Name: Thomas Bodrug, MSc Candidate
Undergrad degree from: Trent University
Supervisor name: Dr Katia Keefer
Thesis title or research areas: Authentic Assessment: Student Experiences and Learning Outcomes
Future aspirations: To enter into the public education sector and contribute to students’ learning development. To pursue another degree in Psychology or Education and some psychology/ popular fiction-related passion projects
I enjoy all things hockey, woodworking and building things with my hands, from contemporary furniture and cutting boards, to the fantasy sword you might see in your favourite film franchise. I once performed as Jughead Jones, best friend to Archie Andrews, in a theatrical production of “Everybody Loves Archie!”
Name: Hannah Cahill, MSc Completed
Undergrad degree from: Trent University
Supervisor: Dr Elaine Scharfe
Thesis title or research area: Determinants of Deviance: Exploring Associations between Attachment, Adversity and Criminal Behaviour
Future aspirations: To work for Correctional Services Canada, specifically in providing rehabilitative programming and mental health supports to incarcerated individuals and to contribute to the reintegration success of justice involved folks.
I enjoy taking every opportunity to be outdoors: hiking, cycling, traveling and camping. On rainy days you can find me with a good book or working on some wood burning projects
Name: Eva Fernandes, MSc Candidate
Undergrad degree from: University of Ottawa
Supervisor: Dr Terry Humphreys
Thesis title or research area: The Impact of Sexual Health Education on Sexual Communication and Consent Negotiation
Future aspirations: To work for the Government of Canada, specifically in the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and continue conducting research on a variety of topics that are impacting Canadians today
I can speak three languages (English, Portuguese, and French) and enjoy being part of my community. I won the title of Miss Fiesta 2019 and continue to teach Portuguese dancing. I like staying active, baking, and taking care of my 20+ plants
Name: Yuke Fu, MSc Candidate
Undergrad degree from: Trent University
Supervisor: Dr Mowei Liu
Thesis title or research area: Parenting style, mind-mindedness, internalizing and externalizing behaviour problems, cross-culture comparison
Future aspirations: To pursue my passion in the field of developmental and cross-cultural psychology by gaining more research experience and reading more literature. To continue my studies and obtain my PhD in psychology.
I love visiting Canada's Wonderland, searching for delicious food, going to museums and spoiling my cat
Name: Kalyca Hébert, MSc Candidate
Undergrad degree from: University of Winnipeg
Supervisor: Dr Terry Humphreys
Thesis title or research area: Sexual agency and its relation to motivations for engaging in sex as well as its association to sexual regret and reluctance
Future aspirations: To become a clinician specializing in relational and sexual therapy with couples and individuals and continue my research in sexual health, and pursue another psychology degree.
I am a French bilingual who grew up in rural Manitoba. I am committed to serving my community and like to volunteer for cultural events, and at my local women’s health clinic. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, exploring in nature, practicing yoga, gardening, and baking
Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance 2022: As a Teaching Assistant in Psychology, Kalyca is recognized for her extraordinary support for students’ learning. Students and faculty see the ways in which Ms. Hebert provides “unique, directed, and personal attention” to students. She interacts with students throughout class meetings, striving to understand each individual’s questions and concerns and providing tailored support to small groups, always engaging with students with the attitude of “how can I help you?” Students also appreciate how approachable she is, noting that Ms. Hebert goes above and beyond to answer emails “at all hours” and to “speak privately” with students who are hesitant to share their ideas and concerns with the larger class
Name: Nathan Johnson, MSc Candidate
Undergrad Degree from: Western University
Supervisor name: Dr Geoff Navara
Thesis title of research area: Psychology of meditation and spirituality, specifically the effect of meditation and spirituality on psychological health outcomes
Future aspirations: To continue my education to the PhD level and ultimately become a professor of psychology and conduct research in the area of spirituality and meditation as well as instruct a variety of psychology courses
I try to spread love and kindness wherever I go. One of my favourite quotes is: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." - Mark Twain
Name: Jordan MacDonald, MSc Candidate
Undergrad degree from: University of New Brunswick
Supervisor: Dr Geoff Navara
Thesis title or research area: psychology of religion, specifically the salutary or deleterious effects of religious practices, and psychedelics
Future aspirations: To identify new clinical and therapeutic practices, including the use of psychedelic chemicals in clinical settings. To obtain a PhD in Psychology and possibly medical school, too
I was a dad at 16 but didn't let it hold me back. :-)
Name: Renée McCutcheon, MSc Completed
Undergrad degree from: Carleton University
Supervisor name: Dr Lisa Nisbet
Thesis title or research area: Investigating Teachers' Environmental Leadership, Nature Relatedness, and Well-Being
Future aspirations: To continue my education with teachers and their environmental leadership
I'm a very big Disney World fan!
Name: Eric Samtleben, MSc Candidate
Undergrad degree from: Trent University
Supervisor name: Dr Brenda Smith-Chant
Thesis title or research area: The impact of self-regulation on the maintenance of regular physical activity
Future aspirations: After completing my masters in Health Psychology I plan to complete a PhD focused on designing interventions teaching neurodivergent youth self-regulatory skills through physical activity. This is an area that is close to my heart as I am ASD+ADHD and struggled quite a bit early on. My diagnosis allowed me to develop my strengths and practice more adaptive coping strategies
I am an aspiring entrepreneur who currently runs my own coaching business, VO2 Max Fitness, and tutoring service for undergraduate psychology students. If I’m not working on my research, coaching, or running, you’ll find me relaxing and enjoying quality time with my two best friends, my fiancé and my dog
Name: Jocelyn Sommerfeld, MSc Completed
Undergrad Degree from: University of Guelph-Humber
Supervisor name: Dr Lisa Nisbet
Thesis title: Experiences in Nature: How Parents May Influence Their Children's Exposure to the Natural Environment
Future Aspirations: To put the skills and knowledge from university to practical use, and to develop or facilitate programs that help families spend more time in nature
I have traveled to many places in Ontario, and hope to travel across Canada. As a foodie, I am always on the lookout for new restaurants and cafes. I also love painting, watching movies, and feeding chickadees in the winter
Name: Javishaa Thiyagarajah, MSc Candidate
Undergrad degree from: York University
Supervisor name: Dr Neil Fournier
Thesis title or research area: juvenile stress, brain plasticity, neuropsychiatric diseases in later life
Future aspiration: Psychiatrist
I enjoy being of service to the community. My community service with the Leo club program has spanned the past ten years. I currently serve as an Advisory Panelist from Canada for Lions Club International's Leo Club program. I also enjoy traveling and learning different languages. I have a great passion for teaching, inspired by both my parents being academics