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Alex Knyahnytskyi is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor’s of Science degree, specializing in neuroscience and psychology. Alex has previously worked in the lab as a research assistant working on the corrections project and has now received the opportunity to pursue his masters under the supervision of Dr. Alavi. Over the course of his undergrad Alex has gained experience in various domains of neuroscience primarily focusing on things such as qualitative research, neuroimaging techniques, and work with novel therapeutic interventions. Alex looks forward to learning more about the effects of electronically delivered therapies on various demographics.
Georgina (Gina) Layzell joined the lab in 2020 and has since been an invaluable asset to the team. With an Honours Bachelor's degree in Behavioural Psychology and her ongoing pursuit of a Masters degree in Neuroscience, Gina brings a strong academic foundation to her work. What sets Gina apart is her passion for improving access to psychotherapy for marginalized populations, particularly through virtual platforms. She possesses a unique combination of research expertise and hands-on experience in providing cognitive behavioural therapies. Her primary focus revolves around working with patients who suffer from anxiety and depression stemming from chronic diseases and pain. Currently, Gina is actively involved in developing programs for both cancer and chronic pain, delivered through the innovative Online Psychotherapy Tool (OPTT). With her expertise and dedication, Gina plays a vital role in advancing the lab's mission to enhance mental health support for diverse populations.
Nadia Gregoire-Mitha is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Neuroscience at Queen's University, having joined the research lab in 2023. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences with a specialization in Neuroscience from Queen's University. Nadia's research journey began at the Human Vision and Eye Movement Laboratory at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she investigated the relationship between sensory processing and emotional perception. Her current research focuses on the physiological responses to emotion dysregulation in a trans-diagnostic population, seeking to identify objective biomarkers and improve personalized treatments throughout psychiatry. Beyond her primary research, Nadia is interested in exploring the efficacy of online psychotherapy tools to enhance support for individuals with Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder. She also volunteers at Kingston General Hospital’s Burr 4 Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, where she has gained valuable insights and dedication to mental health advocacy. Through her work in the lab and in the community, Nadia embodies the lab's mission of translating innovative research into meaningful mental health solutions.
Niloofar is a dedicated and accomplished medical graduate from the Iran University of Medical Sciences. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and a strong drive for excellence. With her medical background she showcases a deep commitment to expanding her expertise. Her research interests lie in exploring the efficacy of electronic CBT as a preventive measure for relapse in individuals with alcohol use disorder. Niloofar's dedication to her work is further exemplified by her concurrent pursuit of a psychiatry residency, which provides her with invaluable practical experience in the field.
Sandy's expertise in the growing field of digital mental health brings a unique and interdisciplinary perspective to the team. Sandy completed her Honours BSc in Life Sciences at McMaster University, where she specialized in Sensory Motor Systems. During her studies, she gained practical experience while working on projects examining mood and exercise, mindfulness meditation, and rumination using electroencephalography (EEG) and Fitbit tracking devices. She also holds previous experience researching app-based interventions for children and youth living with chronic pain. Driven by her fascination with the brain-body connection and innovative health tools, she joined the QUOPL lab in 2023 to pursue her Master's degree in Neuroscience. Sandy’s research focuses on topics in neuropsychology while examining tools for managing mood and anxiety disorders using online psychotherapy. Above all, she is committed to promoting health equity and accessibility and is constantly exploring ways to break down barriers to mental health care. Sandy’s areas of interest include mindfulness training, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychedelics, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Anika is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Health Sciences at Queen's University. Her journey with the lab began in 2022. Anika's passion for making a positive impact on others is evident in her commitment to volunteering at a distress hotline, where she provides support to those in need. This experience has sparked her interest in psychotherapy research and deepened her understanding of mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, and OCD.
