Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life

Dr. Emily Nagoski is a health educator and researcher with a doctorate in Health Behavior from Indiana University School of Public Health, where she specialized in human sexuality. Her academic training, clinical experience, and work as a professor of women’s sexuality at Smith College uniquely position her to write Come as You Are. Her interdisciplinary approach blends neuroscience, psychology, and sex education to address longstanding myths and anxieties surrounding female sexuality. Her clinical and pedagogical background allows her to distill complex scientific research into clear, empowering language aimed at a general readership.

Though not a medical doctor or clinical psychologist, Nagoski’s academic credentials are firmly grounded in peer-reviewed science. Her work draws from established research in sexual psychophysiology, notably the dual control model of sexual response developed by Erick Janssen and John Bancroft. While some may argue that the book leans heavily on anecdotal examples and could benefit from greater intersectional analysis (especially regarding transgender, nonbinary, and LGBTQ+ experiences), Nagoski is transparent about the book’s scope and limitations. She acknowledges the prevailing cis-centric nature of existing research and frames her conclusions within that context. The result is a scientifically grounded and accessible text that balances rigor with empathy.