Loraina Ghiraldi

Loraina (affectionately known to her students as Dr. G.) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology.  She received her Bachelor's degree in psychology and biology from Russell Sage College and her Ph.D. in experimental biopsychology from the State University of New York at Albany.  Her research emphasis is in the area of behavioral endocrinology.  More specifically, Loraina has investigated how hormones interact with experiential and environmental factors to influence sexual, aggressive and maternal behaviors in the rodent model.  She has also investigated effects of hormones on learning and memory in rodents and humans.  Loraina enjoys working with students in research endeavors, and welcomes interested students to discuss potential research collaborations with her.  For example, recent student-initiated research projects include investigating the effects of mindfulness on perceptions of stress in college students.  Here at St. Lawrence University, Loraina regularly teaches Introductory Psychology, Research Methods, and Hormones and Behavior. She has also taught Human Sexuality, a specialty course in Ballroom Dancing, and The Neuroscience of Fear (in Rome, Italy).  Loraina has served on Faculty Council, the Professional Standards Committee, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and as the on-campus coordinator for SLU's international program in Denmark.  In addition to her professional interests and activities, Loraina's co- and extra-professional passions include ballroom dancing, international travel, and cooking.