Education:

B.Sc. Psychology Research Specialist, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

Ph.D., M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada

Pre-doctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology completed at the IWK Health Center, Halifax, NS, Canada

Post-doctoral training completed at the University of Notre Dame, IN, USA

Bio:

My research interests lie in the areas of personality development and developmental psychopathology with an emphasis on multi-informant and multi-method assessment, evidence-based measure development, and advanced quantitative methods. Some of my past work has explored the role of temperamental emotionality in internalizing psychopathology, and the influence of methodology on the conclusions that one draws in developmental models of depression vulnerability. This research was performed in the context of longitudinal designs in the hopes of creating a comprehensive model of transdiagnostic risk for the internalizing spectrum of psychopathology, including temperamental, psychophysiological, and cognitive pathways.

In addition to assessment of child temperament and its role as a transdiagnostic risk factor, I am interested in the interplay between personality and psychopathology beyond the child-developmental period. Being a member of the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) consortium, Clinical Translation and Measures Development Workgroups in particular, I also contribute to the research literature on improving the organization, description, and measurement of psychopathology. My current focus within the HiTOP consortium is on developing a system for evidence-based ranges permitting informed categorical decision making in clinical practice.

Given my long-standing interest in statistical methods and evidence-based measure development, I am continuing to explore structural, methodological, and developmental issues in assessment of personality and temperament, including maladaptive personality traits. My postdoctoral research at the Center for Advanced Measurement of Personality and Psychopathology (CAMPP), University of Notre Dame focused on the structural and methodological issues in assessment of maladaptive personality traits and developing a better understanding of how such traits are related to functional impairment in daily life. With Dr. Lee Anna Clark, the developer of the Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality and a world-class leader in personality disorder conceptualization and assessment, we developed a significantly shortened version of this measure, the SNAP Brief Self-Description Rating Form (SNAP-BSRF) and its informant counterpart, the SNAP Brief Other-Description Rating Form (SNAP-BORF). Currently, together with my research team at the U of A, I am working on developing a battery of theoretically and empirically grounded measures of temperament/personality across the lifespan to increase understanding of how these traits contribute to the development of psychopathology. 

Kelsie is a Doctoral student in the School and Child Clinical Psychology program at the University of Alberta. She completed her Master's of Education in School and Clinical Child Psychology in 2024 and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Applied Emphasis) with high distinction and a minor in forensic sociology in 2020. Kelsie has been a member of the SAMPL lab since September 2021, and enjoys supporting data collection projects and engaging in academic meetings with the research team. 

Kelsie is particularly interested in developmental self-regulation and understanding what factors influence social-emotional skills and goal-directed behavior in youth. Her Master's thesis explored the longitudinal relationship between paternal anxiety/depression, youth self-regulation, and mental health outcomes. Currently, she is preparing for candidacy examinations and completing clinical practica to gain experience in psycho-educational assessments, group therapy, and individual therapy with youth, and she aspires to gain further clinical experience in pediatric neuropsychology. 

Beyond academia, Kelsie is passionate about music, nature, cooking, gardening, and camping. With over 20 houseplants and a backyard full of blooming flowers and perennials, Kelsie, her husband, her four cats, and mini australian shepherd are living their best lives!

Zuha is an incoming Doctoral student in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program at the University of Alberta. She graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) in Psychology from the University of Calgary, where her research examined the bidirectional relationship between family-level factors (marital quality and parenting behaviours) and internalizing symptoms in adolescents. This experience ignited her interest in exploring risk factors for internalizing psychopathology, an area of research she is excited to continue pursuing in her doctoral research at the SAMPL lab.

Her research interests and experiences also include addressing the racial and ethnic disparities in mental health outcomes for children and youth, cultural differences in the assessment and measurement of psychological disorders, and improving culturally-competent mental health care.

Outside of school and work, Zuha enjoys everything artistic - including painting, creating air dry clay projects, crocheting, and doing photography! 

Julia is an incoming Doctoral student in the Counselling Psychology program at the University of Alberta. She completed her Honours Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology Research at the University of Toronto in 2024, where her thesis examined the associations between individuals’ cultural values, parental support and pressure, and psychological well-being amongst Chinese singles. This initial work inspired her interest in examining how factors such as temperament/personality traits and the caregiver-child relationship confer risk for/protection against future mental health difficulties. During her PhD at the SAMPL Lab, Julia hopes to merge this interest with her burgeoning curiosity about measurement development, by conducting research on the development of valid and reliable tools for assessing child and caregiver-characteristics and their mental health implications.

