The Gender and Embodiment Lab
The Gender and EMbodiment (GEM) Lab is part of the Psychology Program at Bard College. Our team uses experimental and survey research to explore how people think and feel about both their own and others’ gendered bodies, appearances, and identities, with a focus on affirmation and invalidation. Through our work, we aim to shed light on psychological phenomena that affect the day-to-day lives of individuals with diverse—and often marginalized—gender identities, modalities, and expressions. Ultimately, we hope to create knowledge that can improve the lives of those who are stigmatized or constrained on the basis of gender.
Our Team
natalie Markowitz Wittlin, Principal Investigator
Natalie is an assistant professor of psychology at Bard College and the director of the Gender and EMbodiment Lab. She received her B.A. in psychology from Barnard College in 2009 and her Ph.D. in social psychology from Yale University in 2021. Before coming to Bard, Natalie also completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Princeton University. Natalie is interested in bodies and physical appearances and how they figure into gender-related psychological processes. Questions she has explored in her research include: What stereotypes do cisgender people hold about transgender people's appearances? How do cis people respond to feedback about the gendered nature of their own physical appearances? Does the mental health of trans youth change as they take steps to align their bodies with their identities through medical transition? When she’s not doing research or teaching, Natalie enjoys playing New York Times games, crafting, spending time with her dog Petunia, and watching and discussing TV and film with friends.
Erin Kelly, Lab Manager
Erin is a Bard College alum. She received a BA in religion and studied gendered practice, ritual, and body modification. She subsequently received an MPH from Columbia University with a concentration in gender and sexuality. She is interested in how gendered experiences with regard to the body affect public health outcomes and the sociological and psychological mechanisms through which that happens. She is passionate about translating academic work to lay audiences and using research to advocate for policy change. In addition to research, she has worked with clinicians across the country to improve body-affirming care, including trauma-informed gynecological care and gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary youth. She loves cats, travel, and type 2 fun and is currently planning her next long-distance hike.
Emily Quinn, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Emily Jane is currently junior at Bard College. She is majoring in psychology and is a member of the GEM lab. Some of her interests include the interaction of gender and psychology and the assessment/treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically in children. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading, singing, doing miscellaneous crafts, and cuddling with her three cats!
Marriana Maloney, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Marriana is a sophomore in the Psychology department. She is interested in gender and sexuality studies and abnormal psychology. On campus, Marriana is a club head of STEM Outreach Club and an editor for the literary magazine. She also enjoys playing her violin, spending time with her bunny, ceramics, and yoga.
Interested in getting involved? Research Assistant positions are available for Bard College students. Email Dr. Wittlin for more information.