Lab Alumni


Former Graduate Students


Theresa Pauly, Dipl. Psych. Ph.D.

Dr. Theresa Pauly is a postdoctoral fellow at University of Zurich. Her doctoral studies at the University of British Columbia, which she completed in 2020, were funded by a stipend from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation and the Li Tze Fong Fellowship. Her research focuses on social health science across the adult life span. She is particularly interested in finding answers to the question how social relationships get under the skin. To do so, she uses an interdisciplinary approach focusing on health behaviours and health biomarkers (e.g., cortisol). She combines intensive longitudinal methods with the analysis of longer-term trajectories to better understand social determinants of health and well-being in adulthood and old age. Theresa’s Homepage

Victoria Michalowski, B.A., M.A.

Victoria is in her fourth year of doctoral studies in psychology (Health Psychology major, Quantitative Methods minor) under the supervision of Dr. Hoppmann. She also coordinates the Linked Lives couples study. Her research interests broadly center around how short-term fluctuations in affect, health behaviours (e.g. physical activity), and cognition in daily life can accumulate into longer term health and well-being outcomes, and how partners can help each other maintain positive aging trajectories. Victoria’s work is supported by a stipend from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada, and she is the recipient of the 2013 Peter Crocker Award in Psychology.

E-mail: vimic@psych.ubc.ca

Jennifer Lay, B.A. Hons., B.Sc., M.A., Ph.D

Dr. Jennifer Lay is a faculty member at the University of Exeter. She received her Ph.D from the University of British Columbia in 2018. Her research centers on social engagement and disengagement and how individuals make sense of their felt experiences. For example, “How does personality shape how we remember our emotions?” and “When and for whom is solitude conducive to wellbeing and prosociality?” She combines time sampling, photovoice, and experimental methods to study daily life processes among students and community- dwelling older adults. Some of her current work looks at cultural and migration influences shaping the relationship between solitude and mental health among older adults in Canada and Hong Kong. Jennifer’s work was supported by a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship awarded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada.

 

Lea WilhelmB.Sc.

Lea was a visiting research student from the Master of Clinical and Health Psychology Program at the Freie Universitaet Berlin. She was visiting the Health and Adult Development Lab for a research internship for 5 months. Being interested in all aspects of health, especially in older adults, Lea worked in a project on social interactions between partners and health behaviours. She was also researching mechanisms behind health and well-being in old age in community-dwelling adults.

Amy Ho, B.A. Hons., M.A.
Laura Booi, B.A., M.A.
Loni Slade, B.Sc., M.A. 

Tiana Broen, B.Sc., M.A.

Tiana is in her first year M.A. in Health Psychology. She completed her BSc in Psychology at the University of Victoria, where she also carried out an independent study project on the impact of REM sleep on cognitive performance in older adults. Her research interests are focused on healthy aging and promoting wellbeing for older adults. Currently, she is exploring the impacts of self- and other-efficacy on physical activity engagement in older adult couples.


Former Lab Managers


Alexandra Yam, B.A.

Alexandra graduated from UBC with Honours in Psychology. She previously volunteered in the PULSE study and she is now currently working with the Allies in Health study. Alexandra recently received the Quinn Research Assistantship Award (2019) to examine sleep concordance of couples and its relationship with health markers. For her honours project at the lab, she investigated emotional synchrony of older adult couples. She is also the most recent recipient of the Peter Crocker Award in Psychology.

Kevin Chi, B.A.

Kevin graduated from UBC with a BA in Psychology and minor in Education. He worked as a lab manager in the Health and Adult Development Lab from 2015 to 2019. His research interests focus on understanding the behavioural mechanisms linking everyday social interactions to health and well-being. Kevin has received several awards and scholarships, including the 2019 Psi Chi Distinguished Undergraduate Research Award, 2017 Peter Crocker Award in Psychology (awarded to the most outstanding undergraduate student in Health Psychology at UBC) and the Quinn Research Assistantship Award in 2017 and 2018.

