Samantha L. Tornello, Ph.D.

Shixin Fang

Graduate Student

Penn State University - University Park

Fall 2022 - Present

Shixin Fang (She/Her) is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State. Shixin graduated from Beijing Normal University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Prior to Penn State, she had engaged in research on LGBTQ+ parenthood, attitudes toward sexual minority people, and the impact of comprehensive sexuality education. Currently, her research interests are on relationship functioning and individual well-being among sexual and gender diverse couples during their transition to parenthood. Outside of graduate school, Shixin enjoys cooking, swimming, and watching queer films.

Yan Lou

Graduate Student

Pennsylvania State University - University Park

Fall 2022 - Present

Yan is a third year PhD student in the Human Development and Family Studies Program at Pennsylvania State University.

Emma Spadaro

Graduate Student

Penn State University - University Park

Fall 2024 - present

Emma Spadaro is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State. Emma graduated from Portland State University with a masters degree in Counseling Education and a bachelors in Psychology and Women's Studies with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Queer Studies. Prior to Penn State, Emma worked in community mental health and assisted in research examining rural LGBTQIA people’s survival and community integration in the context of the changing political and social climates. Emma's research interests are trans and non-binary parents, queer family resilience, and the impacts of geographic location and policy on gender-diverse families. Outside of being a graduate student, Emma enjoys reading, working on puzzles, baking, playing video games, and being outdoors.

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Feel free to contact Dr. Tornello at slt35 at psu dot edu