Graduate Students

Scott McQuain

I am a fourth-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program. In my research, I hope to find specific social support behaviours that protect against and ameliorate symptoms of mental illness. My current research investigates the influence of Loving-Kindness Meditation on interpersonal emotion regulation between strangers.

Julia Moreau

I am a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology program at Queen's University. My dissertation considers the compounded inequities, intersectional identities, and strengths of Indigenous post-secondary students as they navigate both Indigenized and  Westernized support systems, as well as their holistic wellness. Outside of the READY Lab, I enjoy volunteering with my community, spending time with my dog, and touring the coffee shops of Kingston, ON. 

Julia Davidson

I am a third-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at Queen's University. I am interested in better understanding the relationship between interpersonal emotion regulation and psychosocial functioning in adolescents and emerging adults. In my spare time, I enjoy being in nature, finding a good cup of coffee, and spending time with my family and friends (and my cat, Ollie!). 

Aida Murati

I am a first-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program. My research focuses on how interpersonal relationships influence emotion regulation in depression, particularly the roles of social validation, support, and interpersonal conflict in emotional reactivity and recovery, using neuroimaging methods. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with family and being in nature.

Yifan Yuan

I am a first-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at Rutgers University. My research focuses on the socio-emotional processes that contribute to depression in adolescents and emerging adults. Specifically, I am interested in understanding the interplay between intrapersonal and interpersonal emotion regulation mechanisms, and how these regulatory processes shape mental health outcomes. To address these questions, I use a multimodal approach combining fMRI and Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). Outside of research, I enjoy rock climbing, playing music, and trying good food.

Affiliated Graduate Students

Jenn Fudge

I am a recent graduate of the Cognitive Neuroscience M.Sc student at Queen’s University. Currently, I am volunteering my time to gain addition research experiences. Specifically, I am interested in using neuroimaging methods to determine the biological processes which underly emotion regulation in young adults. In my personal time, I enjoy cooking, listening to true crime podcasts and obsessing over my cats, Katie and Cosmo.

Stephanie Manuel

I am a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program. I was previously an honours and master's student in the lab. My thesis project examined positive social events and change in affect among emerging adults with and without remitted depression. In my spare time, I love being outdoors, biking, running, doing yoga, and hanging out with my dog, Mickey! I’m looking forward to a great year of learning and working with a fantastic team.

Grad Student Alumni

Dan Tassone
I am currently completing my predoctoral clinical internship at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. My research explores the associations between various mental skills (e.g., self-control) and different emotion regulation strategies (e.g., mindfulness), in both controlled and naturalistic environments. Prior to joining the READY Lab, I studied emotional development across the adult life-span and attitudinal predictors of men's sexual responses. Outside of work, I like spending time outside, listening to music, and reading.

Research Staff

Fynn Cottin-Bizonne
​I am the Lab Coordinator for the CARE study, with interests in social connection and emotion regulation. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, baking, and painting.

Kathryn Thompson

​I am a first-year undergraduate student majoring in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Rutgers University. I am currently a research assistant for the IPT Adherence Study. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends and volunteering around campus.​

Previous Research Staff

Talia van der Vyver

I graduated from Queen’s with a BAH in psychology in 2021 and was the project coordinator for the Goals study in the READY lab! I completed a masters in occupational therapy and am interested in mental health and emotions in youth. In my spare time I enjoy cycling, hiking, reading, watching movies, and being outdoors! ​

Directed Lab and Volunteer Research Assistants

Jun Adelantar Hizon

​Jun is currently a research assistant at the READY Lab under Dr. Flores. They are a fourth year undergraduate Psychology and German Literature Major. Within psychology, Jun has  an interest in studying the dynamics of close relationships and technology, and the extent to how technology can help or harm these connections. During their free time they enjoy reading, playing Magic The Gathering, and cooking.

Stefany Alter

I am a second-year undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at Queen’s University. I am currently a research assistant for the BRIGHT Project and am grateful to contribute to meaningful research supporting the holistic wellness of Indigenous youth. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, drawing, dancing, and travelling.

Harini Arulvarathan

I am a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc). I am currently a research assistant in the READY Lab working on the BRIGHT project, and my research interests focus on equity in education and mental health, particularly how systemic inequities and social contexts shape well-being and educational outcomes. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, knitting, sewing, and other creative projects.

