Prospective Students

Thank you for your interest in the CHEER Lab! I am passionate about working with students and it remains one of my favorite parts of my job! My approach to mentoring is student-centered and my goals for lab members is to have a space where you have the opportunity not only to grow your skills on projects related to my network but also have the opportunity to build your own interests and projects in a supportive and exciting research environment. Research and evaluation do not have a set “look” or “way” they have to be and I welcome ideas and perspectives from students on new and current projects.

Prospective Graduate Students

Dr. Stenersen will be accepting applications for one PhD student to begin Fall 2026.

Dr. Stenersen’s current efforts include community-based and big data research and evaluation on the impact of violence and exploitation on communities including sex workers and sex trafficking victims and survivors. As such, priority will be given to applicants with interest in a) sex worker wellbeing, and safety, b) sexual exploitation and trafficking, and c) community-based research and evaluation as these represent the focus of ongoing and upcoming research efforts. Though I welcome applications from students who fit outside of these areas, I am best able to mentor and advise students whose areas of interest overlap and/or are related to my own. My approach to graduate student advising focuses on making space for professional development as well as the development of each student’s interests, goals, and skills. I do not expect for students to enter the program with any particular skills and see graduate school as a time to explore and learn what is of most interest to students in building their future careers.

Please see the SLU Clinical Psychology website for more information about the Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at SLU. Though the program is not a mentorship program students should identify interest in working with me and how our interests are similar in your application.

Prospective Undergraduate Students

We are currently recruiting undergraduate students on an as-needed project basis. Please fill out the Google Form below to express interest and reach out with any questions!

Undergraduate students in the lab will have the opportunity to participate in every step of the current research and evaluation projects happening in the lab with a focus on each student’s individual interests and goals. Lab membership will begin with an individual conversation in which you and I will develop an individual goal plan for your time in the lab to help ensure you get the experience that is most consistent with your goals and interests as well as the needs of the lab and the assigned project.

SLU students interested in the lab should fill out the following Google Form, good for one calendar year (must be signed into your SLU Google Account): https://forms.gle/FPmpy1DC2jKpyzDw5