Current Members
Dr. Wendy Hoglund, PhD
Dr. Wendy Hoglund (she/her) conducts basic and applied research on social and emotional development in childhood and adolescence. Her research primarily investigates within-group variability in the experiences and adjustment of marginalized and racialized children and adolescents, with a focus on how setting-level influences can promote resiliency among children and adolescents.
Most typically, her research investigates how the quality of interactions with peers and teachers relate to self-regulation in early childhood and to internalizing symptoms in childhood and adolescence. Her applied community-engaged research examines how classroom instructional practices contribute to children’s social and emotional competencies and academic learning.
Dr. Hoglund’s research has been funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), PolicyWise for Children & Families, Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI), and the Killam Cornerstone Grant Program.
Postdoctoral Scholars
Sandra Romero Carreon, PhD
I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at the University of Alberta. My research focuses on examining how internal and external socio-emotional factors can help mitigate the risk of developing reading disabilities in early childhood. This work builds on my doctoral thesis, which examined cognitive mechanisms underlying the development of reading fluency among children with and without reading disabilities. My research has been published in Scientific Studies of Reading, Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, and Reading and Writing. In addition to my research, I serve as an Assistant Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta, teaching courses on special education, including Introduction to Inclusive Education (EDPY 301) and Teaching Children with Challenging Behaviours (EDPY 454).
Katherine Luken Raz, PhD
Dr. Kate Luken Raz (They/Them) is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at the University of Alberta. They received their Ph.D. in Human Development with a concentration in Developmental Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. They study children’s understanding of equality in the classroom context. More specifically, they are interested in how the quality of peer interactions and relationships relate to how children think about social inequality and social exclusion. They received the Ann G. Wylie Dissertation Fellowship from the University of Maryland to support their research on how contextual factors influence children’s support for diverse social inclusion and friendships. Their research has been published In Child Development, the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology and Social Psychology of Education. In addition to research, they previously served as a Course Instructor in the Human Development program at the University of Maryland, teaching Adolescent Development (EDHD 413).
Graduate Students
Jiachen Zhang
Hi! My name is Jiachen, and I am an incoming PhD student in Developmental Science at the University of Alberta. My research interests focus on children’s and adolescents’ mental health in school settings, particularly their social and emotional development, and how everyday experiences such as peer relationships, classroom interactions, and family context shape students’ well-being. I am especially interested in early identification of emotional risk and developing school-based approaches to better support students. Outside of academia, I enjoy photography and hiking and am a big fan of visiting national parks. I also like baking and watching anime in my free time.
Livia Eni
Hi! I’m Livia. I’m from Vancouver Island and I moved to Edmonton to study at the University of Alberta. I joined the PEERS Lab in 2024 and recently completed my BA (Hons.) in Psychology. Since May 2025, I have been working in the PEERS Lab as a research assistant and I am so excited to be continuing in the PEERS Lab as a Master’s Student! My research interests tend to revolve around how culture impacts children’s development and I am excited to explore this further throughout my Master’s degree. Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, reading, and drinking lots and lots of coffee.
Jessica Annor Bediako
Hi, my name is Jessica! My research interests lie in the socioemotional development of children and youth. I am particularly interested in internalizing disorders (e.g. anxiety) and the ways in which different relationships, such as familial and teacher relationships, impact social and emotional functioning in these populations. My experience as an early childhood educator, educational assistant, and volunteer at a child and youth advocacy center have contributed to my desire to learn more about child and youth development and I am excited to begin this journey in the PEERS lab. In my free time, I love watching movies, reading, and filling up my sketchbooks.
Honors Thesis Students
Sonia Skobkareva
Hello everyone! I am a third-year student at the University of Alberta in my first year of the BSc Honors Psychology program. My research interests include group identification and peer relationships, and how they intersect with internalizing problems. My interest in developmental psychology stems from my summer work experience as a summer camp coordinator. I love that my role at camp allows me to share my passion for the outdoors with youth, while also allowing me to spend additional time with campers who may require additional support! In the future, I hope to pursue graduate studies in either Counselling Psychology or Social Work. In addition to my academic involvements at the University of Alberta, I am also a member of the Pandas Tennis team! In my (limited) free time, I enjoy playing my guitar, riding my bike, and hiking/backpacking. I’m so excited for the opportunity to learn and grow in the PEERS lab!