Kevin Wang, B.Sc.

Kevin graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology from UBC. He is currently the lab manager and project coordinator for the Allies in Health Study. Kevin is interested in epidemiology and health psychology such as the development of health strategies among adults including promoting healthy living strategies that can contribute to the improvement of the quality of health in a diverse population. He is also an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hiking in the outdoors of BC.


Former Study Coordinators


Stella Baehring, B.A. Hons.

Stella was the study coordinator for the PULSE study. She graduated with a BA Psychology (Honors) from UBC. Stella’s research interests include population health and chronic illness, which motivated her to stay closely involved with the PULSE study. She is currently a graduate student working with Dr. James Johnson in the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences at UBC.

 


Former Research Assistants   


Isabelle Mianelli Fortuna (Izzie)

Izzie graduated from UBC with a major in Behavioural Neuroscience and a minor in Health and Society. She is interested in how sociocultural factors influence health, especially how social support and education play a role in illness prevention and recovery. Izzie has received the Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Award (2018 & 2019). Izzie was recently featured on “People of UBC”.

 

Phileas Heim

Phileas is a visiting international research student who graduated in Psychology at the Free University of Berlin. He is interested in relationships between physical and mental health and hopes to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology. Outside of the lab, he enjoys spending time outdoors especially going on hiking and camping trips.

 

Johanna Bock

Johanna is a visiting international research student who is finishing her Master in Psychology. She is interested in factors that facilitate a healthy development throughout the lifespan, with special focus on the relationship between physical activity and cognitive outcomes. Her favorite place in Vancouver is Burrard Bridge, looking out on everything the city offers – sea, mountains and skyscrapers.

 

 

Emma Gangbar

Emma is a third-year science student majoring in Global Resource Systems at UBC and is currently a research assistant for the PULSE study. She is interested in researching how health behaviours, including healthy eating and exercise, can diminish and/or reverse the effects of chronic disease. Outside of the lab, Emma is a newly-minted yoga instructor and enjoys running outside, spending time with her family, and trying new food. She hopes to pursue a career in preventative medicine.

 

Chris Mabry

Chris Mabry graduated from UBC with a double major in Psychology and Philosophy. He is currently a research assistant in both the PULSE and GRIP studies. His interests center around where Psychology and Economics intersect, how belief mediates behaviour, the role of cognitive bias in belief and behaviour, advantageous cultural differences and research that leads to the increased quality of life of those with low socioeconomic status. He is currently looking to apply for graduate programs. Outside of the lab he reads and competes in MMA and submission grappling.

 

Anna Nicol

Anna is a fourth year psychology major at UBC, and is currently a research assistant for the PULSE study. She is interested in biopsychology and clinical psychology, with particular interest in anxiety and depression and its relation to substance use disorders. She hopes to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology. Anna recently received the AURA undergraduate research award (2018) and will be working in the lab over the summer.

 

Paul Xu

Paul is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology, and is currently volunteering as a Research Assistant for the PULSE Study. He is interested in understanding how behavioural and social factors can work towards rehabilitation and recovery from chronic conditions. Paul hopes to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.

Erin Stevenson-Moore

Erin is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and is currently volunteering at the Health and Adult Development Lab with the PULSE study. She is interested in areas of research concerning mental health as it relates to adulthood and aging. She hopes to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology. Outside of the lab, Erin enjoys exploring Vancouver’s vibrant cultural arts community and practicing yoga and ballet.

 

Chun Hoi (Alex) Lau

Alex is a fourth year Psychology student at UBC and is currently the Study Coordinator for the GRIP project. He is interested in research that spans across different topics, such as the intersection between culture, health, and social relationships. He is also currently the Editor-in-Chief for the UBC Undergraduate Journal of Psychology. He is currently working on a project investigating the experience of prosocial behavior. When not at the lab, you can find Alex rock climbing in various gyms in Vancouver or snowboarding during Winter.

