LEAD
Dr. Matthew Numer is a Professor and Head of the Division of Health Promotion at Dalhousie University, where he also leads the SHaG Lab. His research focuses on sexual health, substance use, online technologies, and the health of gay, bisexual, and Indigenous men. He holds advisory roles with several health organizations, including the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia and the Community-Based Research Centre, and chairs Nova Scotia’s PrEP Action Committee.

RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Chloë Blair is the Research Coordinator at the SHaG Lab. She holds a Master’s in Art History and Visual Studies from the University of Victoria. Her master’s research explored how e-commerce, colonization, and neoliberal consumption are implicated in traditional modes of textile making and the global fashion industry. Her current work as a digital ethnographer examines healthcare systems and how public online spaces can be tools for patient and employee advocacy.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Dr. Val Webber is a postdoctoral fellow whose research examines the intersections of health, sexuality, and social hierarchies of respectability. Their doctoral work focused on occupational health protocols in the porn industry. They are the board chair of Performer Availability Screening Services (PASS), a non-profit supporting health and safety for adult film performers. Dr. Webber has also contributed to research on vulvodynia and rurality, mental health and harm reduction, and how cisheteronormativity shapes online adult content policies.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Brittany O’Shea is a Research Associate at the ShaG lab. She is a Doctoral Student at McGill University and holds a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from Dalhousie University. Her Master’s research received national and provincial funding and examined sexual violence label discourse and perceptions of victims and survivors. Her doctoral research is funded by a Canada Graduate Scholarship Doctoral Award and explores the neglect of women’s health and the alternative avenues women seek to understand and advocate for their health.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Dave Miller is a Research Associate at the SHaG Lab with a focus on Indigenous men’s health. A 48-year-old Mi’kmaq HIV activist, Dave has over 12 years of experience working with health and service organizations across Canada in both paid and volunteer roles. He previously served as a Community Health Educator for 33 Atlantic First Nation communities, promoting healthy living initiatives. Most recently, he coordinated a national team of peer researchers for the HIV Stigma Index study with REACH Nexus at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Zac works as a research assistant for SHaG Lab. He is currently working on his Master of Pharmaceutical Science at Dalhousie University, and has a background in neuroscience and sociology. In 2019 he piloted and currently coordinates the Investigaytors program which focuses on teaching research skills to 2SLGBTQIA+ people that can be applied to their daily and professional lives. He also works as a research assistant and is a student of Dr. Kyle Wilby at Dalhousie University’s School of Pharmacy where he is focused on making it easier to access gender affirming care for the transgender community.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Drew Burchell is a Research Associate in the SHaG lab. Previously they worked for IWK Health as a Research Coordinator. They hold a Bachelor of Science from Dalhousie and a Master of Arts in Community Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier. They have several years of qualitative and mixed-methods research experience, focusing on topics of health equity and access, 2SLGBTQIA+ equity, and gender affirming care. They use their lived experience and research knowledge base to educate healthcare providers and advocate for trans individuals in the healthcare system.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Maddie Katz is a 2nd year PhD Health student at Dalhousie University and a Research Associate at the SHaG Lab. They have a MA in Community Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University. Her doctoral research, funded by a Canada Graduate Scholarship Doctoral Award, focuses on investigating trans & gender-diverse experiences of fatness, as well as methods of resistance against anti-fat bias. Their research interests include sexual/gender diversity, wellness culture, and critical qualitative and mixed-methods methodologies.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Laura Colford is a Research Assistant in the SHaG Lab. She holds a Bachelor of Health Promotion (Honours) from Dalhousie University, where her learning and work with the SHaG Lab was supported by two Faculty of Health Undergraduate Student Research Awards. Laura’s research interests focus on health promotion approaches that honour and reflect the self-determined needs and priorities of communities. Drawing on her background in public engagement and health promotion, she is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for people to share their lived experiences and actively shape the decisions that affect their health and well-being.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Sulia’n is a Research Assistant in the SHaG Lab from Kepekek Kjipuktuk working on the Indigenous Boys and Men research project. He is an enthusiast of the Mi’kmaw Civilization and has been engaged with learning for over 10 years. Sulia’n earned his Honours Degree in Kinesiology, with a certificate in Indigenous Studies and a certificate in Intercultural Communication in 2020 from Dalhousie University. His research topic explored the self-perception of the impact of Scouting participation on Nova Scotian Youth’s life skills. His areas of interest include Hoplology, Music, Ethnobiology, Indigenous Medicine, and Crafting. He is a martial artist, outdoorsman, and craftsman making traditional musical instruments, weaponry, and games. For some more information, you can see an interview with Sulia’n on Mi’kmaw plant relations.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Dr. Christopher Dietzel is a postdoctoral fellow whose work explores the intersections of technology, safety, health, gender, and sexuality. His recent projects focus on LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized populations, dating apps and social media, and health and safety issues related to these platforms. He also investigates the barriers, harms, and violence that diverse populations face when using digital technologies more broadly.