Quinn Downes-Mcdougall
Hello everyone! I am in my fourth year of my BA psychology degree and my first year as an honours student. I’m pleased to be at the PEERS lab and I am excited to work on my thesis and see where the work takes me. I am interested in how children learn to self-regulate and how different parenting styles and peer relations affect different coping strategies into early adolescence. I plan to become a child clinical psychologist so I hope to gain some experience and build new relationships with my fellow lab members, which I will hopefully carry with me in the future. A little fun fact about me is that I can play five instruments!
Danna Mateus Forero
Hi everyone! I’m a fourth-year student at the University of Alberta, and this is my first year in both the BSc Honours Program and the PEERS Lab. My research interests are fairly broad, but I’m especially interested in how teacher perceptions shape children’s emotional development and how these experiences may differ across cultural and ethnic backgrounds. My interest in developmental psychology began through my volunteer work with Taking Strides Edmonton, a student-led organization supporting children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This experience deepened my passion for understanding and supporting children’s mental health. In the future, I hope to pursue graduate studies in school psychology. Outside of academics, I enjoy going to the gym, camping and hiking with my family. I’m really excited to be part of the PEERS Lab!
Laura Gervais
Hello! I am a third-year undergraduate student, and this is my first year in the BSc Honours Psychology program. My interests in developmental psychology are rooted in my experiences as a climbing coach, and as an older sibling/cousin. I am grateful to be joining the PEERS lab this year, and I look forward to expanding my interest in developmental psychology while gaining experience collecting and analyzing data. I am excited for this opportunity to develop research skills that I can apply as I further my studies. In my spare time, I enjoy crocheting and rock climbing!
Madison Crocker
Hello! My name is Madi, and I am a second year honors student with the PEERS Lab. My current research interests are centered in how classroom interactions in early childhood shape academic and mental health outcomes longitudinally. In my future career, I hope to apply this understanding through work in early intervention programs, school counseling, or clinical practice. In my free time I like to hike and draw. I am also a natural history and dinosaur enthusiast!
Mariam Moustafa
Hi! My name is Mariam and I’m heading into my second year as an honors student and final year in my undergrad. I am interested in research involving developmental psychology and teacher-child relationships in school. In my graduate studies, I hope to continue pursuing something related to my research, such as in educational psychology or school and clinical child psychology. In my free time I really enjoy travelling, reading, and binge watching tv shows.
Brooklyn Davidson
Hello! I am a third-year Bachelor of Arts in Psychology student and am beginning my first year in the Honours program with the PEERS Lab. I am eager to delve further into developmental psychology and work on my undergraduate thesis, as I am interested in how academic settings and teacher-student relationships influence development in children. After earning my degree, I plan to pursue graduate studies and to continue my education since I am passionate about psychology. Aside from academics, in my free time, I watch many movies and enjoy spending time with my cat and two dogs.
Kiara Selin
Hello! I am beginning my first year as an honors student and am currently in my third year of my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. My previous job as a Child Events Coordinator allowed me to work with children ages 2-18 leading to my interest in developmental psychology. In particular, I am fascinated by how parent and teacher relationships affect emotional regulation and social development in early childhood. I plan to go onto graduate studies and eventually become a school psychologist. I believe the PEERS Lab will give me invaluable experience in relation to my future goals. In my free time I enjoy writing, reading and training my cocker spaniel Nola. I am excited to be a part of the team at the PEERS lab!
Racheal Oyesile
Hello everyone! I am in my 2nd year of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. This is my first year volunteering in the PEERS lab as a part of the Early Learning Project. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to develop research experience while exercising my interest in developmental psychology. A random fun fact about me is that I had lived in four different countries before i turned 13. I love to crochet in my free time and my most recent project was a sweater!
Prachee Rijal
Hello everyone! My name is Prachee Rijal, and I am an incoming third-year psychology student. I will be starting my honours degree with the PEERS Lab this year, and I am excited to gain hands-on research experience. My interests lie in developmental and social psychology, particularly in understanding how exposure to early stress may shape later outcomes. My passion for psychology was inspired by growing up with my younger brother, who has autism. In the future, I hope to become a researcher and/or a psychologist, and to do work that supports autistic individuals and their families. Outside of academics, I enjoy trying new recipes, painting, going on walks, and spending time with friends.