 

Jing Lu

Jing graduated from UBC with a major in Psychology and a minor in Asian Language and Culture. She was a research assistant for the HARP Study and the GRIP Study. She is interested in studying the mental health support for people living with congenital heart diseases.

 

 

Amanda Nguyen

Amanda is a fourth year undergraduate student in psychology and is currently a research assistant for the Allies in Health Study. She is interested in optimal aging and the sociocultural influences on health and wellbeing. Outside of the lab, Amanda loves to cook, practice yoga and read comics on Webtoon.

 

 

Andrea Chen

Andrea is a fourth-year psychology and education student at UBC, and is currently a research assistant for the Allies in Health Study. She is interested in research related  to developmental psychology, child psychology, and social psychology- particularly the  interaction of culture on the development of children from mixed-race backgrounds. Andrea hopes to pursue graduate study in counseling psychology. Outside of the lab, Andrea enjoys dancing, cooking, and playing with her roommate’s pet bunny.

Harry Ling

Former research assistant for the Allies in Health Study

 

 

Mali McHugh

Mali is an undergraduate student majoring in psychology, with interests in clinical psychology and neuropsychology. Along with human psychology, Mali also loves cute furry animals, especially large cats and dogs.

Aditi Kumar

Aditi is a fourth year undergraduate student, majoring in psychology and minoring in human geography. She is currently a research assistant for two studies, Aging in Place and Allies in Health. She is interested in the effects of exercise and social support on health and wellbeing. Outside of the lab, she loves to read and practice karate.

 

Ananya Kannan

Ananya is a third year undergraduate student in Integrated Sciences specializing in Neuroscience and Pharmacology; she is currently a research assistant for the Goal Regulation in Partners (GRIP) study. She is interested in psychiatry (i.e. link between the mind and the body, how the biological and psychological approach in conjunction can be used to maximize benefit for individuals suffering from psychological illnesses). She also loves reading, watercolor painting, and going on long walks listening to podcasts.

Diane Pan

Diane is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Behavioural Neuroscience and minoring in Kinesiology. She is currently a research assistant for the Allies in Health study. Her research interests include health psychology and neurobiology of aging. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, crocheting, and hiking.

 

 

Irene Savi

Irene Savi is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and minoring in creative writing. She is currently a research assistant for the Allies in Health study. She is interested in learning about the importance of social support for older adults. Her research interests are in health, clinical and developmental psychology. In her free time, Irene enjoys going on hikes, listening to music and writing.

 

Jasmina Cui

Jasmina is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and minoring in education. She is currently a research assistant for the GRIP study. Her research interests include how relationships between couples and social factors affect the health of older adults. She is also interested in counselling. In her free time, she loves cooking and enjoying nature.

 

Marina Wang

Marina is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and planning on minoring in education. She is currently a research assistant for the GRIP study. Her research interests centre around how to promote well-being in older adult’s lives and how partners facilitate individual growth. She also enjoys hanging out with friends, outdoor activities, and listening to music in her free time.

 

Matthew Peng, B.A.

Matthew is a recent UBC graduate with a Bachelor of Art in psychology and minor in philosophy. He is currently a research assistant for the Allies in Health study. His research interests are in social and health psychology. Matthew’s hobbies include listening to music and watching basketball.

 

 

Meaghan Fennell, B.A.

Meaghan is a recent UBC graduate with a Bachelor of Art in psychology. She is currently a research assistant on the Allies in Health study. Her research interests lie in health and clinical psychology, specifically focusing on the effects of social support on mental and physical health outcomes. In her free time, Meaghan enjoys reading, music, painting, and hiking.

 

Michael Min

Michael is a fourth year undergraduate biology major and psychology minor. His research interest is in psychiatry and clinical psychology. He enjoys swimming and photography.

 

 

Michelle Dong

Michelle is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and minoring in education. She is currently a research assistant on the Allies in Health study. She is interested in the connections between mental health and physical health among older adults. Michelle likes kpop dance and enjoys reading in her free time.

