Aaron graduated from U of T Psychology (Honours BSc) and is a master’s Student co-supervised by Dr. Nazanin Alavi and Dr. Taras Reshetukha. Aaron’s research experience is in behavioural and clinical neuroscience, including research in olfactory memory, circadian rhythms, multi-sensory integration, and stroke rehabilitation. He is currently running a clinical trial on the combined effects of Ketamine and online psychotherapy to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and hopes to influence clinical practice with his current research.
Callum completed his Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a Specialization in Kinesiology at Queen’s University. He is currently completing his Master of Science in Neuroscience at Queen’s University under the supervision of Dr. Alavi. Callum’ interest is on investigating the effects of electronically delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on Brain Structure in Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder using Functional MRI. Callum is passionate about furthering his research in the hopes of influencing health policy for more accessible and equitable mental health care delivery.
Jasleen graduated from McMaster University (Honours BSc - Neuroscience). After taking a year to work as a research assistant at QUOPL and enjoying her work in online psychotherapy, she decided to continue her academic career. She is currently completing her Master of Science in Neuroscience at Queen's University under Dr. Alavi's supervision. She is investigating the incorporation of a stepped care model into online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for depression. She's hoping to continue to learn and make changes to the mental health care system.
Niloofar is a medical graduate from Iran University of Medical Sciences. She has been working as a research assistant in Dr. Alavi’s lab since January 2020. She has developed electronic CBT modules for various mental health conditions including insomnia and ADHD. She has been delivering therapy to patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder and patients with diagnoses of depression and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Niloofar has started her Master of Science in Neuroscience at Queen’s University under Dr. Alavi’s supervision. Her interest is on investigating the effectiveness of the electronic CBT on relapse prevention in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Anastasia is a candidate of Master's in University of Toronto in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care in Buddhist stream. She studied psychology in her undergraduate in University of Toronto. Anastasia did two thesis's in her undergraduate, one is LGBTQ coming out experience, the other is systematic review of methodology in Mindfulness Meditation. Anastasia has also been working in the QUOPL Lab for 1 year, and is extensively trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Anchan is a medical graduate from St. Kitts and Nevis and has completed her clinical training in both the U.S.A and Canada. As a mental health advocate, the online psychotherapy research at Queen’s has given her the opportunity to provide online CBT to patients suffering from mood and anxiety disorders. She is currently involved in the E-CBT research projects offering online CBT to patients suffering from depression and anxiety. Apart from medicine, her interests include travelling, cooking, dancing and teaching English to newcomers.
Georgina (Gina) Layzell is currently working as a research assistant in the lab. She has an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Psychology. Gina has a lot of experience with cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, mindfulness, and individualized education. She is responsible for providing therapeutic feedback and conducting the intake interviews during the screening process. She is currently involved in running a clinical trial on Developing and Implementing an Online Psychotherapy Program to Address Mental Health Challenges in Oncology and Palliative Care.
Niloufar is a medical graduate from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. She is currently a master’s student at the school of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen’s university. Niloufar has been working in Dr. Alavi’s research lab as a Research Assistant since 2019. Her work involved developing “Electronic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Modules” for psychiatric disorders, specifically Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She was also responsible for providing online CBT to patients suffering from anxiety and depression due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Niloufar is currently involved in the E-CBT research projects, offering talk therapy to patients suffering from anxiety.
Anika is a first-year undergraduate student at Queen’s University studying Health Sciences. She is passionate about helping others, seen through her work volunteering at a distress hotline. This has further intrigued her in the field of psychotherapy research as well as different mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. Anika is one of the research assistant volunteers this year and is extremely excited to work with the rest of this amazing team.
Ferwa Khan is a first-year student attending the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at Queen's University. She loves finding ways to help her community members. Previously, she started a school club that aimed to improve access to healthcare for women and children globally. She is now excited to help her community as a volunteer research assistant.
Jazmin is extremely passionate about psychotherapy. She is entering her fifth year as a psychology and concurrent education undergraduate student and will be pursuing a master's in psychotherapy. In the future, Jazmin wants to have a practice that focuses on psychotherapy and doula work to help people manage their mental health from fertility up until the end of the first year. Within the lab, she hopes to create modules that focus on helping people conquer postpartum depression to see if online psychotherapy for this form of depression is effective.
Sarah is a third year student in Health Sciences at Queen’s University. Sarah’s volunteer experiences in nursing homes and hospitals have inspired her passion for mental health research. She is working as a research assistant with Dr.Alavi this year, and she is looking forward to learning more about online psychotherapy. During her free time, Sarah enjoys dancing, running, and figure skating.
Serena is a 2nd year undergraduate student studying Life Sciences at Queen’s University. She has a strong interest in mental health and advocates for mental health as Intersectionality Coordinator of the Queen’s chapter of Jack.org. She is excited to be joining the team as a volunteer research assistant.
Melinaz graduated with bachelor of science majoring in biology. She is currently doing a Masters in Public Health. Her latest research activity was at St. Michael’s hospital, investigating the effect of cardiovascular risk factors on cognitive performance of patients with dementia and cognitive deficits. Melinaz has also been involved in mental health advocacy programs during her undergraduate. Her research interests are: analyzing determinants of health, improving the effectiveness and accessibility of treatment, addressing social and psychological impacts of COVID-19, and preventive medicine.
Tessa is an undergraduate student studying Health Sciences at Queen’s University. She is passionate about helping others, seen through her volunteerism at the hospital and serving on Step Above Stigma, a mental health advocacy club at Queen’s University, which has further sparked her interest in anxiety and depression research. She is working as a volunteer research assistant in the lab. Tessa is working with Dr. Alavi on developing “Electronic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Modules” for different psychiatric disorders.
Vineeth is an undergraduate student studying Health Sciences at Queen's University. He first became interested in mental health when he started volunteer at a crisis phone line. He can't wait to delve deeper into the world of research and scientific inquiry.
During his work as a research assistant, Alex worked on the Corrections project.
Dr. Shirazi joined Dr. Alavi's lab as a MITACS postdoctoral fellow, and his research focused on using NLPin psychotherapy, to facilitate the therapy process, and to make streamlined processes personalized to each client's needs.
During her residency at department of psychiatry at Queen's university Dr. Stefatos helped with editing online psychotherapy modules for addressing mood and anxiety disorders.
During her work as a research assistant in the lab, Farnaz helped with some research work helping other research members.
During her work as a volunteer research assistant in the lab, Israa helped with providing therapy feedback under Dr. Alavi's supervision.
During her work as a research assistant in the lab, Maedeh helped with providing therapy feedback.
During her medical school, Ariana helped with designing online CBT modules for addressing social anxiety disorder symptoms.
During her residency at department of psychiatry at Queen's university Dr. Yee helped with developing online psychotherapy modules for addressing depression in chronic pain.
During her medical school, Dawn helped with designing online CBT modules for addressing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress disorder.
During his work as a research assistant in the lab, Payam helped with developing online psychotherapy modules for addressing depression and anxiety in Oncology and Palliative Care patients and relapse prevention in substance use disorder.
Quratulain worked as a research volunteer in the lab.
During her residency at department of psychiatry at Queen's university Dr. Miller helped with providing therapy feedback and developing online psychotherapy modules for addressing depression and anxiety in Oncology and Palliative Care patients.
During her work as a research assistant in the lab, Zara helped with providing therapy feedback.