Updated 2025/04/17
GENERAL INFORMATION
How large is your research team, and what is the lab culture like?
Our team typically consists of 8-10 graduate students, with potential for undergraduate research assistants. We foster a supportive and collaborative culture where members regularly share ideas, provide feedback on each other’s work, and celebrate collective achievements. Monthly lab meetings alternate between research presentations and professional development workshops. We value work-life balance and understand that creativity flourishes when researchers feel supported both professionally and personally. As part of our values, our team plans to do a yearly service project to give back to the community.
What is your supervision style?
My supervision style is fundamentally developmental, recognizing that each student enters our lab with unique strengths, experiences, and areas for growth. I tailor my mentorship approach to meet students where they are while consistently challenging them to expand their capabilities and confidence as researchers. In the early stages, I provide more structured guidance and frequent check-ins to help students develop foundational skills in research methods, statistical analysis, and scholarly communication. As students demonstrate mastery of these fundamentals, I gradually shift toward a more consultative role, encouraging them to take increasing ownership of their research questions, methodological decisions, and project management.
I maintain high expectations for all lab members, believing that rigorous standards ultimately benefit students’ professional development and the quality of our collective work. These expectations extend beyond academic performance to encompass how we embody the lab’s core values of human rights and social justice, critical thinking, data-based decision making, connecting with others, and lifelong learning. I expect team members to demonstrate these values through their research choices, collaborative interactions, and community engagement. When challenges arise—as they inevitably do in research—I expect students to approach them with resilience, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks.
APPLICATION PROCESS
What qualifications and background are you looking for in prospective students?
Many factors are considered when evaluating prospective students for admission. Within the lab, we seek students with strong academic foundations in psychology, education, and other relevant disciplines, as well as those with demonstrated research experience (working within other research labs, poster presentations, and potentially academic publications). Successful applicants typically show evidence of analytical thinking, methodological rigour, and genuine curiosity about our research areas. We welcome applicants from diverse academic and personal backgrounds who can bring fresh perspectives to our work. Strong writing and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. We value the various languages and cultural perspective that each team member brings.
How competitive is admission to your lab, and what can strengthen my application?
Admission to our lab is competitive, as historically we typically receive over 100 applications to the SACP program and admit 1-2 students within the lab. To strengthen your application, clearly articulate why our specific research aligns with your interests and career goals in your personal statement. Discuss your specific skills related to your language abilities, statistical/research knowledge, and volunteer/work experiences. Reaching out to current lab members to learn more about our work demonstrates genuine interest. Strong letters of recommendation that speak specifically to your research capabilities carry significant weight. Finally, any relevant technical skills, publications, or presentations should be highlighted, as they provide evidence of your research potential.
Should I contact you before submitting my formal application?
I encourage prospective students to email me approximately 2-3 months prior to the research deadline. In your initial message, please introduce yourself, explain your research interests and how they align with our lab’s work, and attach your CV. You may also reach out to our lab members who have provided their email on this blog. Due to the high volume of requests, I am unable to individually meet with applicants prior to submission of the application and may be delayed in responding to your message should you have a question.
LIFE AS A GRADUATE STUDENT
What is the typical timeline for completing a graduate degree in your lab?
Most students complete their Master’s degree in 2 years and their PhD in 4 years, though individual timelines vary based on research progress and career goals.
For MA students: The first year typically focuses on coursework and developing research skills through involvement in ongoing projects. By May of the 1st year, a student must submit their research prospectus, which should be a substantial basis for their research thesis. Students then need to propose their thesis, ideally no later than September at the start of their 2nd year. Students should plan to complete their project by the end of April/May. We work with each student to create a personalized timeline that accounts for their specific research questions and methodological approaches. All coursework, practicum, and the thesis must be completed in order to graduate.
For PhD students: It is recommended that a student devote significant time to their dissertation proposal within the first year of studies. PhD students are expected complete their doctoral comprehensive exam at the end of their 2nd year. Students must propose their dissertation prior to applying for doctoral residency/internship (by October of 3rd year). Typically, a student would be expected to be on their doctoral residency during the 4th year of the program.
What funding opportunities are available for graduate students?
At this time, there are no funding guarantees for MA students; however, many students at times do obtain graduate assistants, research assistantships, or Tri-Council awards.
All PhD students will be offered a financial package which may be a combination of funding from the Tri-Council, Faculty of Education, provincial funding, graduate assistantships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or other monies available. PhD students are guaranteed funding for 4 years only.
Additionally, departmental funding is currently available for conference travel and research materials. Students have also been successful in obtaining other competitive awards within the Faculty of Education and from professional organizations such as the Canadian Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, or National Association of School Psychologists.
How does the lab support work-life balance and student wellness?
We recognize that graduate school can be demanding, and maintaining well-being is crucial for both personal health and research productivity. Our lab culture respects boundaries between work and personal time, with reasonable expectations for working hours and flexibility around family obligations or personal needs. Faculty mentors meet regularly with students not just to discuss research progress but also to check in on overall well-being and provide support during challenging periods.