Research Team

Sydney Dickner (she/her) holds a degree and a research certificate in Psychology from the University of Alberta and is currently completing her MSc in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary. She is passionate about supporting children with developmental disabilities and their families. Her interest in this field began early, inspired by her experiences growing up with a younger brother who is Deaf. Outside of the CanPlay lab, Sydney enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing with her cat, practicing yoga, and traveling.

Mikoto Frank (she/her)  is a second-year undergraduate student at MacEwan University, pursuing a Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies. She is passionate about understanding how children think to find innovative ways to support their development. Through experiential learning, Mikoto is committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. Beyond her work with the CanPlay Lab, Mikoto enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and camping, playing her musical instruments, and reading. 

Jerry Gan (he/him) is a graduate student in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. His Master’s research explores pre-service teachers’ attitudes, beliefs, and concerns about teaching culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students. His broader research interests include inclusive education, language and literacy, and differentiated instruction for marginalized learners. Jerry is passionate about creating equitable learning environments that support the academic and social-emotional well-being of all students. 

Zachary Jickling (he/him) is entering is third year of his undergraduate program at MacEwan University, pursuing a BA in Psychology with a minor in French. He plans to pursue a MSc in Speech-Language Pathology upon graduation. He is passionate about psycholinguistics, language acquisition and development, as well as accessibility for those with a wide range of disabilities. His interest in this field comes from growing up with a Deaf family friend, and being in speech therapy himself. Outside of his studies, he enjoys being involved with many communities and clubs around Edmonton, spending time with family and friends, and writing.