Current Members

Wendy Hoglund, PhD

Dr. Wendy Hoglund 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.

Graduate Students

Cheryl Mengjia Pan – MA Student

Hey everyone! I’m a graduate student currently working on my master’s degree. I’m Chinese and moved to Ontario, Canada, since 2017. I received a BA Honors in Psychology with Thesis and Sociology at the University of Windsor in April 2021. My undergraduate honours thesis titled “Adolescence & Emerging Adulthood: Relationships and Sexual Behaviours” investigated how different parenting styles, the perception of peers’ risky sexual behaviours, and relationships with peers and parents/step-parents were associated with participants’ risky sexual behaviours at two time points: adolescence (14 to 15 years old) and emerging adulthood (the past two years). After finishing my undergraduate studies, I took a year off to gain more experience in the field, specifically in child development and early childhood, since I wanted to focus my graduate studies on young children’s mental health, behaviours, and relationships. Therefore, I worked at an Early Childhood Centre as a secondary teacher in the classroom with toddlers and preschool kids. I was also a tutor on an online tutoring platform, teaching multiple subjects, such as essay writing, SPSS data analysis, psychology and sociology-related courses, and exam preparation.

In July 2022, I moved to Edmonton, AB, to further my study in developmental science, and I’m currently working with Dr. Wendy Hoglund in the PEERS Lab. My first-year research project mainly focused on how peer relationships (prosocial behaviours and peer rejection) and teacher-child relationships (teacher-child closeness and conflict) contribute to the co-occurrence between externalizing symptoms (aggression, hyperactivity and attention problems) and internalizing symptoms (symptoms of anxiety and depression) across preschool and kindergarten. For my Master’s thesis, I mainly examined the variations in the trajectories of externalizing and internalizing symptoms in early childhood, as well as the co-occurrence between the trajectories of these symptoms. Additionally, I also explored how positive and negative peer interactions influence the co-occurring trajectories between externalizing and internalizing symptoms.

My future goals are successfully defending my master’s thesis and smoothly transitioning to the Ph.D program, so fingers crossed! My first fun fact is that I love reading tarot cards for self-care, and I would also love to read them for you if you find some aspects of your life confusing or overwhelming! Another fun fact about me is that I love singing, so karaoke is for sure my jam! 😉

Isabella Schoettler – MSc Student

I am a third-year MSc student in Developmental Science under the supervision of Dr. Wendy Hoglund. In May 2022, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology. During my undergraduate degree, I worked as a research assistant at a Cognitive Development lab wherein I participated in projects that focused on understanding the development of metacognition in children (ages 4-12) using the approximate number system and through the completion of perceptual and memory tasks.

In particular, I was involved in two key studies; one of which evaluated children’s metacognitive decision-making across differing cognitive domains to assess whether confidence in their decisions was correlated to accuracy in performance on perceptual and memory trials. The other project primarily assessed how verbal disfluencies (errors in speech such as “uh” and “um”, filler words and repeating words) in children’s speech could act as indicators of their explicit metacognitive awareness and implicit confidence through having children evaluate their choices numerical and factual estimation tasks in terms of certainty and uncertainty.

I also developed an interest in social policy, harm reduction, housing first initiatives, addiction and illicit substance regulation as aspects of community-based development for lower socioeconomic and vulnerable populations. I spent the summer of 2021 working with the University of British Columbia’s Urban Ethnographic Field School and Exchange Inner City in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhoods, conducting ethnographic analysis and mapping out ground-level organizations and social enterprises that offered low-barrier employment services for residents.

I moved to Edmonton to begin my graduate studies and work in the PEERS Lab in August 2022. My first-year research involved conducting a systematic review of the implementation of mental health interventions and treatments for improving mental health and addiction outcomes of rural adolescents in Alberta. I focused on discovering what current interventions existed for adolescents in rural communities and which of these interventions demonstrated the most effectiveness in treating youth’s mental illnesses and addictions, as well as reducing inequities and challenges related to geographical remoteness. My master’s thesis investigates patterns of change in adolescents’ anxious and depressive symptoms and their help-seeking behaviours, and how these anxious and depressive symptoms and help-seeking behaviours co-occur during adolescence. I am also interested in examining gender differences in these associations and how adolescents’ perceptions of their school climate might influence their patterns of anxious and depressive symptoms and help-seeking behaviours. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, crafting and exploring different parts of Edmonton.