Dani Birenbaum

I am a part of the READY lab, working in the PRICKLE study. A bit about me! I am in third year psychology science, I love to be outdoors and hike.

Maya Dorantes

Ryann Hendrickson

I am a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and Indigenous Knowledge & Perspectives. I am a Research Assistant and directed lab student with the Bright Project, which explores Indigenous students' experience transitioning to post-secondary. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with my friends, being outside, and travelling!

Maya Joseph

I am a third-year undergraduate student in the Concurrent Education program, majoring in Psychology. This year, I am working as a directed lab student in the READY Lab, working on the BRIGHT project. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, spending time with friends and family, staying active, and reading.

Nimisha Pant

I recently graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Psychology. Currently, I am working as a research assistant for the IPT Adherence Study. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, baking, and crocheting.

Isabella Steele

I am a fourth-year undergraduate student specializing in Biology and Psychology at Queen’s University. I am currently a research assistant on the PRICKLE study and a directed lab student working on the AURORA project. My general research interests focus on how biological processes and lived experiences interact to shape human experience and psychopathology. Outside of research, I enjoy reading and travelling.

Taleeya Wall

I am a fourth-year student majoring in Psychology and Film & Media. I am a directed lab student and part-time Research Assistant for the READY lab. I have a strong interest in clinical and educational psychology, particularly how our moods and interpersonal relationships can impact educational success and motivation. Outside of the lab, I enjoy watching movies and making art.

Honours Student Alumni

Jacob de Jong (2023 - 2024)

I majored in psychology and completed my thesis on interpersonal emotion regulation among emerging adults. I enjoy doing various creative projects (painting, knitting, etc), running, and playing the piano in my spare time.

 Andrea Santalla Escobar (2023 - 2024)

 I majored in psychology and have worked on multiple projects including the EDI Undergraduate Research Project and a multi-study project with data from the SCURRY and TROOP studies (ongoing). I am currently working on my PhD in Prevention Science at Rutgers University, where I continue to explore my interest in addressing the structural and contextual factors that influence mental health among marginalized youth and families. I enjoy drinking tea lattes, salsa dancing, and exploring Philadelphia.

Katya Hernandez Echenberg (2022-2023)
​
I majored in Psychology and minoring in Gender Studies. My honours thesis explored the role of fear of negative evaluation in the perception of close relationships and in the effectiveness of the social regulation of emotion. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music and spending time with my friends.

Justus Vasilakos McCrae (2022-2023)

I completed my honours thesis in the READY lab. My project concerned the roles of executive functioning and social context in emotion regulation. I have a passion for fitness and mental wellness. And in my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, reading, listening to health podcasts, and playing guitar. I’m looking forward to a great year of learning and working towards a potential career in clinical and therapeutic psychology.

​Sierra McNulty (2021-2022)
Title: Evaluating the Role of Executive Functions in the Relationship between Loneliness and Negative Emotional Reactivity

Sierra graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts (BAH) in psychology in the spring of 2022. She completed her honours thesis in the READY Lab studying the cognitive and affective correlates of loneliness in a sample of emerging adults.

Zoe Saine (2021-2022)
Title: The Relationship between Loving-Kindness Meditation and Emotional Closeness

Melodi Begetis (2020-2021)
Title: The Relationship between Interpersonal Functioning and Re-emergence of Symptoms among Mothers with Depression
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Charlotte Driscoll (2020-2021)
Title: Relationships between Insecure Attachment Style, Maladaptive Perfectionism and Goal Setting
​

Stephanie Manuel (2019-2020)
Title: Positive Social Events and Mood-Brightening among Emerging Adults with Remitted Depression
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Stephanie is now a grad student in the lab! See above for bio.

Anastasia Mikhailitchenko (2019-2020)
Title: Social Media Use and its Associations with Goal Setting, Striving, and Achievement

I was an honours student in the READY lab last year and then the project coordinator for the Goals Study. In my thesis, I investigated at how social media was related to goal setting and striving among emerging adults.

Orly Lipsitz (2018-2019)
Title: Naturalistic Recall Biases for Affective Events in Remitted Depression

Orly graduated from Queen’s University with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She completed her honours thesis in the lab studying naturalistic recall biases for affective events in emerging adults with remitted depression. After graduating, Orly was a research assistant to Dr. Roger McIntyre in the Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit at Toronto Western Hospital. She is now a clinical psychology graduate student at the University of Toronto.