hers

Tasmin Neha

Santhino Almeida

He/Him/His

Student, Researcher Santhino Almeida is a recent psychology graduate with a passion for mindfulness and its applications in mental health. His research focuses on how mindfulness can combat stress and smartphone overuse, using tools like the Perceived Stress Scale and Mobile Phone Addiction Index. Santhino has presented his work at prominent conferences, including the New York State Psychological Association’s annual convention, and is committed to exploring accessible solutions for digital well-being.

Dana Ergas Slachevsk

She/Her/Hers

Student, Researcher, Educator and Holistic Well-being Advocate Dana Ergas Slachevsky is a MA Psychology student specializing in substance use counseling at The New School. With research roles in the Global Mental Health Lab and the Center for Attachment Research, Dana is dedicated to advancing understanding of mental health and equity. Their research interests include intergenerational trauma, attachment, and the experiences of marginalized communities. Dana’s work emphasizes holistic therapeutic interventions and the intersections of identity, spirituality, and mental health, reflecting their commitment to fostering inclusive education and transformative psychological practice.

She/Her/Hers

Ruby Barrett

Student Ruby Barrett is a master’s student in psychology at The New School for Social Research, aiming to pursue clinical practice. Her research focuses on how contemporary issues related to technology and media intersect with mental health, gender, and sexuality. Prior to her studies, she worked as a graphic designer, collaborating with clients in the arts and culture sector.

Muhammad Yousaf

He/Him/His

Student Yousaf is a master's student in psychology at the University of East London, UK. He earned his bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Pakistan, in 2023. Yousaf has a strong interest in researching the intersection of sex and mental health, particularly focusing on issues like sex addiction and the impact of pornography. He aspires to become a counselor, helping individuals who struggle with disorders related to sexual needs and behaviors. Yousaf is dedicated to understanding these complex issues and providing support to those affected, aiming to promote healthier relationships with sexuality and mental well-being. Through his studies and future practice, he hopes to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Dr. Denton Calleder

He/Him/His

Researcher, Advocate, Communicator Denton Callander, PhD, is a researcher who studies barriers to and ways of improving sexual health and well-being. He is particularly interested in how technologies impact sexual health, facilitate novel forms of sexuality research, and present opportunities for intervention. Denton leads a diverse portfolio of mixed methods and interdisciplinary research in Australasia, North America, and Europe.

Che Broadnax

He/They

Storyteller, Freedom Dreamer, Professor Che Broadnax (he/they) is a facilitator, storyteller, street medic, freedom dreamer, scholar, emcee, filmmaker, and possibly a temporally displaced griot. Che’s work revolves around repairing, restoring, and transforming the “inescapable network of mutuality” in which all life is held. Documentary/spoken word film Civil Warriors presences the past, while albums WMD and cypher:dissident remain relevant after twenty years, at times having proven prescient. Che counts his work on PBS’s Finding Your Roots and as a mentor in the Green Guerrillas Youth Media Tech program as some of the most fulfilling. Che currently resides on unceded Lenape territory.

They /Them/Theirs

Esenia Cassidy

Interdisciplinary Psychedelic Researcher, Co-founder, PhD Student, Educator, Activist Esenia Cassidy is an interdisciplinary psychedelic researcher with background in social justice, media, and education. Their research focuses on how gender, trauma, and attachment history serve as predictors of, and are influenced by, psychedelic experiences. At SexTech Lab, Esenia leads a pioneering project exploring gender identity changes related to psychedelics. They are also a PhD student at Ohio State University's College of Social Work working with the Center for Psychedelic Drugs Research and Education (OSU) and project lead at Granqvist Attachment & Psychedelics Lab (Stockholm University). Esenia co-founded The Psychedelic Humanities Lab at The New School for Social Research while pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychology with a Concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling. Their interdisciplinary approach is driven by a dedication to tackling complex societal issues through innovative research and clinical practice.

Tyce Franshon Purvis

He/Him/His

Educator, Researcher, Student, Artist Tyce is a doctoral student of Clinical Psychology at the New School for Social Research. Tyce is passionate about improving the experiences of all Black people in academia, and as they navigate mental health services. At the moment he has been exploring the presence of anti-blackness in the therapeutic space, as well as body image and eating concerns for BIPOC. Tyce's future research intends to address the impact of paternal absence across the lifespan for young boys, as well as the ways in which communities come together to address this issue. He hopes to continue working with BIPOC and Queer folks as he advances in his academic and clinical career. He hopes to work with families, youth, and couples as he continues on in his clinical training in order to provide a space of empowerment for members of his community.

Caro Samaniego-Alberti

She/Her/Hers

Student, Researcher, Feminist Third-year undergraduate in philosophy and psychology, with a passion for bioethics and clinical ethics

Margarita (Rita) Bulatova

She/Her/Hers

Researcher/Second-year MA student Graduate student in Psychology with an emphasis on clinical research. Research interests include psychopathology, attachment over the span of development, digital self-harm, sex as self-injury, trauma, and NSSI.

