The lab normally includes about 10 people each year; volunteer and paid research assistants, honors students, graduate students, and others. We have a great group.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Caitlin Ferry, B.Sc. Hon. Psychology (Acadia University) and Biology (University of Winnipeg), M.A. (University of Manitoba)
Ph.D. Student (Year 1), Clinical Psychology
Caitlin is an English-Métis, Ukrainian, and Polish woman raised in Winnipeg and the Red River area, presently completing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology under the supervision of Katherine Starzyk. Caitlin’s research interests include reconciliation, increasing support for social housing, and improving intergroup relations through social norm messaging. Currently, she is examining how social norms shape public support for expanding government‑funded social housing.
Erin Sinclair, B.A. Hon. Psychology (University of Winnipeg), M.A. (University of Manitoba)
Ph.D. Student (Year 1), Clinical Psychology
Erin is an Anishinaabe-Irish ikwe from St. Andrews, Manitoba and a proud member of Peguis First Nation. She is completing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Manitoba under the supervision of Dr. Katherine Starzyk. Erin’s research interests include increasing support for reconciliation, advancing social justice, and promoting positive attitudes through education. Currently, Erin is examining the effectiveness of educational interventions designed to increase support for clean drinking water in First Nations communities.
Erin White, B.A. Hon. Psychology, M.A. Clinical Psychology (University of Manitoba)
Ph.D. Candidate (Year 3), Clinical Psychology
Erin is a Métis and Irish Canadian woman from Winnipeg who is now a Ph.D. student in Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Manitoba. For her research, Erin is focusing on the relationships among cultural connection, belongingness, collective self-esteem, and mental health. Taking a strength-based approach, Erin’s research focuses on reclaiming and relearning Indigenous knowledge, languages, and traditions while also challenging negative stereotypes about Indigenous peoples.
Jaden Dela Rosa, B.A. Hon. Psychology (University of Manitoba), M.A. (University of Manitoba)
Ph.D. Student (Year 1), Social and Personality Psychology
Jaden is a Filipino, French, and German Canadian woman born and raised in Winnipeg. She is completing her PhD in Social and Personality Psychology under the supervision of Prof. Katherine Starzyk at the University of Manitoba. Broadly, Jaden’s research interests include advancing social justice, increasing intergroup solidarity, and promoting reconciliation. For her research, she is currently focusing on improving relationships between the Filipino and Indigenous communities in Canada by exploring how shared histories, values, and experiences can foster greater Filipino involvement in reconciliation and help Filipinos gain a deeper understanding of their own history, culture, and identity in the Canadian context.
Jessica Plett, B.A. Hon. Psychology (University of Manitoba)
M.A. Student (Year 1), Clinical Psychology
Jessica is a Mennonite woman from the Interlake. Jessica’s research interests include political polarization, intergroup relations, reconciliation, and social justice. For her master’s thesis, Jessica is planning to explore the role of emotions in political polarization.
Sharissa Neault, B.A. Hon. Psychology (University of Winnipeg)
M.A. Student (Year 2), Social and Personality Psychology
Sharissa is an Ininiw (Cree) and Michif (Métis) woman from mahkésiw sákahikan (Fox Lake Cree Nation) with ties to Cayer, Manitoba. Sharissa’s research interests are guided by her community. For her master's thesis, she is exploring how incorporating Indigenous resilience narratives into critical historical knowledge impacts non-Indigenous people’s attitudes and behaviors toward Indigenous people.