Julia is also avid about providing mental health support to individuals across various age groups and diverse backgrounds, through one-on-one and community-based approaches. In addition to her past experiences providing individual counselling as a student-clinician, Julia has had the privilege of serving as a social skills group co-leader for youth with learning disabilities and a program coordinator for a peer support program targeted towards graduate students. Julia is eager to continue strengthening her skills in providing effective, culturally-responsive mental health support through further counselling opportunities.

In her free time, Julia enjoys singing and playing the piano, trying out new crafts and recipes that she finds on Pinterest, and listening to podcasts while taking long walks in the River Valley.

Alanna is a Master’s student in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program at the University of Alberta. She completed her B.Sc. (Hons) in Psychology and certificate in Science Communication and Leadership at Dalhousie University in 2024, where she developed diverse research interests while studying youth and young adult personality, mental health and well-being, internalizing symptoms, and risky behaviours (i.e., substance use, bullying). Alanna enjoys learning with the SAMPL team and supporting projects on social media use and evidence-based assessment of temperament. She is keen to continue exploring psychosocial risk and protective factors for psychopathology at key developmental stages, with her Master's thesis focusing on preschoolers' self-regulation. Through clinical practicums and support work experience in community mental health, Alanna enhances her dedication to the provision of accessible, youth-centred mental health services that are trauma-informed and recovery-oriented.

Outside her studies and research, Alanna loves to hike, run, try out new coffee shops, and bake.

Kiran is a Doctoral student in the Counselling Psychology program at the University of Alberta and incoming pre-doctoral resident. She completed her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology and Master of Education in Counselling at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). Professionally, she is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in the province of British Columbia. While her research interests and experiences are quite broad, her dissertation examined the experiences of self-compassion in female veterans. 

Kiran was successful in matching to a residency site through the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC). She will complete her 2026-2027 pre-doctoral residency through the Clinical Health Psychology program at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. We wish her all the best in this next chapter!

In her spare time, Kiran enjoys the occasional afternoon nap and eating baked goods.  

Kaltrina is an incoming Doctoral studentin the School and Clinical Child Psychology program at the University of Alberta. She completed her Bachelor or Arts in Honours Psychology from the University of Prince Edward Island. Her honours thesis focused on the lived experiences of parents in Prince Edward Island who are raising children with Autism and how they make meaning of their parenting journeys amidst social, emotional and systemic challenges. Kaltrina has experience working with families, children/youth and adults in community, educational and clinical settings. She is excited to join the SAMPL lab to further develop her knowledge on evidence based assessments as well as learning more about developmental psychopathology and temperament. 

In her free time, Kaltrina likes to bake or try out new recipes, reading, loves trying out new cafes and is an avid coffee drinker!   

Sophie is a second year Master’s student in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program at the University of Alberta. She completed her B.A. (Hons) in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (Mental Health) at McMaster University in 2021, and has since worked clinically as a psychometrist and executive functioning skills coach. Her research interests include supporting success and positive outcomes in Autistic and neurodiverse youth, with a particular interest in executive function, emotion regulation, and strengths-based learning. She is excited to join the SAMPL lab to further develop her knowledge on evidence-based assessment and to merge her interests in neurodiversity, self-regulation, and developmental psychopathology.

In her spare time, Sophie enjoys reading, golfing, travelling, playing and coaching field lacrosse, and watching hockey.

Sabina is currently a Bachelor of Education (BEd) student at the University of Alberta. She completed her Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree at the University of Alberta in 2022 and is looking to become an active educator in Edmonton.

Her research interests led her to the SAMPL lab in the Summer of 2024 (as a Roger S. Smith Undergraduate Research Trainee) and Winter 2025 (as an Undergraduate Research Award Recipient) to develop her knowledge of clinical psychology. Within the lab, she has primarily worked on measure development and she continues to contribute to several projects.

Sabina is an avid musician and a fan of tabletop games when she is not too busy marking papers!

Sarah is currently a Bachelor of Science (BSc) student majoring in Psychology at the University of Alberta. She is passionate about her work supporting neurodiverse children and youth across a variety of settings. Her research interests include risk factors that contribute to the development of psychopathology, particularly in children with ADHD and autism. In the future, Sarah aims to pursue a career treating children and adolescents with psychological disorders in a clinical setting. She is excited to be a member of the SAMPL lab and gain research experience while developing skills in evidence-based measures and assessment. 

In her free time, Sarah enjoys music, thrifting, and searching for new additions to her moth and record collections.

Kaite graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours degree in psychology from the University of Alberta. She works with children and adolescents with a history of complex develpmental trauma in an intensive treatment home, including youth with diagnoses of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety. Her research interests include developmental psychology, lifespan development, and trauma effects in children and adolescents. Her goal is to specialize in trauma-focused interventions with children and adolescents. She is excited to join the SAMPL lab to further her research experience, while honing her interests and focus. 

