Cassandra Hesse

Cassandra Hesse is a developmental psychologist and sexologist currently completing her PhD at The University of British Columbia. She holds a BA (with honors) in Psychology from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and an MA in Human Development, Learning, and Culture from UBC. At KPU, she teaches foundational and advanced courses in psychology, including Introduction to Psychology: Basic Processes, Developmental Psychology: Infancy, and Developmental Psychology: Adult Development.

• Education:
  • BA in Psychology (Honors), Kwantlen Polytechnic University
  • MA in Human Development, Learning, and Culture, University of British Columbia
  • PhD Candidate in Psychology, University of British Columbia

Her research focuses on controversial topics in human sexuality, including pornography, gender identities, sexual orientation, and biopsychosocial development across the lifespan. She has published extensively on issues like the impact of pornography on sexual knowledge, the role of attachment during the pandemic, and the social implications of digital technologies for LGBTQ+ communities.

Her recent scholarly work trends include:

• Qualitative analysis of sexual and gender minority youth support systems during crises
• Behavioral effects of digital platforms (e.g., gay dating apps) on health outcomes
• Intersectional approaches to gender expression and sexual orientation
• Psychological motivations behind self-presentation and exhibitionism

She is affiliated with the Department of Psychology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and collaborates with researchers across disciplines to advance understanding of developmental and sexual behavior dynamics.