Aryan Kalra
Hi! I’m Aryan, and I’m interested in understanding teacher-child relationships and how they influence development and behaviour. My interest in developmental psychology was inspired by listening to my mother’s experiences as a primary school teacher. I’m excited to continue building my research skills as I work toward pursuing a thesis-based master’s degree in the future. Outside of school, you’ll usually find me at the gym, playing badminton, cooking, or watching anime.
Dalia Halabi
Hello! My name is Dalia, and I am a 3rd year Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and going to my first year in the honors program and the PEERS lab! I am ecstatic to be researching child and adolescent psychology! My research interests include how social and environmental experiences within school settings shape emotional wellbeing in youth. I pursue my interest in bettering child and adolescent psychology through my volunteering experiences, community involvement and work! I also love my job, where I teach children of all ages sports and activities! Outside of academics and work, I enjoy music, practicing instruments, learning about geography and different cultures, and spending time outside.
Pihu
Hi! I’m Pihu, a third-year BA Psychology student about to begin my first year in the honours program. My research interests focus on neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly ADHD in South Asian girls. I’m especially interested in how patriarchal socialization can complicate diagnosis, with masking often misinterpreted as propriety or good behaviour. I’m currently reading about the overlap between dysgraphia and ADHD in South Asian youth. In the future, I hope to pursue a direct-entry PhD in School and Educational Psychology. Outside of academics, I work as a resident assistant at the University of Alberta, where I enjoy organizing engaging events for my residents. I’m also an avid reader, with a particular love for fantasy, right now, I’m reading The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang.
Olivia Kereliuk
Hi! My name is Olivia and I am a third year BA honors psychology student. My research interests include developmental psychopathology, specifically stress factors impacting ADHD, autism, and anxiety in children and adolescents. I am excited to begin my first year in the PEERS lab, and hope to use this experience to later pursue a career in clinical psychology or paediatric occupational therapy. In my free time I love reading, spending time with friends and family, and trying new things!
Ryan Tieu
Hello! My name is Ryan and I am entering my third year of a BA in Psychology and my first year of the Honors program. My research interests are focused on understanding the construction and perception of gender in childhood and adolescent populations. I have experience working with adolescents as apart of Ross Sheppard’s Peer Support program and We And the World’s Centre’s Bridging Milestones program, as well as unhoused populations through volunteering for the Mustard Seed. Outside of brief volunteering, I have yet to extensively work with child populations therefore, I am very excited and grateful to be apart of the PEERS Lab to conduct research in the fields of child and developmental psychology. In my free time, my favorite hobbies are working out, watching TV shows, movies, video essays, and spending time with friends.
Tezza Paul
Hi, I am currently in my fourth year of a BA in Psychology going into my first year of the Honours program. I’m excited to begin my journey with the PEERS Lab as an Honours thesis student! My research interests include supportive instructional practices and child development, immigrant children’s social and emotional adjustment, neurodiverse child and peer dynamics, and holistic therapeutic approaches such as music therapy/sound healing. In the future, I hope to pursue my graduate studies in Clinical Psychology through a MSc and PhD program. Outside of academics, I’m a singer and trained Indian classical dancer who enjoys crocheting, cooking, working out and spending time with family. A fun fact about me is that I’m a respite worker supporting neurodiverse individuals and I’m also a vocal coach who teaches multilingual music to children. I’m looking forward to learning, growing and connecting with everyone! 🙂
Johanna Arulanandam
Hi! This will be my first year joining the PEERS Lab, and I am very excited to be a part of the team! My research interests primarily include emotional self-regulation in children and adolescents, the effects of negative peer relationships, and developmental psychology as a whole. My end goal after graduation is to pursue a Master’s in Educational Psychology, and eventually build a career as a clinical psychologist. I am very passionate about providing mental health supports to groups that are typically overlooked, and as a queer BIPOC woman myself, I would especially love to work with adolescents from marginalized communities in my future. When I’m not busy with schoolwork, my time is most often spent volunteering with organizations both on and off campus, exploring new boba shops around the city, and meeting up with my friends!
