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 Fellows
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
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.
I moved to Edmonton to begin my graduate studies and work in the PEERS Lab in August 2022. 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
Hello! I am currently in my fifth year of a BA in Psychology, returning to the PEERS Lab for my second year as an Honors student after a year-long AWE internship at Millard Health. My thesis investigates teacher-child relationship quality and its directional associations with internalizing symptoms such as depression and anxiety in middle childhood, in addition to how classroom climate may moderate this relationship. Outside of the PEERS Lab, I am a Supportive Listener with both the CMHA-Edmonton Distress Line and the Peer Support Centre on campus. When I’m not studying or volunteering, I enjoy reading, spending time in nature, and all things philosophical.
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!
Thesis: Directional associations between language development and peer aggression in middle childhood.
Haley Fell
Hello! I am a second-year honors student and research assistant in the PEERS Lab, and in my fourth year of a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Honors. My research interests include developmental psychopathology, specifically aggressive symptoms in children, as well as peer-child and peer-parent relationships. I am ecstatic to continue in the PEERS Lab, and would love to use the skills I learn in future research as well as in graduate studies in clinical child psychology. I love baking, hiking, embroidery, spending time with my animals (Rocco, Bella, and Spatula), and my weekend job, where I am a princess for kids’ birthday parties!
Thesis: Evaluating reciprocal associations between peer aggression and perceived popularity.
Liana Francoeur
Hello! I am currently in my fifth year of a BA in psychology and 2nd year of the Honours program. My thesis focuses on the co-occurrence of loneliness and peer victimization in adolescents. Additionally, it also looks at how sexual orientation moderates this relationship. I am looking forward to continuing to learn and gaining hands-on research experience in the PEERS lab this year! In my spare time, I love reading, doing anything involving crafts (especially painting), and re-watching my favourite shows!
Thesis: Co-occurrence of homophobic victimization and loneliness in adolescence.
Livia Eni
I am entering my fifth year of my BA in Psychology and my second year in the honours program. I began my studies at Camosun College and transferred to the University of Alberta in Fall 2023. In addition to being an honors student, I feel privileged to work as a research assistant in the PEERS Lab and learn more about developmental research. Broadly, my research interests tend to follow how children’s development is shaped by their culture. In my spare time, I enjoy running, reading, and being bundled on the couch with my cat, Remi.
Thesis: Ethnic awareness and peer interaction quality in early childhood education.
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!
Thesis: Does teacher burnout moderate the association between teacher-child relationship quality and hyperactivity?
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.
Thesis: The influence of teacher-child relationship quality with sociometric and perceived peer popularity in middle childhood.
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!
Thesis: Co-occurrence of homophobic victimization and loneliness in adolescence.
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! I am currently a third-year student at the University of Alberta, beginning my first year of the Honors program. My research interests are centered around interactions between early learning environments and internalizing problems, as well as how cognitive, social, and emotional development is supported within educational institutions. I have a background in hands-on work with children and teens that has inspired me to pursue research in childhood developmental psychology. I hope to use my education to develop early intervention programs that improve mental health outcomes across the lifespan of vulnerable youth. In my free time, I can usually be found hiking or drawing outside. I am thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate, contribute, and expand my perspective as I begin my studies with the PEERS Lab!
Mariam Moustafa
Hi! I am currently in the fourth year of my BSc Psychology degree, and my first year in the honours program at the University of Alberta. This will also be my first year working at the PEERS lab. My research interests are about how cultural and language barriers in first generation immigrant children affect their school readiness in pre-schools here in Canada. This interest began after I took a psych class at the UofA that introduced me to the impact of early learning and the impact of developing cognitive and social skills in preschool children. I am excited to begin my work at the PEERS lab and for the opportunity to gain experience in the psychology research field. In my spare time I love reading, binge watching tv shows, and travelling to warmer destinations.
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.
Alaina Mitchell
Hi everyone! This is my third year studying psychology, and my first year in the BA Honors program at the University of Alberta. I am excited to gain hands-on research experience in the PEERS lab and discover more about the field of psychology. I am also a volunteer at The Landing, where I support students in an inclusive and safe space. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crocheting, and exploring Edmonton.
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!
Broughan Van Panhuis
Hello! I am a fourth-year student at the University of Alberta, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. I am currently in my third semester with the PEERS Lab, where I have gained valuable knowledge and insight into childhood self-regulation and research. I am continuing to expand my research experience and deepen my understanding of psychology as a whole, with the goal of pursuing a career in counselling psychology as a registered psychologist specializing in working with children and adolescents.
My experience with children spans from babysitting and volunteering with the City of Edmonton’s Leader in Training program to becoming a certified swim instructor through the Red Cross. I currently work with True Blue as a dedicated team member, where I support swimmers in the water, as well as connect with families out of the water. Outside of my work and academics, I am part of the UASU, enjoy staying active, and love spending time with friends and family.
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.
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!