OUR TEAM
Jaroslava Varella Valentova
Head of the Lab
Since 2015, she has served as a Professor and Researcher in the Department of Experimental Psychology (PSE) at the Institute of Psychology (IP), University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Sciences (2004), followed by a master’s (2006) and a PhD (2010) in Anthropology, specializing in Human Ethology, from the Faculty of Human Sciences, Charles University (Prague, Czech Republic). Between 2010 and 2015, she conducted postdoctoral research at the Center for Theoretical Study, a joint research institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences and Charles University.
Her primary research focuses on Human Ethology and Evolutionary Psychology, investigating psychobiological and cultural dimensions of human sexuality. Key topics include: Sexual orientation; Jealousy and mate retention strategies; Consensually non-monogamous relationships; Preferences for short-term vs. long-term partners; Physical appearance modifications, and others. Her work mostly employs quantitative and cross-cultural methodologies, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. She teaches courses on undegraduate and graduate level, with focus on Romantic Relationships: Culture and Evolution; Human Attractiveness and Sexuality from Evolutionary Perspective; Interdisciplinary Approach toward Sexual Orientation; Journal Club: Research and Article Discussion on Topics from Evolutionary Psychology; Introduction to Personality Traits; Research Perspectives in Psychology. She is an active member of several international scholarly societies, including Human Behavior and Evolution Society (HBES), International Society for Human Ethology (ISHE), International Academy for Sex Research (IASR), Research and Outreach Nucleus on Human Evolution, Institute of Advanced Studies (IEA-USP). Additionally, she serves as an Associate Editor for the journal Personality and Individual Differences.
Marco Antônio Correa Varella
Marco is an evolutionary biologist and behavioral scientist with a multidisciplinary background spanning psychology, anthropology, and biological sciences. He earned his PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of São Paulo’s Institute of Psychology (IP-USP), where he also completed two postdoctoral fellowships in Behavioral Genetics and Evolutionary Psychology. Additionally, he conducted postdoctoral research in Environmental Conservation Psychology at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). During his doctoral studies, he was a visiting scholar at McMaster University in Canada.
With an extensive academic trajectory, Dr. Varella has held visiting researcher and professor positions at several prestigious institutions including IP-USP, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), FAAP, Charles University’s Center for Theoretical Study (Czech Republic), and Universidad de Santiago de Chile. He also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Brasília’s Institute of Psychology.
Currently, Dr. Varella is the Founding President of the Latin American Association for Human Behavioral and Evolutionary Sciences (LAAHBES) and serves as an associate researcher and co-founder of the Behavior, Evolution and Sexuality Lab at IP-USP. He contributes to the scientific community as an editor for Frontiers in Psychology and Heliyon, and is an active member of both the Human Evolution Research & Outreach Nucleus (IEA-USP) and the Institute for Research on Sociocultural Variations (IPEVSC). He occasionally advises graduate students in IP-USP’s Experimental Psychology program.
His prolific research career has yielded 3 co-edited books, 25 book chapters, and 93 peer-reviewed articles published in 42 scientific journals. Dr. Varella’s work has been recognized with numerous honors including the Ig Nobel Prize in Economics (2020), The Margo Wilson Award for early-career contributions to evolutionary psychology, and the Editor’s Choice Award for Evolutionary Psychology, along with national distinctions from the Brazilian Society of Ethology.
Dr. Varella’s research program takes an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to human behavior, investigating diverse topics such as mating strategies, partner preferences, sexual differences, miscommunication, anthropomorphism, vocational interests, music, arts, paleoesthetics, chronotypes, COVID-19 impacts, and the eco-climate crisis. Beyond academia, he is committed to science communication through his blog MARCO EVOLUTIVO on ScienceBlogs Brazil and previously worked as a freelance science reporter for Folha de S.Paulo and Natura.
https://www.instagram.com/marcoacvarella
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Lj2FLV4AAAAJ&hl=en
http://lattes.cnpq.br/8829511200588111
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-antonio-correa-varella-ph-d-08b7442b/
http://scienceblogs.com.br/marcoevolutivo/
POST DOCS
IRENE DELVAL
Irene is a psychologist and anthropologist trained at the Complutense University of Madrid, who completed both her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Experimental Psychology at the Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo (IP-USP). Her graduate research focused on capuchin monkeys’ cognition, social behavior, and personality. During her postdoctoral fellowship at the Behavior, Evolution and Sexuality (BES) Lab, Irene has been investigating the developmental trajectories of sexual behavior, with particular emphasis on understanding the evolutionary origins and potential functions of same-sex and non-conceptive sexual interactions during primate infancy and juvenility. From 2023 to 2024, she expanded this research as a visiting postdoctoral fellow at the University of Lethbridge, Canada, working in Dr. Jean-Baptiste Leca’s laboratory.
