The SWAG lab is directed by Dr. Mary Himmelstein, an asoociate professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Kent State University

Dr. Himmelstein completed her PhD in social psychology and intradisciplinary Health at Rutgers-New Brunswick and her postdoctoral fellowship at the UConn Rudd Center. Dr. Himmelstein's research centers on understanding the ways in which overlapping identities, stress, and strategies for coping with stress impact physical and psychological health in the areas of weight stigma and masculinity. When she's not in the lab Dr. Himmelstein enjoys making nerdy science jokes,  listening to audiobooks, embroidery, LEGO bricks, camping, and engaging in random shaninigandry.

Dr. Himmelstein's CV

Karen is a 5th year doctoral candidate in Psychological Sciences at Kent State University, with a concentration in Social and Health Psychology.  She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Florida State University, where she worked in the Gerend Health Psychology Lab at the FSU College of Medicine.  Karen’s primary research interest is weight stigma through an intersectional lens.  She is specifically interested in how identity and self-perception impact coping strategies, health behaviors, and prejudiced beliefs.  In her free time, Karen enjoys all things music and pop culture.  She also spends time hiking, camping, horseback riding, and golfing.

Maddie is a 2nd year graduate student in Psychological Sciences at Kent State University, with a concentration in Social and Health Psychology. Before coming to KSU, she earned her Master's in clinical psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and completed a postgraduate clinical fellowship with St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute’s Eating Disorder Program. Maddie’s research interests include the impact of weight stigma on health behaviors, especially in the context of healthcare and health-promoting settings. In her free time, Maddie enjoys reading, watching TV/movies, shopping, interior decorating, and spending time with her partner and Italian Greyhound, Juniper. 

Lauren is a 2nd year graduate student in Psychological Sciences at Kent State University, with a concentration in Social and Health Psychology. She completed her Bachelor's degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology at Kent State University, where she worked in the Gilman Health & Behavioral Neuroscience Lab. Lauren's research interests focus on how stress and genetic factors influence psychological health, particularly in the context of weight stigma. In her free time, she enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her five cats, and loved ones. 

Zihan is a junior undergraduate student majoring in psychology. She plans to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology after graduating from college. At the SWAG Lab, she is most interested in exploring how weight stigma influences the way society perceives others. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, watching TV shows, and spending time with the people she loves, her family and friends.

Lilia is a senior Psychology student at Kent State University, focusing on counseling careers. She is especially interested in mental health within adolescent communities, particularly in relation to the rapid spread of social media. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree and work toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, crafting, keeping up with pop culture, and thrifting

Krysa is a senior undergraduate at Kent State University majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Child Psychology and is double minoring in Disability Studies and Community Inclusion and LGBTQ Studies. They plan to graduate in Fall 2026.  In the future, Krysa is interested in pursuing a career in clinical, child, or social psychology. In their free time, Krysa enjoys reading, listening to music, watching movies, gaming, and spending time with friends. 

Meadow is a senior working towards a BA in Psychology. She is also enrolled in Kent State’s CDCA course for Addictions Counseling. She plans to apply to Kent’s graduate school for School Psychology (E.d.S) to become a School Psychologist. She mentors in the AFW2 (Air Force Wounded Warriors) program helping mentees from personal Air Force service of three years. In her free time, she enjoys playing and learning different instruments, relaxing with her four kitties (the one in the photo is Neptune), and watching youtube.

Orane is a second-year undergraduate at Kent State on a pre-medical track with a strong interest in social psychology, health and identity. He hopes to integrate research with a future career in medicine. He is actively involved in leadership and service, with experience in student organizations and community engagement. Upon graduation, Orane plans to attend medical school and then pursue a career as a physician in the U.S. Army. In his free time, Orane enjoys being outside, traveling, running, cycling and listening to music. 

Tori is a Senior at Kent State University pursuing a degree in Psychology. She also plans to go to graduate school for a master's degree in psychology. After graduation, Tori hopes to continue pursuing areas relating to social psychology, clinical psychology, and personality psychology. From the SWAG Lab, Tori hopes to acquire more hands-on lab experience, while also learning more about masculinity in relations to the stereotype threat. In her free time, Tori enjoys crocheting, drawing, gaming, and hanging out with friends."

Sedona is a senior undergraduate student studying Human Development and Family Science with minors in Peace and Conflict Studies and Jewish Studies. She plans to attend graduate school to earn a Master's degree in Social Work. Her research interests include the impact that pop culture and social media have on identity formation, particularly that of marginalized individuals. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing saxophone, and building LEGO sets.

Jude is a freshman at Kent State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Additionally, he plans to attend graduate school externally and pursue a Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. His areas of interest include connecting cognitive and behavioral psychological theories to modern organizations to preserve efficiency, cost, and quality. In the SWAG lab, Jude wants to investigate the grasp that stigma around weight and eating in public has on behavior and interpersonal interactions across various contexts. Beyond his studies, he is making his start as a board member of a non-profit spiritual organization called Luciferian Outreach Corporation, with charity, private education, and community at the heart of its goals.

 Jasmine is a senior student at Kent State majoring in Psychology. She is especially interested in assessing and treating mental and behavioral disorders in adolescents. After graduation, she plans to pursue a PsyD in Clinical Psychology to become a clinical psychologist. In her free time, she loves to read, play video games, and spend time with family. 

Sydney is a fourth-year undergraduate at Kent State, majoring in psychology and minoring in print media/photography. She graduates in Spring 2026 and plans to complete a master’s program upon graduation. She is interested in research, art, and art therapy as well. In her free time, Sydney enjoys being outside, being active, spending time with loved ones, and traveling.