Mishthi Batra
Hi! I am a fourth-year student at the University of Alberta, and this is my first year in the BA Honours Program. My research interests focus on children’s and adolescents’ social-emotional development, especially how teacher–child interactions, peer relationships, and classroom environments shape resilience and academic growth. I’m excited to continue building my research skills through the PEERS Lab and hope to pursue graduate studies in developmental and clinical psychology in the future. Outside of academics, I enjoy creating content, playing squash, volunteering with youth, and travelling.
Individual Research and Volunteers
Madison Roth
Hi everyone! I’m Madison (Madi), and I’m in my last year of my BSc in Psychology with a Biological Sciences minor! This is my second year with the lab, where I’ll be an independent study student, and I’m excited to continue gaining hands-on experience with the lab! I’m interested in academic skill development in youth and peer-to-peer relationships! Additionally, through my work as a respite worker, I’ve developed more curiosity about inclusive learning practices and how to support youth with disabilities! After I graduate this spring, I’m excited to take a gap year where I’ll continue to further explore career options! Since starting as a respite worker, I’ve started to consider Social Work and Occupational Therapy on top of School and Child Psychology! Outside of the lab, you might see me doing ballet, taekwondo, and working!
Khusheeali Bajambally
Hello friends! I am excited to introduce myself! I am a first year student at the University of Alberta pursuing a BSc in Psychology, and an aspiring Honors student! I am thrilled to be working in the PEERS Lab as a volunteer this year, and it could not have been a better way to start off my post-secondary journey!
I find it interesting to explore self-regulation and personality development as a result of peer relationships and influences, especially in the developmental years. As a volunteer, I am eager to gain further insight into the development of adolescents through teacher-student relationships. My ultimate goal is to pursue a career in Counselling Psychology, followed by public speaking. I believe that it is important to advocate for greater accessibility to mental health services as well as removing the stigma attached to mental wellbeing, primarily through educating others and creating positive influences.
Fun fact about me – I gained a passion for psychology at just 12 years old, and it has been my dream since then to pursue a career as a Counselling Psychologist. I am also quite fond of travelling, having been to around 14 different countries so far!
Marisha Merwaha
Hello everyone! My name is Marisha Merwaha, and I’m a second-year Psychology and Philosophy double major at the University of Alberta. I’m excited to be joining the PEERS Lab this semester and to begin gaining hands-on research experience. My primary interests lie in the development of morality in children, particularly the stages at which certain judgments emerge, as well as processes of identity formation. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue graduate studies and continue building a career in research, and I’m eager to start laying that foundation here.
Mariana Tafur
I am currently in my third year of a BA in Psychology with a minor in Economics, and I am very excited to be joining the PEERS Lab as a volunteer this academic year. I have always been passionate about working with children and supporting their well-being, and I believe this opportunity will allow me not only to gain deeper insight into different ways of addressing child behavior in school settings, but also to learn what it is like to work in a research lab and gain practical, hands-on experience.
Outside of university, I work as a respite worker for a girl with cerebral palsy, a role that means a lot to me. In my free time, I enjoy watching series or going to the gym.
A fun fact about me is that I am an international student from Colombia. My ultimate goal is to continue building international experience throughout my studies and one day return to Colombia to apply everything I have learned in meaningful ways.
Monwara Chowdhury
Hi everyone! I am a fourth year Bachelor of Science student specializing in Psychology. I am so excited to be a part of the Early Learning Project with the PEERS Lab. My research interests focus on disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders, and how symptoms of these disorders manifest in early childhood. Over the past year, I have gained practical experience working under a psychologist which has allowed me to observe various conditions in the real world. I am now eager to expand my knowledge and further develop my skills within a laboratory setting. During my free time, I enjoy watching thriller movies and spending time with my cat!
Kavneet Sahota
Hello everyone! I’m Kavneet (Kavi), and I am currently a fourth-year BA student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. I am so excited to volunteer in the PEERS Lab this year! My interests lie in developmental psychology, particularly in understanding and supporting children’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioural growth. I am so grateful to gain hands-on experience through the Early Learning Project! I hope to pursue graduate studies in developmental psychology and continue to broaden my knowledge and apply it meaningfully. A fun fact about me is that I love to bake and read.