Research Staff

SAFIA AZIEZ - Research assistant

Academic background

  • 2025 – … : BSc in Psychology at Université du Québec à Montréal

Research interests

Currently in the first year of my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I am interested in the psychosocial factors that influence the educational success of young people with atypical backgrounds, particularly those following CPS. I am currently employed as an intermediate resource with this clientele, and these issues are particularly close to my heart. I am also interested in the different interventions likely to support their school motivation, their sense of competence, and their academic commitment. I therefore wish to bridge the gap between research and my future clinical practice.

SARA LACOSTE - Research assistant

Academic background

  • 2025 – … : BSc in Psychology at Université du Québec à Montréal

Research interests

Aware of the problems that students in vulnerable situations face, my interest lies in child development and the effects of trauma in educational and social contexts. I believe that meaningful relationships surrounding individuals can shape their trajectories, supporting or hindering their well-being, academic engagement, and interpersonal relationships. My goal is to contribute to the implementation of concrete interventions that promote more equitable school environments, since I hope to practice clinical psychology in the future.

SAMANTHA PAMPENA - Research assistant

Academic background

  • 2023 – 2026 : B. Sc. in psychology at Concordia University

Intérêts de recherche

My interests focus on emotional competencies and how people understand and manage their emotions. I am particularly interested in help-seeking habits, the different ways individuals look for support, and the barriers that can make accessing help more difficult. I am also interested in mental health literacy and how the understanding of mental health can influence the ability to recognize a need for support and seek help

LAURENCE AUDET - Doctoral-level research assistant

Formation

  • 2024 – … : Ph. D. in guidance counselling sciences at Université Laval
  • 2022 – 2024: M.S. in guidance counselling at Université Laval
  • 2019 – 2022 : B. Sc. in guidance counselling at Université Laval

Intérêts de recherche

Since my debut as a guidance counselor, I have been particularly interested in the career paths of young people and everything behind their academic and professional choices: their motivations, interests, identity, and the experiences that shape their journeys. I especially enjoy research that helps us better understand the realities lived by youth and that can, ultimately, contribute to improving their guidance and support.

CATHERINE PLANTE-GONTHIER - Doctoral-level research assistant

Academic background

  • 2025 – … : PsyD in psychology at Université du Québec à Montréal
  • 2023 – … : DESS in psychological evaluation, intervention and support for people with an intellectual disability at Université du Québec à Montréal
  • 2020 – 2023 : Bsc – profil honor : mental health services offered in vocational training centers, at the Université du Québec à Montréal

Research interests

My research interests focus on the links between mental health and academic success. I’m currently working with the ASD clientele, so it’s a population that’s close to my heart. As a member of a university sports team, I’m also interested in the link between academic success and sport.