Statement of Intent
As a dedicated third-year student at Dalhousie University, I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with hopes of adding a French minor. While I initially began my studies in Biochemistry, my passion for Psychology led me to change course last year, I am now working towards graduating with honours in 2027. From a young age, I have been deeply intuitive about understanding people's emotions, often listening to and giving any advice to my peers’ hardships. My personal experience with a counselor at the age of seven helped solidify my commitment to pursuing a career as a Counselor or Psychologist. This realization, paired with my genuine desire to support others, has shaped my academic and professional journey.
During high school, I was honored to receive academic distinction, maintaining a grade average above 95%. Additionally, I was elected as the Graduate Council President, where I played a key role in organizing events, promoting initiatives, and even presenting an award during my graduation ceremony. These experiences strengthened my leadership and communication skills, further preparing me for future responsibilities. At Dalhousie, I have consistently earned a spot on the Dean’s List and am actively involved in initiatives that reflect my passion for inclusion and personal growth. As a member of Best Buddies, I have the privilege of forming meaningful relationships with individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am also an Events Coordinator for Play4All where our goal is to bring sports to all-income children. With the responsibility of Events Coordinator, I am given the opportunity to schedule activities and coordinate with various representatives via email to secure spaces for these events. Overall, with my deep commitment to helping others, I am excited to continue my personal and professional growth, while contributing meaningfully to any role I undertake.
Biography
I am a first year PhD student in the Department of Psychological Clinical Science at the University of Toronto Scarborough. My research interests concern the stigmatization of mental health conditions, and particularly conducting research to better understand the existence of stigma in various settings (community and mental health care), as well as to explore pathways to reduce the experience of internalized stigma. My dissertation project will include three studies that aim to (1) examine the existence of stigma towards borderline personality disorder in allied mental health professionals, trainees, and nurses in the emergency department; (2) determine the impact of public versus private mental health service use on stigma experiences for people living with BPD; and (3) test the effectiveness of a novel anti-stigma intervention in reducing self-stigma in people with BPD. After the completion of my doctoral degree, I hope to obtain a position as a postdoctoral fellow that will facilitate the development of my research program and equip me with the skills to become an associate professor. I am also currently completing a practicum placement at the Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences, wherein I am receiving specialized training in first-line psychological treatments for obsessive-compulsive and related spectrum disorders. This experience has been an invaluable learning opportunity that has allowed me to enhance my skills as a clinician. Outside of my research and clinical work, I spend my timevolunteering for organizations in which I can support and inspire individuals affected by cancer.Engaging in this work is very important and meaningful to me and I am very fortunate to haveopportunities in which I am able to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who have beentouched by cancer. I am also an avid “foodie” and enjoy trying out new restaurants in Toronto.