Headshots were photographed by Paul Eifert.

ROISIN M. O’CONNOR, Ph.D.

Director

Education

Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo)
M.A. (Behavioural Neuroscience, Wilfrid Laurier University)
B.Sc. (Psychology/Sociology, University of Toronto)

Research interests

My primary research interest is in the aetiology of young adult heavy and problem alcohol use. My research aims to explicate the positive and negative reinforcement pathways that lead to problematic drinking, particularly for those transitioning from adolescence to early adulthood. Within this framework I examine the role of individual-level factors such as personality (i.e., behavioural inhibition/approach systems), social anxiety, and cognitive processes (e.g., self-regulatory and impulsive processes) to distinguish who is at risk and the inherent mechanisms. I also consider environmental and cultural context in models of risk and resilience.

In one line of my current work I use a mix of in-lab experimental studies, ecological momentary assessments (i.e., data collection by smartphone), and online prospective studies to test models of alcohol use risk among those transitioning into, through, and out of university. In another line of my work, in conjunction with community partners and a larger cross-Canada team of academic and non-academic collaborators, I use a mixed method approach to examine the role of Indigenous culture in youth resilience and abstinence from substance use.

I am a core member of the Concordia University Centre for Clinical Research in Health (CCRH)

Ashley reynolds, M.A.

Ph.D. Candidate

Degrees in progress

Ph.D. Psychology, Research and Clinical Training, Concordia University

Degrees completed

M.A. Human Development, Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University (2015)
B.A. Specialization in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University (2012)

Research interests

Ph.D. Dissertation title

A Multimethod approach to Resilience against Alcohol Use, Depression, and Suicide among Indigenous Youth in Northern Quebec

M.A. Thesis title

Examining the role of culture, parents, and peers on alcohol and cigarette use among Indigenous youth in northern Quebec

Awards

• Concordia University Psychology Internship Award $25,000 (2019-2020)
• CRDM: Offre soutien financier pour la rédaction intensive d’une these – $7,000 (2019-2020)
• FRQS Doctoral Training Award – $20,000/year (2016-2019)
• Concordia University: Helen Linder Doctoral Fellowship – $20,000 (2015-2016)
• CRDM: Offre de soutien financier aux étudiants pour la rédaction d’article  – $1,500 (2015)
• McGill University: Graduate Excellence Fellowship Award – $1,057.90 (2015)
• CRDM: Offre de soutien financier aux étudiants pour la rédaction d’article  – $2,000 (2014)
• McGill University: Graduate Excellence Fellowship Award – $1,500 (2014)
• McGill University: Research Excellence Award – $500 (2014)

CHARLOTTE CORRAN, M.A.

Ph.D. Candidate

Degrees in progress

Ph.D. Psychology, Research and Clinical Training, Concordia University

Degrees completed

M.A. Psychology, Research and Clinical Training Option, Concordia University (2020)
B.A. (Hons), Psychology, Ryerson University (2017)

Research interests

Her primary research interests are in the cognitive mechanisms (e.g., drinking motives, alcohol expectancies, intentions to drink) involved in the initiation and maintenance of problematic alcohol use in young adults transitioning through university. Within this framework, she is interested in various individual-level risk factors (e.g., anxiety sensitivity, impulsivity, perceived social norms) for alcohol use and problems during emerging adulthood.

M.A. Thesis title

Anxiety Sensitivity, Drinking Motives, Alcohol Expectancies, and Alcohol Use and Problems: A Prospective State-Trait Analysis Among Emerging Adults.

Awards

• SSHRC CGS-D Scholarship – $105,000 (2022-2025)
• CPA Scientific Affairs Committee Student Research Grant – $1,500 (2022)
• Graduate Student Scholarship – $5,000 (2021)
• Faculty of Arts and Science Doctoral Fellowship – $20,000 (2020-2024)
• CIHR CGS-M Scholarship – $17,500 (2019)
• Faculty of Arts and Science Master’s Fellowship – $10,000 (2018-2020)

JULIANNE DUMONT, M.A.

Ph.D. Candidate

Degrees in progress

Ph.D. Psychology, Research and Clinical Training Option, Concordia University

Degrees completed

M.A. Psychology, Research and Clinical Training Option, Concordia University (2021)
B.A. (Hons), Psychology, Carleton University (2019)

Ph.D. Dissertation title

Culture for Wellness: Promoting Community-Informed Strategies Among Anishinabe Youth

M.A. Thesis title

Exploring Anishinabe Youth Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Level Analysis of Cultural Awareness Moderating Within-Person Effects of Positive and Negative Affect on Alcohol Use and Consequences

Awards

• Indigenous Peoples Graduate Scholarship – $40,000 (2021-2024)
• SSHRC CGS-D Scholarship – $105,000 (2021-2024)
• Concordia Special Entrance Award – $10,000 (2021-2022)
• SSHRC CGS-M Scholarship – $17,500 (2020-2021)
• Indigenous Graduate Fellowship – $10,000 (2020-2021)
• Faculty of Arts and Science Graduate Fellowship – $10,000 (2020-2021)

JOHNNY NAHAS, M.A.