 

Puloma Gupta

Puloma is a fourth year undergraduate student, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She is currently a research assistant for the Allies in Health study. Her research interests revolve around the field of Clinical Psychology, focusing on the comorbidity of depressive disorders and anxiety disorders, as well as the outcomes of chronic stress on the lives of people struggling with any psychological illness. Outside the lab, Puloma likes to listen to music while sky-gazing.

Sebastian Ponce

Sebastian is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and sociology. He is currently a research assistant for the study, Allies in Health. His research interests include health psychology, clinical psychology, and social psychology. During his free time, Sebastian enjoys playing and composing music, and doing strength exercise.

 

Yusuf Lahlou

Yusuf is a third year undergraduate student majoring in psychology. He is currently a research assistant for the study, Allies in Health. His research interests include health psychology, clinical psychology, and psychopharmacology. Outside the lab, he likes to read and go to the gym.

 

 

Osheen Dayal

I am a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology with a strong passion for research and a particular focus on neuropathic pain, serotonin pathways, and psychedelic-assisted therapies. I currently work as a Research Assistant for the Allies study at the Health Lab.  Beyond my academic pursuits, I am a podcast producer at the Women empowerment club and in my free time, I enjoy painting and hiking with my dog.

 

Shirin Basiri

Shirin is a third year undergraduate student majoring in psychology. She is currently a research assistant for the Allies in Health study. She is interested in social and developmental psychology, specifically regarding relationships and their effect on one’s overall wellbeing. Shirin’s hobbies include dancing, painting, watching TV shows, and learning about history, psychology, and philosophy.

 

Sophia Zhu

Sophia is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and aiming to minor in education. She is currently a research assistant for the study, Allies in Health. She is interested in how therapy and a couple’s interconnectedness can affect their physical health and wellbeing. Sophia enjoys a wide range of music and photography during her free time.

 

Sophia Wang

Sophia is a second year undergraduate student majoring in psychology with a minor in writing and communication. She is currently a research assistant for the GRIP study. Her research interests include the mental and physical impacts of an individual’s harmful health habits or behaviours on closely-related persons, such as friends, family, and caregivers. Outside of the lab, Sophia enjoys spending time with her friends and listening to her favourite music artists.

 

Huda Rauf

Huda is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in psychology, with a minor in GRSJ. She is currently a research assistant for the Allies in Health Study. She is interested in the processes by which people cope and don’t cope with stress, in light of difficult life stages and events. Outside of psychology, she enjoys reading, art, and being outdoors.

 

 

Melody Shayanfar
Hiro Ito
Sarah Park, B.Sc.
Jennifer Phan
Robyn Ma

Leanne Yeung, B.A.
Sarah May, B.A.
Maggie Zhou, B.Sc.
Janice Tong, B.A.
James Ou, B.A.
Richelle-Joy Chia, B.A.
Renyu Jiang, B.A.
Samantha Chong, B.A.
Esther Dang, B.A.
Menchi Liu, B.A.
Emily Siu, B.A.
Dania Salih, B.A.
Manjot Khosah, B.Sc.
Ian Lin, B.A.
Leigh Chu, B.A.
Leanne Huang, B.A.
Setareh Shayanfar, B.A.
Olga Klein, B.A.
Kaidi Liu, B. Kin.
Jessica Lee, B.A.
Hayley Schwarz, B.A,
Abisheikh Sharma, B.Sc.
Branden Brar, B.Kin.
Zorry Belchev, B.A.
Kendra Mack, B.A.
Jennifer Chun, B.A.
Carly Burton, B.A.
Marie Sproule, B.A.
Roy Zhou, B.A.
Rachel Wu, B.A.
Dorna Rahimi, B.A. Hons.
Melanie DiMenna, B.A.
Meghan Buckley, B.A.
Quinton Booher, B.Sc.
Jessica Lee, B.A.
Tracey Ma, B.A.
Anna Lusted, B.A.
Antony Au, B.Sc.
Darren Wong, B.Sc.
Kevin Huang, B.Sc.
Mei Lai, B.Sc.