Molly Cairncross, PhD

Dr. Cairncross earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Windsor. She completed her predoctoral residency training at the Edmonton Clinical Psychology Consortium (Pediatric and Adult Neuropsychology) and her postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Cairncross joined SFU’s Psychology Department as an Assistant Professor (Clinical Neuropsychology) in 2021.

Her program of research is focused on concussion, with particular interest in understanding the complex network of social, cognitive, and affective factors related to poor outcomes across the lifespan. In addition, she is working to develop technology-based interventions (e.g., smartphone applications) for the treatment of individuals with persistent symptoms post-concussion.

Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing at home with her partner, friends, and adventure cat-in-training, watching her very busy hummingbird feeder, mountain biking, and camping in the backcountry.

Caitlin Courchesne, MSc

Caitlin is a fourth-year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology Program (Neuropsychology Stream) at SFU. She holds a Master of Science in Experimental Medicine from the University of British Columbia (Neuroethics Canada) and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Neuroscience from McGill University. For her dissertation, she will investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a smartphone app-based mindfulness intervention for adults with persistent cognitive, emotional, and physiological symptoms following concussion. Her research interests broadly include biopsychosocial conceptualizations of persistent post-concussive symptoms, healthcare ethics, and the application of qualitative inquiry to clinical trials. Her Master’s thesis, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, explored the ethical, social, and legal implications of novel surgical interventions for serious mental illness (SMI). She continues to contribute to research on barriers to accessible primary care for individuals with SMI as an RA at the UBC Brain Lab. In her spare time, she enjoys mountain biking, listening to audiobooks, and exploring beautiful BC with her partner and rescue dog. 

Miranda Chang, BSc

Miranda is a second-year graduate student in the Clinical Neuropsychology program. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto in Psychology Research and Neuroscience in 2022. Throughout her undergraduate years, she conducted research on how we can use a smartphone-based digital memory augmentation program to improve spatial memory, autobiographical memory, and quality of life in healthy older adults and individuals with cognitive decline. Her current interests involve studying and treating the cognitive, affective, and behavioral changes that emerge with the progression of neurological impairment in research and clinical practice. As a graduate researcher, she is excited to understand the multiple factors that influence symptomatology and recovery in neurological disorders such as concussion and traumatic brain injury over the lifespan. She is also passionate about developing psychologically-informed therapeutic interventions that enhance clinical outcomes in patient populations. In her free time, she loves working out, spending time in nature, watching documentaries, and reading a good book.

Medha Amarnath Nair, BSc

Medha is a second-year student in the Clinical Psychology (Neuropsychology track) program.  She completed her Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Systems (Cognition and Brain stream) at the University of British Columbia in 2022. During her undergraduate studies, she worked on research projects in the areas of concussion, depression, and the intersection of technology and mental health. Her current areas of research interest include developing technology-based interventions to promote recovery from persistent post-concussion symptoms, specifically among pediatric populations. She is also interested in understanding the role of cognitive biases towards symptom-related stimuli as it relates to the persistence of symptoms following concussion. Outside of work and school, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, trying out new recipes, reading, and going on walks.  

Morgan Reedy, MSc

Morgan is a first year graduate student in the Clinical Neuropsychology program. She is co-supervised by Dr. Grace Iarocci and Dr. Molly Cairncross. She received her Master of Science (Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience) and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology from Victoria University of Wellington in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Throughout her graduate and undergraduate degrees, Morgan conducted research with neurodevelopmental populations investigating visual differences in developmental prosopagnosia and dyslexia. Her thesis investigated the cognitive learning aspects to face recognition.Her current research interests include investigation of co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders, reading differences in Autism, perceptual/sensory differences in neurodevelopmental disorder, and psychosocial determinants of neurodevelopmental disorders. In her free time, Morgan enjoys taking dance classes, baking, and spending time with friends/family.  

Liam McCloskey

Liam is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Counselling and Human Development. His areas of research interests include studying the use of alternative therapies for concussion recovery and understanding emotional functioning after traumatic brain injuries. He currently volunteers at the Crisis Line and plans to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology. His interests include street and film photography, travelling and enjoying all things music.

Jaymie Cristobal, BA

Jaymie recently completed her BA in Psychology at SFU. Her research interests are focused on improving health outcomes for individuals with brain injuries and complex chronic conditions. She is also intrigued by knowledge translation, and using art & design to communicate science. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Vancouver’s ramen spots, painting, and going on nature walks with her dog.  

Jaymie designed the CORTECH Lab’s website and logo!

Justine Harris-Owen

Justine is a third-year Cognitive Science major with an extended minor in French. She is interested in how new technology can lend to concussion recovery as well as how concussions may contribute to long-term mental health issues. She recently worked at Anxiety Canada where she aided in creating resources for those that suffer with anxiety. Justine is also the co-president of Reclaim Tech, a club at SFU that focuses on mindful and educated tech use and facilitates conversations about the impacts of current and future technology. After graduation, she hopes to continue advocating for positive tech development and use, especially in mental health and concussion recovery. When not studying or working in the lab, she enjoys discovering new music and seeing friends and family.

Janaki Patel, BA (Hons)

Janaki recently completed her B.A. (Hons) in Psychology with a minor in Health Sciences. Her honours thesis explored the idea of prosocial fantasies, wherein individuals imagine themselves helping others, and whether learning about them can positively impact people's views of each other. She currently works as a lab manager in Dr. Aknin's Helping and Happiness Lab at SFU, mentors rural B.C youth to help them navigate life after secondary school, and also works as a behaviour interventionist for a BHCOE accredited practice. She is passionate about integrating individual/community perspectives and diverse lived experiences in healthcare interventions designed to improve well-being outcomes in those with chronic conditions. She is excited to further her interests for studying social connection, happiness, well-being, and healthcare through the biopsychosocial lens in her future graduate pursuits. Outside of work, Janaki loves to collect plants, explore new music, paint, and spend quality time with her loved ones!

Kyle Yeung

Kyle is a third-year Behavioural Neuroscience major and is also completing a certificate in Urban Studies. He previously worked in the Attention and Behavioural Endocrinology labs at SFU. His areas of research interests include investigating the relationships between TBI and mental health outcomes, and the intermediate factors that mediate/moderate these relationships, neurochemical cascade processes that follow TBI and its related chemical/structural biomarkers and how biological factors or socio-demographic factors moderate recovery trajectory post-TBI. After completing his undergraduate degree, Kyle hopes to begin a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program, and subsequently spend his career providing culturally safe and accessible mental health care to marginalized urban populations in Canada. Outside of the lab and SFU, you’ll find Kyle looking for the latest and greatest bubble tea shops, shopping for vinyl records, or going for leisurely walks around Vancouver. However, you are more likely to find him working midnight shifts at the crisis line or studying for his next exam!