The LACE Lab

About

We are a research group at DePauw University (formerly Oberlin College) in the Psychology and Neuroscience Department. Our aim is to explore and understand how stigmatized minority groups define their identity as well as navigate social interactions.

We are particularly interested in conducting research with women and members of the LGBTQIA+ and BDSM communities. We integrate concepts of identity, personality, stigma, and intersectionality in our work to explore the unique experiences of these populations. Our ultimate goal is to use our findings to educate the scientific community at large by correcting misconceptions and destigmatizing gender and sexual diversity. With better representation and greater acceptance, we can improve the wellbeing of stigmatized populations in social, clinical, and legal settings.

We are located in Greencastle, Indiana about 1 hour southwest of Indianapolis. DePauw University is a liberal arts institution and is known for its gold standard academics, extraordinarily successful alumni, a culture that launches leaders, and a powerful network of support.

NEWS and events

September 12, 2025
BDSM on the Margins Class
Indiana Leather & Kink Weekend
Indianapolis, IN

August 16, 2025
Cincinnati Leather Weekend
Cincinnati, OH

May 4, 2025
Chicago Leather Pride Weekend
Chicago, IL

April 19, 2025
CLAW
Cleveland, OH

April 1, 2025
Emma is nominated for the Charles and Frances (Wylie) Condit Science Scholarship and Jason is nominated for the Rex Rector Service Award

March 26, 2025
Dr. Crane is awarded $1,152 from the Asher Fund for the 2D:4D study

November 18, 2024
“Word play: A top-down approach to text analysis of BDSM practitioners’ written language” is published

November 18, 2024
Selene and Dr. Crane are accepted to present “SOFI” at the 2025 SPSP Sexuality Pre-Conference

November 5, 2024
Dr. Crane is awarded $2,600 from the Asher Fund for the 2D:4D study

June 21-23, 2024
SPSSI Conference
Copy of our presentation
Philadelphia, PA

May 2, 2024
Dr. Crane accepts Assistant Professor position at DePauw University!

April 30, 2024
“Word play: A top-down approach to text analysis of BDSM practitioners’ written language” manuscript is accepted for publication at the Journal of Positive Sexuality

April 29, 2024
Selene is awarded the Comfort Star Prize

April 25, 2024
BDSM Roundtable Discussion
PRSM Consent Month
Oberlin, OH

April 22, 2024
Beginner BDSM Workshop
PRSM Consent Month
Oberlin, OH

April 11-14, 2024
CLAW
Cleveland, OH

February 8, 2024
SPSP Sexuality Pre-Conference
San Diego, CA

December 20, 2023
Selene wins the Jerome Davis Award for undergraduate research

October 28, 2023
Halloween Fetish Playland
Cleveland, OH

October 27, 2023
Psychology Department Lab Crawl
Oberlin, OH

August 6, 2023
Kink Klass – Breath Play 101
Leather Archives & Museum
Chicago, IL

July 27-28, 2023
OSURF Student Presentations and Closing Picnic
Oberlin, OH

June 25-27, 2023
SPSSI Conference
Denver, CO

May 22, 2023
Oberlin College Commencement
Oberlin, OH

May 20, 2023
OhioSMART Third Saturday: Sensation Stations
Cleveland, OH

April 23, 2023
Wilder, Frances, and Jasmine win the Stetson-Heiser Prize for psychology research

April 22, 2023
Organ Grinder’s Ball
Cleveland, OH

April 6-8, 2023
CLAW
Cleveland, OH

April 4, 2023
Salma is accepted into the Oberlin Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (OSURF) program