Research Associates & Staff
Jaclyn Lanthier
Ph.D, Philosophy of Neuroscience
She/Her
About Jaclyn:
Jaclyn is a vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) advocate from Toronto, Canada, who founded The Lost Labia Chronicles, an evidence-based platform for VLS information and support. She is currently enrolled in the EUPATI training program and is enhancing her advocacy skills. With a Ph.D. in philosophy of neuroscience from Western University, she has expertise in evaluating scientific methods and ensuring research credibility. Jaclyn is dedicated to science communication, knowledge translation, and improving the quality of life for individuals with VLS through education and support.
Graduate Students
Hannah Dykeman
MSc Student, Women+ Health Sciences
She/Her
About Hannah:
Hannah is a second-year MSc student in the UBC Women+ and Children’s Health program. Her primary research interests involve investigating the etiologies, treatments, and health consequences of vulvar pain disorders. Hannah aims to understand the biopsychosocial factors influencing vulvar pain with the goal of enhancing treatment options.
Katherine Hunker
PhD Student, Women+ Health Sciences
She/Her
About Katherine:
Katherine is a PhD student in the UBC Women+ and Children’s Health Sciences Program. Her research interests center on sexual and vulvar health concerns, and how these concerns are addressed in the healthcare system. Katherine uses mixed methods to better understand sexual health concerns in the context of chronic health conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, lichen sclerosus). The goal of Katherine’s research is to develop resources and trainings for patients and healthcare providers that positively impact patients’ sexual well being and healthcare satisfaction.
Kiarah O’Kane
MA Student, Clinical psychology
She/They
About Kiarah:
Kiarah is a second-year MA student in the UBC Clinical Psychology Program. Their research interests are twofold: First, to examine the modifiable factors impacting the sexual well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Second, to use psychophysiological and eye tracking methods to explore gender and sexual orientation differences in sexual response patterns. These research interests serve the overarching goal of developing accessible interventions for bolstering the sexual well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
Medical Students & Residents
Carly Johnston
Research FLEX Student
She/Her
About Carly:
Carly is a 4th year medical student at UBC VFMP program. Before medicine, she received an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology from SFU and worked as a kinesiologist for a few years. She is now in her final year of medical school hoping to pursue a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She’s incredibly passionate about reproductive health, specifically focusing on reproductive mental health and perinatal anxiety. She is excited to join the PHASE lab team to learn more about how different vulvar conditions impact people with vulvas psychological and sexual functioning. When she’s not busy with school, you can find her down on the seawall with her partner, Chris, and miniature dachshund, Daisy.
Jennifer Zhang
Volunteer Research Assistant
She/Her
About Jennifer:
Jennifer is a second-year medical student at UBC and a recent BKIN grad. Her research and clinical practice interests predominantly center around reproductive health, substance use, and rural health.
Undergraduate Students
Lara Dualibi
Volunteer Research Assistant
She/Her
About Lara:
Lara is a third year Psychology student at UBC. Her research interests include sexual health education, medication-associated sexual dysfunction, the relationship between endocrine health and mental health, and sexual well-being. In the future, Lara hopes to pursue further education in graduate school and obtain a PhD in clinical psychology.
Ellie Eriksson
Volunteer Research Assistant
She/Her
About Ellie:
Ellie studies Psychology and Law & Society at UBC in hopes of becoming a clinical forensic psychologist. She is interested in studying the intersection of psychopathy and sexual paraphilias. Specifically, she wishes to study the development, progression, and maintenance of sexual fetishes in female forensic, clinical, and sub-clinical populations.
Yassaman Malekzadeh
Volunteer Research Assistant
She/Her
About Yassaman:
My primary research interests revolve around sexual well-being and sexual health. I am particularly interested in understanding the psychological and relational impacts of chronic conditions on intimate relationships and sexual satisfaction. I hope to explore and contribute to meaningful research on sexual health resources and support systems, enhancing sexual health education and discourse.
Lorelei McEwen
Volunteer Research Assistant
They/She
About Lorelei:
Lorelei is a fourth-year psychology honours student at UBC. Within the lab, she primarily works on the VLS Couples study and is interested in improving sexual health/wellbeing outcomes for disabled and queer communities. In the future, Lorelei intends to achieve a PhD in Clinical psychology with a focus on integrating underrepresented community perspectives (D/disabled, queer, BIPOC) into clinical research initiatives.
Lucy Perkins
Research Assistant
She/Her
About Lucy:
Lucy is a fourth-year student at UBC studying microbiology and immunology. Her primary research interests include improving reproductive and sexual health for women and gender diverse individuals. Upon completion of her degree, Lucy hopes to continue her studies at the graduate level in women’s+ health sciences, and ultimately pursue a career in healthcare.