Actual research project: “Sexual Behavior Development in Wild Capuchin Monkeys”
PÂMELA CORTEZ
Pâmela is a postdoctoral researcher in Experimental Psychology at the University of São Paulo (USP), where she investigates evolutionary moral psychology and the public perception of corruption. With a strong interdisciplinary background spanning law and behavioral sciences, she holds a PhD (2021) and Master’s degree (2016) in Law from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), complemented by undergraduate degrees in Law (Unihorizontes) and State Sciences (UFMG). Currently serving as a law professor at UniSAN, Pâmela brings her expertise in evolutionary psychology to legal education while maintaining active research affiliations. She is a member of SAPIENS – the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Neuroethics and Human Behavior at UFMG, and has professional experience as a Governance Specialist at Enacom Group.
Actual research project: “Evolutionary Moral Psychology and Corruption Perception in Brazil“
ANTHONIETA LOOMAN MAFRA
Anthonieta is an accomplished interdisciplinary researcher with an exceptional academic trajectory spanning biological and psychological sciences. She holds a PhD in Psychobiology from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) and has completed two postdoctoral fellowships—one in Experimental Psychology at the University of São Paulo’s Institute of Psychology (IPUSP) that focused on Makeup usage in women, and another in Psychiatry at USP’s Medical School (FMUSP). Demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning, she is currently pursuing a second undergraduate degree in Psychology while undertaking her third postdoctoral position at the Behavior, Evolution and Sexuality Lab (BES Lab).
Her actual research project: “Strategies for promoting mental health among LGBTQIAPN+” integrates evolutionary theory with mental health applications, focusing particularly on vulnerable populations. She investigates mental health promotion strategies for adolescents and adults, with special attention to LGBTQIAPN+ communities. This research examines both the psychological mechanisms underlying mental health challenges and practical interventions to address them.
ACTUAL PhD STUDENTS
YAGO L. DE MORAES
Yago is advancing innovative research at the intersection of evolutionary psychology and quantitative behavioral science. He completed his undergraduate training in Psychology at the Methodist University of São Paulo in 2016 before joining the University of São Paulo’s Experimental Psychology program, where he earned his Master’s degree in 2021 and is now completing his doctoral studies. With exceptional methodological rigor, Yago’s research bridges evolutionary psychology with advanced statistical approaches and psychometrics, while maintaining a strong focus on individual differences. His work demonstrates particular expertise in analyzing game-based interactions and related behavioral phenomena through an evolutionary lens. Currently, he is developing his doctoral project examining “The Social Impact of Leisure Activities” which explores how recreational behaviors shape relationship dynamics and social bonding mechanisms. This investigation employs sophisticated research designs to understand both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of how shared activities influence social connections, while accounting for important individual variability in preferences and responses.
BRUNO HENRIQUE DO AMARAL
Bruno is a biologist (Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo – IB-USP) and current PhD candidate in Experimental Psychology at USP’s Department of Experimental Psychology (PSE). His research focuses on psychological and behavioral variations across subcultures within the LGBTQIAP+ community, employing an interdisciplinary approach that bridges evolutionary psychology and queer studies. Bruno’s work examines diverse aspects of human sexuality, including socio-sexuality patterns, sexual preferences, the prevalence of consensual non-monogamy, gender expression, and self-esteem differences among sexual minority groups. His doctoral project, titled “Diverse Phenotypes of Male Homosexuality: A Multimodal Analysis of Biomarkers and Psychosocial-Sexual Factors“, takes an innovative approach by combining psychological assessments with physiological biomarkers to explore potential subtypes of male same-sex orientation.
LEONARDO CEZAR S. COSTA
Leonardo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Mogi das Cruzes and completed his Master’s in Experimental Psychology at the Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo (IP-USP). His master’s research focused on understanding early sexual development in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.), bridging primatology and behavioral psychology. Currently pursuing his PhD, Leonardo has shifted his research focus to human romantic relationships, specifically investigating the role of humor at different stages of partnership formation and maintenance.
Actual research project: “The Impact of Humor Styles on Romantic Relationship Dynamics“.
ACTUAL MASTER STUDENTS
KATHARINA P. DA SILVA
Katharina is a dedicated researcher with a background in Biomedical Sciences from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, where she first discovered Evolutionary Psychology and completed her undergraduate thesis examining the evolutionary origins of consumption behavior and physical attractiveness. This early work sparked her fascination with the biological foundations of human behavior, leading her to pursue graduate studies in psychological science. Currently enrolled as a Master’s candidate in our Behavior, Evolution and Sexuality Lab (BES Lab), Katharina has developed a research project investigating the puzzling phenomenon of attraction to antisocial personality traits. Her thesis project, titled “Attraction to Antisocial Traits and Partner Selection Mechanisms“, explores this counterintuitive mating preference through an evolutionary lens.
JOÃO VITOR R. COSTA
Vitor brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to evolutionary psychology through his dual background in Psychology (Unifacid Wyden) and History (Federal University of Piauí). This combination of training in behavioral science and historical analysis informs his innovative approach to understanding human nature. Currently pursuing his Master’s degree, Vitor specializes in bridging evolutionary psychology with behavioral genetics, with particular focus on twin studies as a powerful methodological approach. His research examines the biological and environmental influences on various psychological and behavioral traits, seeking to disentangle nature-nurture interactions through carefully designed genetic studies.
