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Dennis L. Carlson Sexuality Education Studies Center

Welcome!

We LOVE that you are here! Look around our website and let us know if you'd like to get involved. Reach out to Megan Kuykendoll, Director of the SESC and faculty member in the Department of Family Science & Social Work, or graduate student, Sawyer Federinko.

Meet Sawyer Federinko (they/them)

Sawyer Image of Sawyer Federinko standing in front of body of water.Federinko is a graduate student working with the SESC and in the Student Affairs in Higher Education master's program at Miami University. In addition to the work they complete in the center, Sawyer also assists in the FSW 365 classroom, an inclusive sexuality education course. They are excited to continue to explore the many areas of student affairs during their time here, and they especially hope to deepen their knowledge of DEI and international student services.

Meet Megan Kuykendoll (she/they)

Head shot of Megan KuykendollMegan Kuykendoll is the Director of the SESC, Instructor & eLearning Coordinator for the Department of Family Science & Social Work. They teach FSW 365: Family Life Sexuality Education and work with a variety of students and professionals on issues related to sex and sexuality within and outside of Miami University's Oxford campus. Megan's work and teaching strives to be inclusive, accessible, and equitable across a variety of formats, and they promote evidence-informed and justice-oriented sexuality education. Megan is particularly excited to be more involved with campus advocacy work and faculty research communities in her new role as SESC Director. Want to get involved with the SESC? Email Megan at taylormk@miamioh.edu to join in.

Meet Kate Kuvalanka, Ph.D. (she/her)

Head shot of Kate KuvalankaKate Kuvalanka, Ph.D. is Professor and Interim Chair in the Department of Family Science and Social Work. Dr. K’s research focuses on LGBTQ family issues, including the experiences of youth and young adults with LGBTQ parents. For the past 10 years, she has been conducting a longitudinal study with 50 families with transgender and gender-diverse children. Reach out to her at kuvalanka@MiamiOH.edu with questions.

SESC Podcast Episodes

Being Open and Honest About Sexuality (Part 1) - with Richelle Frabotta

We’ve all heard the phrase: Sex sells. And while that may be true, it also creates controversy. But for all the attention this subject commands, it is surprising how little we actually understand it. Sexuality is not something many people are comfortable speaking about openly. But Richelle Frabotta is not one of them.

As one of the few certified sexuality educators in the country, she teaches openly and frankly from a sex-positive perspective about what have traditionally been very challenging issues. She is also at the forefront of the new Sexuality Education Studies Center here at Miami, and in this podcast episode, she talks about the importance of sexuality education and much more.

Being Open and Honest About Sexuality (Part 2)- with Richelle Frabotta

In this podcast episode, we explore the complex subject of human sexuality, as well as why it’s still so challenging for educators to provide a proper sexuality education. And so, we continue our conversation with certified sexuality educator Richelle Frabotta.

We talk with Richelle about the direction society seems to be moving on this issue, and we’ll learn about what Miami’s new Sexuality Education Studies Center will do for the campus and the community.

 

Periods Rock!

When we talk about inequality and poverty, there is one issue that is rarely addressed. Even though it is a natural part of life that affects more than 800 million people every day, the menstrual period can still be a source of financial hardship, shame, embarrassment, and even inequity.

So at Miami, there is a new outreach project called Periods Rock! Which addresses issues such as period poverty, the pink tax, and the ongoing social stigma that still persists in many ways.