Jenna Lunge

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Hi, I'm Jenna.

I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of California, Merced, where I was funded under the UC Regents’ Scholarship. I am currently a PhD candidate working under Dr. Lisa Welling at Oakland University. My PhD is funded in-part by the King-Chávez-Parks Future Faculty Fellowship of Michigan.

My research investigates the biological correlates of women’s perceptions, emotions, sexuality, and mental health. I am predominantly interested in the influence of immune function and reproductive hormones on psychology – including investigations across the ovulatory cycle and during use of synthetic hormonal contraception. I run in-house salivary bioassay in The Welling Research Lab to quantify and interpret the impact of biological analytes of interest in our research.

Photo Credit: @sosadphotography

Beyond the Books.

I am a passionate researcher and educator, but really – I’m cooler outside of academia.

I am a staff member at Bark Nation, an organization with a mission to #EndDogfighting and canine cruelty. Since 2018, Bark Nation has rescued over 900 dogs from organized dogfighting. Our National Animal Response Unit works with law enforcement to document and remove survivors from situations of cruelty and neglect. Survivors are then brought to our confidential #PitnessProtection shelter for forensic vetting, treatment, and recovery. Bark Nation is all about breaking chains, building trust, and creating a kinder world for survivors in their #LifeAfterDogfighting.

Photo Credit: @ryandoyleco