Honors Thesis Students

Craig Neaves

I am currently in my third year at the University of Alberta, and beginning my first year in the PEERS Lab as a BA Honours Psychology student. My current honours thesis with fellow lab member Jusleen investigates teacher-child relationship quality and its directional associations with internalizing symptoms such as depression and anxiety in middle childhood. Additionally, we are looking at how aspects of the classroom climate may moderate this relationship. I have recently begun volunteering at the University of Alberta Hospital, am a member of Active Minds on campus, and in general am passionate about community involvement and mental health advocacy. In particular, I am deeply interested in mindfulness meditation practices as cost-effective and versatile intervention methods, and hope to one day utilize these in a career as a registered psychologist. In my free time I enjoy reading, writing, music, and all things philosophical.

Ishrath Khan

I am a fourth-year student in the second year of the Honors Psychology program. My thesis focuses on the development of internalizing symptoms and executive functions in immigrant children. Before becoming an honours student, I was a volunteer and NSERC summer student in the lab. It’s a wonderful space, and there’s never a dull moment! Additionally, I conduct research on neurodevelopmental disorders and interventions under the supervision of Dr. Carmen Rasmussen in the Department of Pediatrics. I have also explored promoting self-determination in first-generation university students, a project supervised by Dr. Jennifer Passey. Beyond research, I’ve worked as a trauma counsellor and behavioural interventionist, and I feel privileged to be a part of my clients’ growth journeys. In the future, I aim to promote resilience across the lifespan through both research and clinical work.

Jusleen Malhotra

Hello! I am a fourth-year student, and I am in my second year of the Honours Psychology program. My thesis focuses on the interaction and influence of teacher-child relationships with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, it also examines how classroom climate can have a moderating effect on this relationship. I love working with children and currently am volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and also with an elementary school as a classroom volunteer. In the future, I hope to go to grad school! Specifically programs related to School and Child Psychology, so that I can work toward making an impact for school-aged children!

Lyvia Kmech

Hello! I’m a 4th year student in the second year of the honours psychology program. I am beginning work on my honours thesis, where I’m looking at possible relationships between externalizing behaviours and language and cognitive skills in early childhood. This summer, I got to work as an interventionist with neurodivergent kids. I’m thrilled to be working in the PEERS lab and I’m excited to continue engaging with youth throughout my academic career. I adore learning and hope to get into grad school to continue building my knowledge and experience in the field of psychology!

María Priolo Marin

Hello! I am in my fifth year at the University of Alberta, working on completing an honours thesis in psychology. My research focuses on analyzing the developmental associations between peer aggression and academic skills in middle childhood. Furthermore, I am looking at the possibility of hyperactivity mediating this relationship. I am looking forward to continuing to learn so many things as a second-year in the PEERS lab! My future plan consists of going to graduate school for a master’s in counselling to be able to offer support to young children as they face the struggles of development.

Brijesh Nagarathinam

Hey! I’m a third-year student of a BA in Psychology and Drama, and this is my first year as part of the BA Honors Program and the PEERS LAB. I’m interested in researching cultures and their impact on early childhood development and peer relationships. I’m thrilled to be part of the PEERS lab and look forward to gaining exposure to what goes behind the scenes of a research paper and, honestly, just working with children! A fun fact about me is that I’m doing a combined honors in Drama and Psychology, so I’m currently production managing for ABBEDAM, and I love doing some acting/directing when I can!

Connor Peterson

Hello! I am a 4th year student at the U of A, entering into my first year in the honors program. I eventually want to study the interactions between technology and children’s emotional states, and I am eager to begin with hands-on experience in the lab this year. I have experience working with youth through volunteering with Ringette Calgary, as well as my own much younger siblings who I have had the pleasure of growing up with. I’m excited for everything I’ll be able to learn here, and I can’t wait to get started!

Haley Fell

Hello! I am in my third year of a Bachelor of Science with Honours, and this is my first year working in the PEERS lab. My research interests include aggression in children, and the relationships between parenting styles of children and their peers’ perceptions of them. I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to be a part of the PEERS lab, and would love to use the skills I learn in future research as well as (hopefully) graduate studies in clinical psychology. A fun fact about me is that I have a job as a singing princess for kids’ birthday parties with Enchanted Princess Parties. I am not sure if this is surprising, but I am almost always Elsa!

