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Assistant Professor of Psychology and Women's Studies, Facuty member, Program in Neuroscience
3028 East Hall 530 Church Ann Arbor, Mi 48109-1043
Office Location(s): 3028 East Hall Phone: 734.647.6981 smva@umich.edu Personal Homepage
I study the social situatedness of human biology by examining how experiences of intimacy influence gonadal hormones. I am particularly interested in social modulation of testosterone via sexuality, partnering/pair bonding, and nurturance, and how these studies can inform evolutionary understandings of physiological pathways underlying intimacy. I use experimental, correlational, and longitudinal designs that are mostly quantitative but involve some qualitative approaches. My research program includes attention to gender/sex and sexual diversity, and a major aim is developing feminist science and inclusive research practices. As part of this, I am working on reflexive/theoretical pieces about feminist science practice in the lab and how social neuroendocrine research queers testosterone, in addition to ongoing lab studies. I have two related lines of interest. I conduct quantitative research on the gendered enactment of scientific and academic practice. I also study gendered sexualities and conceptualizations of gender/sex relevant to (bio)psychology.
