Dr. Christopher Quinn Nilas

Biography

Christopher Quinn-Nilas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. His research focuses on the dynamic and evolving nature of romantic and sexual relationships, particularly in the aftermath of trauma. Quinn-Nilas examines how relationships serve as powerful drivers of health and well-being, exploring the individual and shared experiences that shape couples over time. He studies the ripple effects of significant life events—such as the death of a partner, experiences of sexual assault, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—to uncover how past experiences influence present-day sexual satisfaction in relationships. Utilizing sophisticated quantitative methodologies and dyadic longitudinal approaches, his lab emphasizes a strong focus on psychological measurement and psychometrics. The key aim is to develop and refine tools that accurately capture the complexities of relationship dynamics, ensuring that the research is grounded in robust, psychometrically valid instruments. Some of his significant projects include investigating how sexual identities shift following the death of a romantic partner and exploring how couples navigate sexual relational challenges when faced with trauma histories. An up-to-date list of his work can be found on his Google Scholar page.

Research Interests