Stephanie A. Sanders

Stephanie A. Sanders, Ph.D. Research Director Senior Scientist Provost Professor of Gender Studies Dr. Stephanie Sanders' research, conducted in the United States and Scandinavia, addresses: sexual behavior; sexuality, sexual identity, and gender relations; sex differentiation; gender difference in psychological and physical development; effects of prenatal hormones and drugs on human development; women's health and well-being, menstruation, menopause, and the life cycle; and biopsychological perspectives on debates in feminist theory. Instructing Gender Studies courses since 1995, her current research analyzes gendered dimensions of scientific research methodologies; the effects of oral contraceptives on sexuality and well-being in women; sexual behavior and risk for sexually transmitted diseases; and the long-term behavioral effects of prenatal exposure to drugs and hormones. Sanders was twice appointed interim director of the Kinsey Institute—first from 1993–95 and again in 2014—and also held the position of associate director. Recently, Sanders recently served as President of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, and has been a co-principal investigator on research grants from such agencies as the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Dr. Sanders is the research lead on the Marriage Equality Project, which is collecting video and audio interviews with same-sex couples in Indiana who married in the wake of the US Supreme Court decision to legalize same-sex unions. This project is being conducted with partnerships from IU Media School, community organizations (including Bloomington Pride and Spencer Pride), and the Kinsey Institute. To Generate Skills of Person Read the provided description of the person and extract a concise list of their skills, presented as distinct bullet points without additional descriptions. Ensure each skill is presented in 2-3 words and include a minimum of 15 skills. If any AI tools or academic tools are mentioned, include them in the skills list. The description is as follows:{Description} To Generate Area of Interest/Expertise of Person Read the provided description of the person and extract a concise list of their area of interest or expertise, presented as distinct bullet points without additional descriptions. The description is as follows: {Description} Dr. Stephanie Ann Sanders, Ph.D., is a prominent academic and researcher specializing in gender studies, sexual health, and reproduction. She is currently serving as the Provost Professor & Peg Zeglin Brand Chair in the Department of Gender Studies and a Senior Scientist at The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, & Reproduction at Indiana University, Bloomington. Her educational journey began at Douglass College, Rutgers University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Women’s Studies in 1976. She further pursued her interest in psychology, obtaining a Master of Science in Psychology in 1979 and subsequently completing her Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus on Biopsychology at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in 1984. Dr. Sanders has held several key positions at Indiana University throughout her illustrious career. Since 2019, she has been the Department Chair of Gender Studies, a role that allows her to shape academic programs and contribute to interdisciplinary research in gender and sexuality studies. She has been the Peg Zeglin Brand Chair since 2016 and a Provost Professor since 2014. Her long-standing association with The Kinsey Institute began in 1982, where she has served in various roles including Senior Scientist, Associate Director, and Interim Director. As a Senior Scientist at The Kinsey Institute, Dr. Sanders has played a vital role in advancing research on sex, gender, and reproduction. Her research focuses on various aspects of human sexuality, including condom use and its barriers, sexual behaviors, reproductive health, and gender identity. One of her significant contributions involves understanding factors that impact the correct use of condoms and developing interventions to enhance sexual health practices. Her projects also examine the intersection of gender, sexual orientation, and sexual health, aiming to address disparities and improve health outcomes for marginalized populations. Dr. Sanders’s expertise has attracted numerous research grants and funding awards. She has collaborated on projects funded by prestigious organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and various private foundations. Her projects include research on topics like HIV/STD prevention, sexual behavior assessment, and intervention strategies for promoting safe sexual practices among high-risk groups. Additionally, she has co-led studies exploring the feasibility of expanding HIV testing in rural pharmacies, analyzing the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving condom use among young African American males, and examining how environmental changes impact reproductive health in specific populations. Dr. Sanders is also recognized for her numerous scholarly publications in high-impact journals, contributing to the academic understanding of sexuality and gender from both psychological and social perspectives. Her work has been published in journals such as the Journal of Sexual Medicine, Archives of Sexual Behavior, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Moreover, her efforts have been acknowledged through various awards, including the Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award from the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) and the Outstanding Faculty Collaborative Research Award from Indiana University. Beyond her research, Dr. Sanders is a committed educator and mentor, influencing generations of students and researchers in the fields of gender studies and sexual health. Her leadership roles and academic achievements reflect her dedication to advancing knowledge and promoting evidence-based practices to address complex issues related to sexuality, gender, and reproductive health.