Kathleen Cherrington

She/Her/Hers

Student, Researcher, Feminist, Activist, Artist Kathleen is a PhD candidate in Gender, Feminist, and Women's Studies at York University, with 15 years of community outreach experience with homeless individuals, HIV+ prisoners, and sex workers. She explores feminist sex tech theories, critical sex work studies, and sexual rights frameworks. Kathleen's work bridges academia and activism, advocating for sex-positive feminism while examining the legal, ethical, and socioeconomic impacts of sex tech on commerial sex industries. She is dedicated to fostering social change through engaged scholarship and amplifying the voices of underserved communities.

Gabriella Ibrahim

She/Her/Hers

Student, Researcher Bella Ibrahim graduated from Pratt Institute in 2014 with a BFA in Communications Design and is currently completing her Liberal Studies MA and Gender Studies certificate at NSSR. Her MA research focuses on Egyptian American women and how their identity influences navigating sexuality and relationships. Bella comes from a creative marketing background, having worked on award-winning ad campaigns for brands like American Express and Charity: Water. She is currently the marketing director at Kerning Cultures Network, the first venture-funded podcast company in the Middle East.

Samantha Klein

She/Her/Hers

Student, Researcher, Clinician-In-Training Sam is a second year PhD student in Clinical Psychology at the New School for Social Research. She earned her BA in Psychology with a concentration in Gender & Sexuality studies at Bard College in 2018. In addition to being a part of the SexTech Lab, Sam is also a Research Assistant and a member of the Gender & Health Lab in the Clinical Psychology department. Sam's research interests involve sexual/reproductive health and technologies-- specifically as they relate to women, gender minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community. Her MA thesis was a qualitative study examining patient/provider interactions as participants were deciding on preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A).

Talea McCalman

She/Her/Hers

Educator, Innovator, Narrator Talea is a second-year Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student. Growing up in Brooklyn, Talea has always had an interest in mental health in marginalized communities, and racial justice. She is also interested in misogynoir, intergenerational trauma, suicide risk factors in Black youth, the impact of incarceration, and treatment outcomes in the LGBTQ+ community. Her previous research examines the influence of race on juror decision making and her master's thesis explored suicide risk factors of young adults with incarcerated household members. Outside of the NSSR, Talea enjoys photography, baking, and watching movies.

Sophia Mullens

She/Her/Hers

Student, Clinician, Researcher Sophie Mullens is a second-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at the New School for Social Research. She works as a Research Assistant in both The Psychopathology Lab of McWelling Todman and in the SexTech Lab. Research interests include boredom, psychosis, gender bias in clinical judgment, and technologically mediated intimacies.

Annika Boras

She/Her/Hers

Researcher Annika is a director, actor, and adjunct professor of performance in the music department at NYU’s Steinhardt School. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Psychoanalysis at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis – New York and was published in Modern Psychoanalysis 47.1 (2023). Annika earned her bachelor’s degree from King’s College, London, through her studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). With a deep interest in human behavior, her current focus is on the intersection of psychoanalysis and how emerging technologies may shape intimacy, identity, and psychological well-being.

Brittney Monique Walker

She/Her/Hers

Storyteller, Queen :) Brittney Monique Walker is a narrative strategist with a love for BIPOC community storytelling. As a former reporter covering news, social justice, business, entertainment and travel, Brittney’s experience spans years of interviewing, investigating and story development in Los Angeles, Calif. and New York City. She is also a student at The New School for Social Research. Research interests include Black sexuality, Black romantic relationships, the intersectionality of Black sexuality and racism, policy, religion and culture.

Elia Goffi

She/Her/Hers

Clinical Psychology PhD student Elia is a second year PhD student in clinical psychology at The New School. In addition to her work with the Sex Tech Lab, she serves as lab manager for the Center for Attachment Research and as an editor for the New School Psychology Bulletin. Her research lies at the intersection of sexuality, technology, and body representation: the thoughts, feelings, and images we have surrounding our bodies.

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Paige Griffith

They/Them/Theirs

Student, Artist, Designer, Art Administrator Paige is a BPATS alum and a current clinical PhD student at NSSR. Their research interests include embodiment and body image in gender diverse individuals, sexuality and gender fluidity, queer identity in rural environments, updating preexisting measures, and reflexive engagement in the research process. Besides the Sex Tech Lab, they are also an active member of The Center for Attachment Research.

Bomi Bea Kim

They/Them/Theirs

Student, Artist, Designer, Art Administrator Bomi is a visual artist and designer currently pursuing an MA in Psychology at the New School for Social Research. They hold an MFA in Visual Arts from Rutgers University. With a deep commitment to community service, Bomi volunteers with the Anti-Violence Project, where they answer calls for the 24-hour crisis hotline. They have also completed a 40-hour training to become a New York State Department of Health Certified Rape Crisis Counselor. Bomi is currently the Assistant Director of Admissions at Parsons School of Design, blending their passion for art, design, and helping others.

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Cali McKenzie

They/Them/Theirs

Student, Researcher Cali is currently a graduate student at Brandeis University studying anthropology and gender studies. Their areas of research include post-structuralist theory, discourses on the body and power, as well as queer and affect theory. Cali is particularly interested in challenging dominant narratives and established understandings in order to let the beautiful messiness of this world, and its subjugated knowledges, come through.