Eileen is pursuing her bachelor's degree in Health at Queen's University. With a strong passion for mental health advocacy, she has already made significant contributions to the field. In her high school, Eileen developed an innovative online gratitude-giving platform aimed at enhancing overall mental well-being. Since joining our lab in 2022, she aims to leverage her skills and knowledge to create online psychoeducation modules focusing on anxiety and personality disorders. Additionally, Eileen is eager to contribute to ongoing research investigating the effectiveness of psychotherapy for various mental illnesses.
Ferwa Khan is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Health Sciences degree at Queen's University. Since joining the lab in 2022, Ferwa has demonstrated a genuine passion for making a positive impact on her community. Her commitment to helping others is evident through her previous initiative of starting a school club focused on enhancing access to healthcare for women and children worldwide. Inspired by this experience, Ferwa is thrilled to contribute to her community as a volunteer research assistant, leveraging her knowledge and skills to further our lab's mission. She is currently involved in the data management in the lab.
Kadance is entering her fourth year at Queen's University, pursuing a double major inGender Studies and Psychology. Passionate about accessible healthcare and fostering inclusive environments, Kadance understands the impact and importance that psychotherapy can have on individuals. Her experiences have fueled her commitment to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health treatment and breaking down barriers to therapy access. She believes that the lab’s research is a vital step towards making mental health care more inclusive and accessible. Eager to contribute to this mission, she is enthusiastic about applying her knowledge and skills in the lab.
Lara is a dedicated Health Sciences student at Queen's University. She joined our research lab in 2024, driven by her strong interest in understanding neurohormonal and social cognitive mechanisms that contribute to major depression. Lara's passion for mental health is evident through her volunteer work at the Kingston General Hospital's Adult Mental Health Unit, where she actively supports and engages with patients. She is eager to gain practical research experience and enhance her knowledge in the field, especially in relation to cognitive behavioral therapy. Lara is committed to leveraging her skills and enthusiasm to advance our lab's mission and make a positive impact on the community.
Mohammad Amin (Amin) is studying for his Bachelor's degree at Queen's University. He joined the research lab in 2024, due to deep enthusiasm for advocating for mental health, particularly among immigrants and minority groups. He is passionate about understanding and addressing the unique mental health challenges among different communities and contributes to our lab's mission. His dedication to this case stems from his passion for helping others navigate their mental health journeys. Additionally, Amin is photographer who use photography as a tool to practice manfulness and promote mental well-being and lowering stigmatization surrounding it using photography.
Paniz Khamooshi is an undergraduate student at McGill University, seamlessly navigating between the vibrant cities of Toronto and Montreal. Currently pursuing a major in cognitive science and a minor in psychology, Paniz brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong passion for research to our team. Joining our lab in 2022, she is thrilled to collaborate with fellow members and contribute to cutting-edge scientific endeavors. Paniz's primary interests lie in the field of computational neuroscience, delving into the intricate workings of the brain and its relation to abnormal behavior, psychopathologies, as well as the psychology of addictions and personality disorders.
Vineeth is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree at Queen's University, he joined our lab in 2021. Vineeth's prior experience volunteering at a crisis line has instilled in him a deep understanding of mental health challenges. His passion lies in developing effective psychotherapies for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and he is committed to making a positive impact in this area. As a research assistant, Vineeth eagerly looks forward to expanding his knowledge and skills by actively participating in various aspects of the research process. Whether it involves contributing to manuscripts or conducting interviews with prospective study participants.
Yunseo, a Bachelor of Health Sciences student at Queen’s University, joined our research lab in 2024. Over the COVID-19 pandemic era, she grew interested in mental health and the implementation of an effective e-therapy tool. Yunseo’s volunteer role at the adult mental health unit at KingstonGeneral Hospital brings a unique insight into community mental health interventions. She seeks to make positive contributions to the team by seeking ways to improve technology literacy and treatment-seeking behaviours in populations prone to mental health conditions.
Alisa is a recent graduate of York University’s Psychology program, and became a member of our research lab in 2024. Having a strong passion for mental health and making services accessible for all, she eagerly seeks to investigate the efficacy of e-therapy and how it can benefit various populations. Her commitment to helping others is evident through her experiences with working with children with ASD and adults with acquired brain injuries. She is delighted to contribute her skills and knowledge to further the lab’s research and mission.