His thesis project, “Heritability of Creativity in Brazilian Twins“, represents one of the first systematic investigations of creative ability’s genetic factors in the Brazilian population.
LETÍCIA ROSA DE PAIVA
Letícia is a journalist and gender researcher with a distinguished interdisciplinary background. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of São Paulo, complemented by specialized training in public policy and gender studies. Her professional experience spans research, advocacy, and policy work, reflecting her commitment to bridging academic knowledge and social impact. As a former visiting researcher in Gender Studies at the University of Sussex (UK), she brings international perspective to her current work at the Behavior, Evolution and Sexuality Lab (BES Lab). At BES Lab, Letícia applies her expertise in gender and public health to investigate female sexual pleasure from an evolutionary and psychosocial perspective. Her research focuses on orgasm and anorgasmia in women, examining both biological and sociocultural dimensions of sexual experience.
Her current master degree project, “Cognitive-Affective Dimensions in Women With and Without Persistent Orgasmic Difficulties“, takes a multifaceted approach to understanding psychological and emotional factors influencing orgasmic capacity, specifically focusing on primary anorgasmia.
ELIANA VAZ FÁVERO
Eliana is a psychologist and emerging scholar in human sexuality research. She earned her psychology degree from Universidade Bandeirantes de São Paulo and holds specialized qualifications in human sexuality and sexology (Universidade Guarulhos) and psychopedagogy (Universidade Nove de Julho). Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Experimental Psychology at the University of São Paulo, where she investigates the evolutionary foundations of human mating behavior. At the Behavior, Evolution and Sexuality Lab (BES Lab), she is developing a study examining partner selection strategies on dating applications.
Actual research project: “Partner Selection Criteria in Dating Apps: Evolutionary Perspectives”
MATEUS CARDEAL DE O. LIMA
Mateus is a psychologist and relationship researcher with a distinctive international perspective on human behavior. He earned his psychology degree from Universidade Paulista, complemented by postgraduate studies in Behavior Analysis, Human Rights, and Public Law. His academic journey included formative experiences in Mexico, Argentina, and Chile, cultivating a multicultural understanding of psychological processes that informs his current work. As co-founder of a psychology clinic specializing in sexuality-related issues, Mateus bridges clinical practice with scientific research. He currently contributes to the Behavior, Evolution, and Sexuality Lab (BES Lab), where he investigates the dynamics of long-term partnerships. Mateus’s current project, “Humor Styles and Marital Satisfaction: An Analysis of Established Relationships“, employs mixed methods to explore how different humor styles (affiliative, self-enhancing, aggressive, self-defeating) correlate with relationship satisfaction.
FERNANDA PEREIRA REBELLO
Fernanda earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences (2020–2024) from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo (ICB-USP), with specializations in Physiology and Psychobiology Teaching & Research. During her undergraduate studies, she focused on neurophysiology and human ethology, developing a strong interdisciplinary foundation at the intersection of biological and behavioral sciences.
Actual research project: “Makeup’s Influence on Facial Perception and Attention“
GABRIELA NUNES NOBRE
Gabriela is a licensed psychologist with over a decade of clinical experience specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adolescents and adult women. After earning her psychology degree from the University of Taubaté (2011), she pursued advanced training in CBT (CETCC-SP, 2019) and Neuroscience (UNIFESP, 2023). Her work bridges therapeutic practice with empirical research on cognitive-affective processes, aligning with the lab’s investigations into psychological development and behavioral interventions.
Actual research project: “Investigation of strategies for promoting mental helth and combating LGBTQIAPN+ stigma“
JEFERSON F. MORAIS
Jeferson is a psychologist specializing in clinical practice with LGBTQ+ populations and emerging research in human sexuality. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidade Paulista (2022), followed by a postgraduate qualification in Clinical Psychology from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (2024). Currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Experimental Psychology at the University of São Paulo’s Institute of Psychology (IP-USP), his research focuses on the intersection of sexuality, gender diversity, sexual orientations, and romantic relationship dynamics.
Actual research project: “Romantic Preferences and Sociosexuality in Bisexual Individuals“
ACTUAL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Juan Caixeta Mendez
Juan is an undergraduate student in Biological Sciences at the University of São Paulo (USP) whose academic journey reflects a growing fascination with the intersection of biology and psychology. His discovery of evolutionary psychology and the Behavior, Evolution and Sexuality Lab (BES Lab) has allowed him to synthesize these interdisciplinary interests into meaningful research. Juan is currently conducting an innovative scientific initiation project examining “Sexual Behavior Development in Wild Capuchin Monkey (Sapajus libidinosus) Juveniles“. This pioneering study investigates the ontogeny of sexual behaviors in immature capuchins.
PAST STUDENTS & RESEARCHERS
Post-docs
PhD students
Andreone Teles Medrado
Master students
Christian Kenji Ollhoff
Leonardo Cezar Silva Costa
Natália Machado Anchieta
Francisco Paulo Moraes Junior
Adriana Saavedra Moreno