Get to Know Us! Introduction to LÉPSIS for Future Members
Are you interested in joining LÉPSIS as a student or postdoctoral fellow? Here’s what you can expect from the lab director and team—and what we expect in return.
LÉPSIS is a lab where several research projects take place simultaneously, and teamwork is the driving force behind everything. You’ll have the chance to gain diverse research experience by collaborating on studies beyond your own research project. This is why weekly meetings are essential. These meetings typically include around ten people from all levels: undergraduate students and assistants, Ph.D. students, postdocs, and the lab coordinator. During these meetings, members provide updates on their tasks, allowing everyone to learn about other projects and potentially get involved. Small-group meetings may also take place throughout the week for specific tasks or projects. Lab members are encouraged to express interest in tasks discussed at weekly meetings. It is understood that all members—including the lab director—are continuously learning. Some tasks may be new to you, and you are encouraged to ask for help when needed. The lab coordinator is your first point of contact for questions you’re unsure where to direct—they’ll guide you to the right person.
Professor Véronneau attends weekly lab meetings, where all members are invited. This gives you the opportunity to ask her questions during meetings or request a one-on-one meeting when needed. For individual meetings, it’s best to plan ahead, as Professor Véronneau’s schedule is often full up to two weeks in advance. For students doing a specialization thesis, a Ph.D., or a postdoc, Professor Véronneau is committed to providing timely feedback at every stage of the project. Ideally, a long-term calendar of meetings and submissions should be established to support steady progress and ongoing contact.
A research lab is a place of learning. Not only do our projects help us understand human psychology, but all members gain hands-on experience with new tasks and tools. Each year, new people join the lab. The director ensures regular contact with all members to support their research and, more broadly, their academic path (e.g., guidance on program progression, scholarship applications, and doctoral admissions). However, due to the lab’s size, much of the mentorship happens through interactions with more experienced members. This distributed mentorship model ensures richer and more accessible support than if it relied solely on the director.
Students conducting their doctoral research under Professor Véronneau’s supervision are expected to publish the results of their dissertation (Psy.D. or Ph.D./dual profile) as peer-reviewed articles. Often, the publication process continues beyond graduation, and students are expected to remain engaged until completion. Articles must be written and submitted before clinical placements begin for students in the Psy.D. or dual-profile programs.
Ph.D. students enrolled in a thesis-based program (not a doctoral essay) may apply for research scholarships from funding agencies such as the FRQSC or SSHRC. These scholarships can be obtained as early as the first doctoral session, but the application process begins the previous fall (and requires advance planning!). These scholarships typically provide enough financial support to allow full-time study. For those without such scholarships, UQAM offers a universal support bursary distributed over the first three years. Smaller scholarships from UQAM or other agencies are also available. Professor Véronneau encourages and supports students in preparing applications but emphasizes the importance of early planning—ideally a year before the intended start of the scholarship.
Students may also work as research assistants (usually 8 to 15 hours/week for non-scholarship holders and fewer hours for those with scholarships).
Students, postdocs (and occasionally assistants) are encouraged to present their research at academic conferences. Some funding may be available for registration and travel costs. Interested members should discuss this with Professor Véronneau when planning to submit a conference proposal.
The lab offers multiple workstations in shared office spaces, as well as spots for those who prefer using their laptops. Wireless internet is available via UQAM’s network. When possible, in-person work is encouraged, and doctoral students, postdocs, and the coordinator are expected to be present at least three days a week. Informal exchanges are valuable for building connections—lab members have access to a fridge, microwave, and space to eat lunch together.
Conclusion
The soul of LÉPSIS lies in the dynamic between its members. Those who are willing to prioritize their lab involvement, work in a large team, ask questions, challenge themselves, make mistakes, and learn a lot will find their experience here deeply rewarding.
Important Notice
New rules have been adopted by the department regarding doctoral admissions as of Fall 2023 and beyond:
- For clinically oriented profiles, a limited number of doctoral spots is allocated across sections each year.
- Each section then distributes those spots among its labs.
- A waitlist will be created to accommodate more students if additional spots become available.
- On average, one to two spots are available each year in Professor Véronneau’s lab for clinical profiles (3291 and 3191). There is no limit for research-only doctoral programs (3091).
Profiles:
Detailed descriptions of the programs are available here: https://etudier.uqam.ca/programme?code=3091
Admission Requirements:
In addition to official university and departmental requirements, the chosen candidate must be able to complete a rigorous research project (thesis or doctoral essay) based on quantitative analyses, with results submitted for publication before the initial thesis/essay deposit.
Expressing Your Interest:
Applicants should email their most recent transcript, CV, and references to Professor Véronneau at veronneau.marie-helene@uqam.ca with the subject line: “Doctoral Application.” In the email, briefly outline your main research interests related to LÉPSIS themes and confirm that you have read the information on this page.
Professor Véronneau receives many emails and may not reply to all. You are welcome to submit an official application via UQAM’s process even if you don’t receive a personal reply.
Submitting an Application:
Applicants must complete their application through UQAM’s official process: https://etudier.uqam.ca/admission
Note: It is the applicant’s responsibility—not the professor’s—to understand the application process. Please consult UQAM’s website for guidance.
Fall 2025:
1 position: filled.
The specialization thesis student will be co-supervised by Professor Véronneau and one of her doctoral or postdoctoral researchers.
You are welcome to express your interest by email at any time.
Information about potential research topics is available on the professor-student matching page.
Admission Requirements:
A minimum GPA of 3.5/4.3 and 60 completed course credits are required before registering in the fall.
Application Process:
Applicants should email their most recent transcript, CV, and references to Professor Véronneau at veronneau.marie-helene@uqam.ca with the subject line: “Specialization Thesis Application.”
At least one spot is available each year (except when the lab director is on sabbatical).
Fall 2025:
1–2 positions available.
Expressing Interest:
Interested students should enroll in PSY4905 in their 2nd or 3rd year of undergraduate psychology. Lab assignments are made during the first class session. Though the course officially takes place in the fall, most students choose to complete it over two terms (fall and winter) for a fuller picture of lab activities. Sometimes spots open up during the summer before enrollment.
We’re not hiring at the moment.
Those interested in graduate-level or postdoctoral research internships should email Professor Véronneau. Limited funding may be available for postdocs, but you are encouraged to contact her at least one year in advance to discuss the possibility of applying for funding.