Ph.D. Student

Degrees in progress

Ph.D. Psychology, Research and Clinical Training Option, Concordia University 

Degrees completed

M.A. Psychology, Research and Clinical Training Option, Concordia University (2023)
B.A. (Hons), Psychology, McGill University (2020)

M.A. Thesis title

Intolerance of Uncertainty and Drinking to Cope: Examining the Mediating Role of Perceived Stress

Awards

• SSHRC CGS-D – $80,000 (2023-2027)
• FRQS: Master’s Training – $17,500 (2022-2023)
• CIHR CGS-M – $17,500 (2021-2022)

TONI-ROSE ‘TONI’ ASCUNSION, B.Sc. (Hons)

M.A. Candidate

Degrees/in progress

M.A. Psychology, Research and Clinical Training Option, Concordia University 

Degrees completed

B.Sc. (Hons), Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour (Mental Health Specialization), McMaster University (2020)

M.A. Thesis title

Impulsivity as a Predictor of Problematic Alcohol and Cannabis Co-Use Patterns in Young Adults

Awards

• CIHR CGS-M – $17,500 (2023-2024)
• Faculty of Arts and Science Master Award – $10,000 (2022-2024)

OLIVIA ROMANO, B.A. (Hons)

Lab Manager

Degrees completed

B.A. (Hons), Psychology: Applied Concentration, Bishop’s University (2022)

Research interests

I am interested in the influence of cognitive mechanisms, negative affect (e.g., anxiety, depression), and individual difference factors (e.g., personality) on the etiology of alcohol and cannabis use disorder among young adults.

Thesis title

Problematic Cannabis Use and Psychological Well-being

Awards

• Dr. Shannon Gadbois Prize for Excellence in Psychological Research – $300 (2022)
• FRQSC: Undergraduate Initiation to Research Scholarship – $5,000 (2020)

Ayse Turkoglu, B.A. (Hons)

Research Assistant

Degrees completed

B.A. (Hons), Psychology, Concordia University (2023)

Research interests

I am interested in psychopathology research, particularly anxiety disorders and depression, and their most effective forms of treatment.

Thesis title

 Life Stress Outside University and Its Relation to Student Mental Health

Awards

• Concordia Undergraduate Student Research Award – $7,500 (2022)

Ilkem Sesen

Specialization Student

Degrees in progress

B.A., Specialization in Psychology; Minor in Human Relations, Concordia University

Research interests

I am particularly interest in researching both individual-level and neurobiological factors that may underlie substance use and addiction.

Thesis title

Moderating Role of University Stressors on the Relationship Between Negative Urgency and the Co-Use of Cannabis and Alcohol

genna gaudio

Honours Student

Degrees in progress

B.A., (Hons), Psychology, Concordia University

Research interests

My research interest lies in understanding Indigenous resilience, focusing on the protective power of cultural connectedness among Indigenous youths and emerging adults. I aim to delve into the complex interplay between historical loss, drinking to cope and affect to uncover how culture may enhance Indigenous youth’s mental health.

Thesis title

Culture as Treatment: The Protective Power of Cultural Connectedness in Mitigating the Effects of Historical Loss on Drinking to Cope and Affect among Anishinabe Youth and Emerging Adults. 

jeanne bellerose

Honours Student

Degrees in progress

B.A., (Hons), Psychology, Concordia University

Research interests

Health Psychology, Sports Psychology, Addictions

Thesis title

Social Anxiety in Undergraduate Students Predicting Conformity Motives for Drinking: The Moderating Role of Perceived Approval of Risky Drinking

ETHAN IFRAH

Volunteer

Degrees in progress

B.A., Specialization in Psychology, Concordia University

Research interests

Developmental and Social Psychology

DARYA CARMICHAEL

Volunteer

Degrees in progress

B.A., Specialization in Psychology, Concordia University

Research interests

I have growing interest in the behavioural aspect of addiction, more specifically the stressors /
motivation to indulge in these tendencies as well as their behavioural and social coping mechanism.
The group I am most interested in is young adults as they merge into the realities of life, its also to
see how they cope with this transition and whether substance abuse will be used or not in this
process.

oriana yurman

Volunteer

Degrees in progress

B.A., Specialization in Psychology, Concordia University

Research interests

I’m interested in the complex interplay of personality traits and cognitive-emotional processes that influence the patterns of alcohol and substance abuse among young adults.

alessia civita, b.a. (hons)

Volunteer

Degrees completed

B.A., (Hons) Psychology, Concordia University – with Great Distinction (2023)

Research interests

My primary research interests surround developmental psychopathology. More specifically, I am
interested in anxiety, personality, and alcohol and cannabis use disorder among young adults.

Thesis title

Beliefs about Losing Control, Responsibility, and Their Relationships with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms

Awards

• Faculty of Arts ad Science: Campaign for the New Millennium Scholarship, Concordia University – $1,000 (2022)

Julia girou

Volunteer

Degrees in progress

B.A., Major in Psychology; Double minor in Behavioral Science and Sociology, McGill University

Research interests

I am interested in working with trauma patients and indigenous youth/young adults on topics
concerning sexual assault, substance abuse and other issues relating to psychopathology.

hannah fraser-purdy, B.A.

Volunteer

Degrees completed

B.A., Psychology, McGill University (2023)

Research interests

My primary research interests include harm reduction, culturally informed practices, problematic substance use, and intergenerational trauma.

Awards

• Provost’s Indigenous Achievement Award – $5,000 (2020-2023)