Brian Clement

He/Him/His

Researcher Brian Clement studied writing at UMass Amherst and holds a BA in psychology from The New School. He coordinates the research program on AI and art therapy.

Rae Thomas (Kristi Boyce)

She/Her

Student, Researcher, Writer Rae is a Master of Psychology student at The New School for Social Research and an aspiring clinician. Her research centers a constructionist, decolonial approach to sex, gender, and power inside heteronormative relationships. As an ex-Mormon descended from polygamous settler ancestors, she studies how cultural history mediates modern intimacy.

Maria Marchesi Lunardi

She/Her/Hers

Student researcher, Lacanian, Art Historian, Feminist Maria is a Brazilian student based in New York City. She double majored in Visual Studies & Art History and Psychology at Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School. She is currently completing her MA in Psychology with a substance abuse concentration at NSSR. Her thesis is about masculinity, sexuality, and sexual initiation in upper-class Brazilian men which aims to understand better the subjective experience of being a Brazilian man and how it affects one’s manhood and personal relationships, including intimate relationships, as well as understand issues of power and domination that comes from being both a man and from the upper-class. Her main interests are the psychology of men and masculinity and Lacanian psychoanalysis. She is passionate about art history and the interconnection between art and psychoanalysis.

Morgan Marty

She/Her/Hers

Graduate Student, Doula Morgan is a first-year master's student in the School of Social Research at The New School in New York City. She studied under Dr. Catherine Monk at Columbia University, a leading expert in perinatal psychology. During this time, Morgan discovered the importance of birth doulas as the top preventative method against postpartum depression. She completed a nine-week training with Carriage House Birth in Brooklyn and founded Down2Birth LLC. Working as a doula has been the greatest honor of her life. Now, she is focused on exploring "intimate" psychology, specifically the role of sex in women's health. Morgan is excited to join the SexTech Lab and gain new experiences.

Cleo Alejandra
Alonso Cintron

She/Her/It/Its

Student, Researcher, Poet, Transfeminist Cleo is a 2nd year MA student in the General Psychology program at The New School. Originally from Puerto Rico, she is mainly interested in critical theory and decolonial thinking applied to the discipline of Psychology. Some of the subjects that haunt and impassion her are: Lacanian psychoanalysis, poststructuralism, critical psychology, discourse analysis, queer theory, transfemininity, transfeminism, depathologization of "mental illness", translation, and identity. Currently she is working on her master’s thesis exploring the relationship transfeminine people might have with motherhood as a concept, role and identity. Outside of grad school, Cleo loves writing poetry, dancing, watching movies and fantasizing.

Kaitlyn Nickle

She/They

Student, Researcher, Advocate Kaitlyn is a masters student studying psychology at The New School, with the intent to advance to a PhD program. Her professional and research interests center on LGBTQ+ health and advocacy. She is particularly interested in the relationships and dynamics between subgroups, such as misogyny and racism within the LGBTQ+ community. She aspires to one day be a clinical psychologist and educator, with an emphasis on gender and sexuality affirming care.

Mandira Tiwari

She/Her/Hers

Student, Researcher Mandira Tiwari is studying at The New School for Social Research for her MA degree in Psychology. Her interests include cultural psychology, gender-based violence, and alternative forms of therapy. She previously looked at emotion regulation among preschool children during outdoor play and hopes to explore further the importance of play for both children and adults. She is currently looking at play therapy (puppetry) for women with trauma/ongoing abuse in India. She hopes to continue learning about the vast diversity around us and encourage inclusion/acceptance.

Ellis Jennings

She/Her/Hers

Student, Clinician, Researcher Ellis Jennings (she/her) is a Clinical Psychology PhD student at The New School for Social Research. Her research focuses on marginalized sexual identities and practices, desire and intimacy, and internalized stigma. She is a counseling extern at The New School’s Student Health Center, providing individual and group therapy. Ellis has gained diverse clinical experience through externships at the Safran Center for Psychological Services and Lenox Hill Hospital’s Inpatient Psychiatric Unit. She has also co-facilitated a developing group program for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and served as a crisis counselor for The Trevor Project.

Sanjana Basker

She/Her/Hers

Feminist, Student, Researcher Sanjana is a first-year PhD in the Counseling Psychology program at Teacher's College, Columbia, studying women's health, sexuality, and intimate relationships. Her interests and projects currently include: examining non-normative family and relationship structures, mapping patient-provider interactions for reproductive disorders, and dissecting the cultural forces resulting in the tradwife influencer movement. In her free time she reviews books on TikTok, kickboxes, and gets overly invested in the Great British Baking Show. She has been a member of the lab since Fall of 2021.

They/Them

Atlas

Student, Researcher Atlas is a third-year undergraduate at New York University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Web Applications/Programming and History. They focus their research on cognitive functions, particularly memory and perception, while also exploring the complexities of the queer experience in social psychology. Atlas is particularly interested in how queer individuals navigate sexual and romantic intimacy, drug use, and self-image, aiming to understand the psychological factors that influence these aspects of identity.