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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.
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).
Selina is a Health Sciences student at Queen’s University who joined our lab in 2025. She is passionate about exploring the intersection of digital mental health and health equity, particularly in improving access to care for underserved populations. Her past research experience in the consequences of mental health in elderly andv ulnerable populations brings an informed perspective on developing effective interventions to combat mental health challenges. She is interested in examining the role of technology in enhancing mental health literacy and improving access to healthcare. She is excited to contribute her skills and experiences to our mission of advancing accessible mental health solutions.
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.
Maya is pursuing a degree in Biology & Psychology stat Queen’s University. She joined our research lab in 2025, inspired by her interest in child development and clinical psychology. Maya is an aspiring clinical psychologist with a focus on working with children. When she is not found in a lab, Maya volunteers as a crisis responder with the Kids Help Phone to pursue her interest in helping people in need.
Kadance is an undergraduate student at Queen's University, pursuing a double major in Gender 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 joined the lab in 2024.
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Joanna is an undergraduate student at Queen's University pursuing a Health Sciences degree. Her volunteer work supporting palliative care residents and pediatric hospital patients at long-term care homes and hospitals drew her attention to the unique mental health challenges these underserved populations face. Moved by these experiences, Joanna was inspired to join the lab in 2025 in her second year and is poised to contribute to frontline psychotherapy research exploring AI applications and new e-CBT interventions for all mental health patients.
Sharnujan, a Bachelor of Science student majoring in Life Sciences at Queen's University, joined our lab in 2025. His passion for mental health advocacy and research stems from his experience volunteering at Kingston General Hospital's Adult Mental Health Unit, where he actively supports patients. During the summer of 2024, he had the opportunity to volunteer at a family medicine clinic in Scarborough where he assisted in taking patient histories in a culturally sensitive manner. His interests lie in providing mental health care in a culturally appropriate way that is patient-centered. Sharnujan looks forward to giving back to his community by serving as a volunteer research assistant, using his knowledge and skills to support the mission of our lab.
Mark Miller is an undergraduate student at Queen’s University, majoring in Biology. With research interests in early intervention and child-centred play therapy, he is passionate about reducing stigma and improving access to mental health care. He brings experience in child counseling from his time as a counselor at an international camp in Israel,where he supported youth in a diverse setting. Mark joined the QUOPL lab in2025 as a volunteer research assistant and is excited to contribute to projects that promote individualized treatment and innovation in psychotherapy and technology. He looks forward to learning from his colleagues and engaging in research that prioritizes equity and accessibility.
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.
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.
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.
Kevin Gibrayel is a 2023 honours graduate from the University of Guelph-Humber. He holds a bachelor’s degree of applied science (B.ASc) in psychology with an area of emphasis in research skills and analysis. Kevin joined the lab in 2025 to help vulnerable populations whilst further exploring his interests in developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and psychopharmacology.
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.