In her spare time, Kaite enjoys playing sports such as soccer, badminton, and bouldering, although she can never say no to a day in to watch a good show, watch the Oilers game, or play her favourite game, Stardew Valley. 

Kaitlyn-Rae has a Bachelor of Arts Honours in psychology from the University of Alberta. Her honours thesis examined how social rejection influences moral decision-making in individuals with narcissistic traits.  Kaitlyn-Rae has research experience working with infants, toddlers, and children, and has supported individuals in crisis through her work with Kids Help Phone. Her research interests include developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology. She is excited to join the SAMPL lab to further her research experience and contribute to the development of evidence-based assessment practices. 

In her free time, Kaitlyn-Rae enjoys cozying up with her cat, reading, scrapbooking, and playing daily NYT games

My name is Carlos, although my family sometimes calls me “chat” (which is French for cat), and I am the lab meownager at the SAMPL lab! I recently completed my BCat in Meowing at Purrinceton University and am looking to gain more research experience before continuing my studies. 

In the past, I have been a trainee in cardboard box parkour, opening drawers with my paws, and playing fetch for hours. Recently, I conducted a self-study and sat outside of my human’s office door and continued to meow until she opened it. Currently, I have undertaken another study that involves ways to trick my human into donating their seafood to me - the results have not been promising thus far, but data collection is in its early stages. 

When I am not engaged in research activities at the SAMPL lab, I can be found staring out of the living room window, trying to catch the attention of my humans, and attempting to steal food. If you are trying to find me, please look in the kitchen. 

My name is Paul, The Magical Cheese Wizard, although my family calls me "Po", and I am a catguate research assistant with the SAMPL lab! Back in the day, I lived independently working on my BCat in environmental exploration from the Pawvard University. I found a permanent residence in August 2023 and have since then been working on my Master's Degree in domestic living at Slaterston Home Academy.

Pivotal to my expertise is my mentorship of an underdoguate research assistant, Miss. Stella Slater the Mini Aussie, whom I've been training in the fine arts of napping and treat acquisition since her arrival in Feb 2024.

My research interests include optimal sunbeam positioning, the acoustic properties of cardboard boxes, and the aerodynamics of knocking objects off flat surfaces. I've published several well-received papers, including "The Zoomies: A Nocturnal Phenomenon" and "Pawsitioning Theory: Why Keyboards Make the Best Beds."

In my free time, you can find me stretching upsidedown in the sun, snuggling up next to my humans, or exercising my morning vocals. I'm also an avid bird-watcher through the living room window and a connoisseur of catnip. During the winter months, I conduct extensive research on lap thermal properties and blanket infiltration techniques.

My office hours are whenever I feel like it, but I'm most responsive to treats being shaken between 2-4 PM. Feel free to stop by the lab, though I cannot guarantee I'll acknowledge your presence unless you bring cheese - hence my esteemed title.

Nicole is an undergraduate student in the honors program at the University of New Orleans where she will receive her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She developed an interest in Psychology research after taking the Research Methods and Statistics course with Dr. Kotelnikova in Fall of 2019, where she studied the effects of internal and external stigma on one’s seeking mental health services. She was a recipient of the Richard D. Olson Award in Experimental Design and Methodology for her work in the course. Nicole then was an undergraduate teaching assistant for the Research Methods course in Spring of 2020. After this experience, she was chosen by Dr. Kotelnikova for the Tolmas COSURP Award where she was able to gain more extensive research experience as a paid undergraduate researcher, which led to her presenting her done work with Dr. Kotelnikova and colleagues on An Evidence Based Assessment of Temperament in Preschoolers: A Measure Development Project at the Innovate UNO Research Symposium in Fall of 2020, where she was awarded the 2nd Place Undergraduate Award. Since Spring of 2021, Nicole has been working with Dr. Matt Scalco at the University of New Orleans aiding in data collection for the New Orleans Adolescent Risk and Resilience Study. Nicole is currently exploring her options for post-graduate schooling and in-the-field work experience.

 Joseph received his B.S. in general psychology from Louisiana State University in 2008. In 2012, he graduated with his M.A. in psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University with research experience in cognitive and social psychology. He has extensive experience in teaching undergraduate courses, with particular focus in research methods. Since graduating, he has provided several years of mental health service to the Greater New Orleans area. His research interests lie in novel biological approaches to personality and temperament assessment. He entered into the Applied Developmental Psychology at the University of New Orleans in Fall of 2020 and is currently studying in the Applied Biopsychology program.