Christina brings with her, expertise and passion for psychology and law. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Queen's University and is pursuing her studies by obtaining a certificate in. Christina joined our lab in 2021 and has since made remarkable contributions to our team. Her research interests revolve around cognitive behavioural therapy, specifically its application in treating depression and anxiety. Moreover, she is intrigued by the potential of therapy methods within forensic and correctional settings and is part of a study offering Online Therapy to Correctional Workers experiencing mental health disorders.
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Jazmin joined the lab in 2021 with an unwavering passion for psychotherapy. With a background in psychology and concurrent education, she has acquired a strong foundation in understanding the intricacies of the human mind. Currently pursuing her master's degree in psychotherapy, Jazmin is deeply committed to making a positive impact on people's lives through her work. Jazmin envisions establishing a practice that combines psychotherapy and doula work, providing comprehensive support for individuals from fertility to the end of the first year, specifically focusing on mental health. Within our lab, Jazmin's expertise devotes her efforts to creating modules aimed at helping individuals conquer postpartum depression.
Katherine is currently a student at McGill university, she is pursuing an honours cognitive science degree with a minor in history and philosophy of science. Uncovering practical and effective ways to deconstruct barriers to mental health care is something Katherine is excited to contribute to. Additionally, Katherine is interested in neuroethics, particularly the ethical implementation of AI in healthcare. Volunteering for the team asa research assistant, Katherine is excited to work with the team to further the labs mission.
Mahrukh is a dedicated and accomplished medical graduate from the Dow University of Health Sciences in Pakistan. She became a member of our research lab in 2024. With her medical background she showcases a deep commitment to expanding her expertise. She has a special interest in women’s health and palliative care. She is enthusiastic about establishing longitudinal care with the patients, learning their stories and being a part of a collaborative environment. Inspired by this experience, she is thrilled to contribute to her community as a volunteer research assistant, leveraging her knowledge and skills to further our lab's mission.
Prathiga Suthanthirarajan (She/Her) graduated with anHonours Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience and psychology from the University of Toronto in June 2024. With an interest in public health, specifically mental health promotion and equity, she is excited to contribute to the QUOPL lab in helping to solve or remove financial, social, cultural and geographical barriers to accessing mental health care. Volunteering as a research assistant with the lab beginning in Summer 2024, she is looking forward to collaborating on various projects. She is also eager to learn from her colleagues about the research process as well as the foundations, effectiveness, and implementation of online psychotherapy.
Aaron completed his Master of Science in Neuroscience at Queen's University under Dr. Alavi's supervision. He was investigating the combination of Ketamine and Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
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 work as a research assistant in the lab, Amrita helped with multiple projects and also provided psychotherapy to patients.
During her work as a research assistant in the lab, Anastasia helped with providing therapy feedback.
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 medical school, Ariana helped with designing online CBT modules for addressing social anxiety disorder symptoms.
Athena worked in the lab as a volunteer research assistant.
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.
Charmy worked as the lab manager at QueensOPL, where she helped to oversee the daily operations and ensure that all studies were conducted efficiently. Prior to her role as lab manager, Charmy was also a researcher at the lab, contributing to various projects.
During her medical school, Dawn helped with designing online CBT modules for addressing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress disorder.
Elnaz worked in the lab as a post-graduate fellow and worked on several research projects.
During her work as a research assistant in the lab, Maedeh helped with providing therapy feedback.
Niloufar worked as a research assistant in the lab and work extensively on different studies, 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.
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.
Sarah worked as a research assistant in our lab starting in 2021, focusing on mental health research, including investigating electronically delivered cognitive behavioral therapy and online therapy for correctional workers. She was also actively involved in mental health advocacy through crisis line response and volunteering at Providence Care Hospital.
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.
