Meet the Team
My name is Oliver Cheek (he/him). I am a PhD candidate at the University of Windsor, working under the supervision of Dr. Ménard. My research interests include improving the health and wellness of sexual and gender minorities, with a specific interest in transgender populations. My past research experience involved completing an honours thesis on how individuals categorize gender and helping with various 2SLGBTQIA+ centred projects as a research assistant. Outside of research, I like to connect with friends, hike, camp, bake, read graphic novels, and draw.
Oliver Cheek
My name is Morgan Sterling, and I am an Adult Clinical Psychology PhD candidate at the University of Windsor working with the wonderful Dr. Ménard. My research interests focus on sexual and reproductive health and wellness. Previously, I have worked on research involving mindfulness and sexual/genital arousal at Queen’s University as well as mood and anxiety disorders in pregnant populations at Sunnybrook Hospital. Outside of the lab I am a cat mom to Oscar the rescue tabby, a cinephile, and a big fan of contemporary art and museums.
Morgan Sterling
My name is Via (any pronouns), and I’m in my first year of UWindsor’s Adult Clinical Psychology Master’s program, working under Dr Dana Ménard. My research interests focus on sex in the media, with special attention on LBGTQ+ characters, stories, and creators. Previously, I have worked on research focusing on the Confidence Heuristic, Domestic Abuse, and Disabled Parents’ experiences with Child Protection Services at the University of Ottawa. Outside of research, I enjoy the outdoors, martial arts, my rescue cat Libi, and am a huge bookworm.
Via Rodgers
My name is Nick Armstrong and I am an Adult Clinical Psychology Master's student. I have a variety of research interests, including sexual health and wellness in LGBTQ+ groups. My undergraduate thesis focused on the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on transitions to university. Other previous research experience has involved resilience and wellbeing in both LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ groups. In my spare time, I partake in various hobbies but my dog gets most of my attention.
Nicholas Armstrong
Graduate Students
Giancarlo Savoni
My name is Giancarlo Savoni, and I am in my final year of the Honours Thesis program in psychology at the University of Windsor. I have been working with the lovely Dr. Ménard on my thesis regarding HIV resilience factors in gay men, along with researching the impacts of queer vs. non-queer sports leagues on LGBTQ+ athletes. Outside of the lab, you will probably find me sitting at my piano practicing classical and contemporary music pieces.
Sully Thrasher
Sully is currently in his fifth year of Psychology (Honours with thesis) and Greco-Roman Studies (Honours). I am interested in investigating the effects of repeated head impacts on athletes and non-athletes over time, AI attitudes related to students’ personality, well-being, and learning styles. Likewise, the potentially persistent effects of ancient civilizations on our current beliefs, behaviours, and understanding of human psychopathology. I am currently working with Aaron Dugan on an environmental scan assessment of Knowledge Mobilization (KMb) resources across several Canadian Universities.
Angela Lockyer
My name is Angela Lockyer and I am currently in my fourth year of the Psychology with Honours Thesis program. I am working with Via to collect data for her Master’s thesis. I intend to apply to the Adult Clinical Psychology program and eventually work in a forensic setting. Outside of classes and lab, I work full-time and enjoy spending time with my family.
Undergraduate Students
My name is Storm Balint (she/her), and I am a Ph.D. Candidate in Applied Social Psychology at the University of Windsor under the supervision of Dr. Charlene Senn. I recently completed my internship at the Dalhousie Centre for Psychological Health, where I conducted a program evaluation to enhance accessibility and service delivery for underserved populations. My research focuses on the dynamics of gender and sexuality, with a particular emphasis on understanding and strengthening women’s sexual agency. I also work as a research assistant in Dr. Ménard’s lab, where I support projects on gender, sexuality, and resilience. Now based in Nova Scotia, I am finishing the final stages of my degree while enjoying Pilates, Kayaking, gardening, and spending time with my cat, Draco Meowfoy, and dog, Ares.
Storm Balint
My name is Alex MacTavish (they/she), and I am a PhD candidate in child clinical psychology. My research investigates the role of social support to mitigate mental health disparity (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic, socioeconomic status, intersectional identities, health stress). I am also involved in coding for the YA novels project. Outside of research, I’m a life-long equestrian, an avid reader, and a fierce advocate for marginalized groups.
Alex MacTavish
Research Assistants
Alumni
Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr. Nesreen Elkord, 2022-23
Research Associates
Julia Power, MA, 2024-25
Sara Pratt, BA, 2022-25
Honours Thesis Students
Maika Nguyen, B.A., 2023-24
Nicholas Armstrong, B.A., 2022-23
Alexandra DiFazio, B.Sc., 2021-22
Madison Jones, B.A., 2021-22
Ashley Hurley, B.A., 2020-21
Arianna Pitre, B.A., 2020-21
Research Assistants
Aaron Dugan, BA, 2024-present
Jannat Bath-Dhaliwal, 2025-present
Camryn Kingsley, 2025-present
Evgeniya Kim, BA, 2023-25
Riley Fenech, BSN, 2022-23
Maddy Blazer, M.Sc., 2022-23
Dan Aheer, 2022
Hannah Hicks, B.A., 2021-22
Liam Hogan, B.A., 2021-22
Tabarak Baher, M.Sc., 2021-22
Alanna Foulon, M.Sc., 2021-22
Melissa Pare, M.Sc., 2021-22
Olivia Morassutti, B.Sc., 2020-22
Lana Milidrag, B.Sc., 2020-22
Yiu-Yin Chang, M.Sc., 2020-22
Renée Taylor, Ph.D., 2021
Emma Flynn, B.Sc., 2020-21