Liana Francoeur

Hello! I am currently in my fourth year of a BA in psychology and 1st year of the Honours program. My research interests in the lab include how peer victimization and perception of class climate can affect internalizing problems in adolescents. I am excited to be starting in the PEERS lab this year to be able to gain hands-on research experience. My future plans include going to graduate school to further my education in psychology, so I can make an impact on adolescents struggling with their mental health. In my spare time, I love reading, doing anything involving crafts (especially painting), and re-watching my favourite shows!

Livia Eni

Hello! My name is Livia Eni. I am entering my fourth year of my BA in Psychology and my first year in the honours program. I began my studies at Camosun College in British Columbia and transferred to the University of Alberta in Fall 2023 to experience a large university and the opportunities it may hold. I feel very grateful to be a part of the PEERS Lab, and I am excited to learn in a hands-on environment. My interests in developmental psychology run wide, and I can’t wait to explore them further in the coming years. In my spare time, you’ll find me bundled up on the couch or, whenever possible, near the ocean.

Michelle Oke

Hello! I am a third-year student at the University of Alberta, and this is my first year in the BSc Honours Program. My interests in developmental psychology are broad, and I am excited to discover them further in the PEERS Lab. One topic I am interested in is how negative classroom relationships and interactions in early childhood could adversely affect children’s psychological and social development into later adolescence. I am also interested in the advantages of learning a language during childhood development. A fun fact about me is that I hosted a talent show for kids, and I aspire to continue working with children in the future!

Raya Bibkewich

Hello! My name is Raya and I am in my third year as an undergraduate student at the University of Alberta. As I begin my first year in the BA Honors program, I look forward to working on my thesis under the PEERS Lab! I am excited for the opportunity to get involved in research and to gain practical experience doing data collection. Additionally, I hope to expand my knowledge in the field of developmental psychology and learn more about various topics, such as how interpersonal relations can impact early learning and cognitive skills in children.

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!

Volunteers

Alyssa Ma

I am currently a 6th year BA Psychology Honors student volunteering with the PEERS Lab. My research interests lie with studying peer relations, mental health, and academic performance in middle childhood. I also serve as the Undergraduate Campus Representative for the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta to help bridge the gap between professionals and students. In the future, I hope to pursue a Master of Counseling, with the goal of becoming a Registered Psychologist in order to create more accessible mental health care. In my free time, I like to nap with my two cats or play Stardew Valley.

Justin Evans

Hello, my name is Justin, and I am a fourth-year student doing my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. This is my first time in the PEERS Lab, and I am glad to be a part of its journey. My research interest relates mostly to childhood coping strategies as well as emotional regulation. I hope further to broaden my horizons and research interests through this position and look forward to the opportunities it provides to build my research skills. My future plans are to go to grad school for psychology hopefully and to make a career out of research. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new places, playing video games, fixing mechanical things, and reading different resources to expand my knowledge in all spheres of life.

Karina Tamkee

I am a 5th year BSc Honors Psychology student. My research interests include trauma psychology, child development. At the PEERs Lab, I am conducting an independent study that investigates the associations between ethnicity, peer victimization, and symptoms of depression and anxiety across middle childhood. I am also a research assistant for HiMARC where I work on several projects examining the efficacy of new treatments for PTSD among military members, veterans, and public safety personnel. Outside of my research, I volunteer as a Faculty of Science Student Mentor and Kids Help Phone crisis responder. In the future, I hope to pursue further education in psychology, with the goal of working with children and families to improve resiliency. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy reading and playing video games.

Madison Roth

Hi everyone! I’m in my 3rd year pursuing a BSc in Psychology with a minor in Biological Sciences! I am starting my first year as a volunteer with the PEERS lab! I hope to gain some valuable insight and skills through my time here and enjoy working with youth simultaneously! I hope to pursue a career in Educational Psychology working closely with children! I hope to pursue a graduate degree sometime after my undergrad! Outside of academics, I enjoy spending my time with my loved ones and being active! I’m currently part of the Taekwondo club here on campus and also enjoy working out! A fun fact about me is that I have an identical twin sister!

Quinn Downes-Mcdougall​

Hello everyone! I am in my third year of my BA psychology degree, and I’m pleased to be volunteering at the PEERS lab. 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!