Tell us a little about yourself?

Hi, I’m Courtney. When I’m not in the Love Lab, I love to oil paint, hike with my dog Kipper, and spend time with my family.
 

What does your work in the lab involve?

I was Chris’ first student in the Love Lab, so I’ve been involved in a lot of projects in various ways. I started as a research assistant, then completed both an undergraduate thesis and an M.Sc. thesis under Chris’ supervision before moving into the Ph.D. program. The bulk of my research in the lab has been dyadic and focused on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). My current project centres on past intimate partner violence (IPV).
 

What most interests you about the work in the lab?

I like being challenged, and I like learning new things. There’s always something to do or something to learn. Chris brings a lot of knowledge, excitement, and encouragement to the lab. I’ve been able to take my lived experiences and turn them into empirical studies, making me feel like I’m part of really cool, ethical science that has the potential to bring positive change to the world.
 

What drives you?

My children, my partner, and my stubbornness.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I’m from Grand Bank, Newfoundland and Labrador. I left my former career as a structural designer in shipbuilding in 2020 to pursue my passion for psychology. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, knitting, caring for my houseplants, and spending time outside.

 

What does your work in the lab involve?

As a graduate student and lab manager, my role spans many aspects of the research process. I conduct my own research on relationships, sexuality, and sexual well-being, while also contributing to collaborative projects within the lab. I help support and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and assist with projects at various stages, from study development and data collection to analysis, writing, and dissemination. 

 

What most interests you about the work in the lab?

The Love Lab presents a unique opportunity to explore relationships and sexuality using a robust methodological approach. It is exciting and fulfilling to contribute to research using novel methods that can deepen our understanding of relational/sexual processes and better inform clinical practice. 

 

What drives you? 

Passion and endless curiosity! I’m especially drawn to questions that challenge us to look beyond the individual and consider how people’s experiences are shaped by their relationships.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am a PhD candidate at the University of Guelph, and I am broadly interested in findings ways to maintain and enhance long-term romantic partnerships. I am a proud dog mom, avid hiker, and houseplant enthusiast.
 

What does your work in the lab involve?

I joined the lab after one of our annual conferences after Chris and I had a very lengthy (and nerdy) statistics/methods talk. I am involved in a variety of projects within the lab, contributing at different levels—from taking on first-author roles to collaborating with and supporting other lab members' projects in whichever way I can be most helpful.
 

What most interests you about the work in the lab?

I am incredibly grateful to be part of this lab, where I have the privilege of working alongside some of the most thoughtful, knowledgeable, and supportive individuals I have encountered in my academic journey. Being ‘adopted’ into their community has enriched my experience, allowing me to engage in a variety of complex and exciting projects.

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What drives you? 

Generally speaking, I have an innate curiosity about the way things work "behind the curtain," and I really believe in making this research accessible. On a personal level, the research I pursue resonates deeply with me, as my passion for many of these topics stems from my own lived experiences with trauma. I want others with similar experiences to feel empowered and enabled by the research we're doing. ​

Tell us a little about yourself?

Hi, I’m Emily! Growing up in a competitive family of six, sports were a huge part of my life - I played just about every sport offered in the province, but I definitely come from a soccer family. My love for soccer eventually turned to coaching, and that passion for working with kids led me to pursue a career as a child clinical psychologist. Now, you’ll find me reading, watching reality TV, travelling, hanging with my dogs Snoopy & Charlie, convincing my friends to play games with me (I carry a deck of cards wherever I go), and living vicariously through my two younger superstar sisters.

 

What does your work in the lab involve?

My work in the lab focuses on researching adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their long-term impacts on individuals. As a clinical psychology student, I’m particularly interested in working with those who have experienced ACEs. This allows me to combine my research with practical experience, creating a unique opportunity to engage with the population I study.

 

What interests you about the work in the lab?

What interests me most about working in the lab is the opportunity to blend my research and clinical interests. I really enjoy being part of the Love Lab because it's an inclusive and supportive space that encourages curiosity and creativity while ensuring we’re making a meaningful impact in the field.

 

What drives you? 

I have had incredible opportunities to work with kids who have encountered significant challenges in their lives (e.g., youth in care, youth with exceptionalities, youth with ACEs). These experiences drives me to become a child psychologist. I am passionate about ensuring youth have access to the resources and support they need to foster their development and succeed despite the challenges they face.

Tell us a little about yourself?

Hello! My name is Tenika and I am from a small little community in rural NL. In the last couple of years, I have started gardening and I have been able to grow my own carrots, snap peas, onions, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers! I also have the cutest little black cat who loves to hangout in the garden with me and watch me work away. I am also a percussionist with the MUN Concert Winds, where I get to play a collection of instruments. My favourite instruments are the xylophone, glockenspiel, marimba, vibraphone and the tubular bells!

 

What does your work in the lab involve?

My work involves artificial intelligence and relationships! We are still in the early stages of developing the project as my honours thesis with the love lab was on something completely different - sexual assault and relationships. However, I am really excited to develop this idea, and I can't wait to see how it will grow!

 

What most interests you about the work in the lab?

I think what interests me most about the love lab is how relationships shape us! The love lab is also a very knowledgeable group that is so incredibly passionate and supportive. I am very happy to have the lab push the limits of what I currently know in several domains. 

 

What drives you?

I have been very passionate about psychology from a young age. However, there is not one sole thing or even a couple of things that drive me, it is a collection of experiences and things.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am an avid reader, lover of houseplants, and have two black cats named Link and Ponyo. My spare time is normally taken up with advocacy and activism, and I’m a big believer in the power of community as a means of change. 

 

What does your work in the lab involve?

I am co-supervised by Dr. Quinn-Nilas and Dr. Balsom for my Masters’ thesis, exploring how weight stigma affects access to fertility treatments. I am involved with other projects in the lab as well, particularly around adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

 

What most interests you about the work in the lab?

Everyone in the lab is incredibly knowledgeable in their fields, whether it be statistics, romantic relationships, or one of the various other subjects of interest. The opportunity to learn from these folks has been incredible in advancing my skills as a researcher, and I feel so lucky to be apart of such an incredible team!

 

What drives you?

The ultimate goal of my research is to improve the lives of those around me, especially marginalized communities who are often overlooked, underrepresented and face worse treatment outcomes. ​

Tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in St. John’s, but left when I was three years old, and I grew up in the United States and Western Canada. It feels good to be back home for my graduate studies, making it a bit of a full-circle moment! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching Formula 1 races, and exploring the pubs and cafes around the city. As a student, I am committed to viewing life and my studies through an intersectional feminist lens, constantly learning, understanding, and promoting social advocacy.

 

What does your work in the lab involve?

I am currently working on my Master’s thesis, which explores the use of Virtual Reality in mindfulness interventions for couples. For my undergraduate Honours thesis, I explored how VR can provide an alternative way for individuals to access mindfulness through immersive virtual natural environments and how those experiences support one’s well-being. I am really excited to build on this work by seeing how virtual reality can be applied to relationships, and pursuing my interest in how this technology can be integrated into psychological research and practice!

 

What most interests you about the work in the lab?

When I was looking into graduate programs and potential supervisors, I was immediately drawn to Dr. Quinn-Nilas’ lab, especially his research on trauma survivors and romantic relationships. I am someone who is always eager to learn, and I am excited to explore that realm of research, as well as seeing how our thoughts, behaviours, and experiences shape our relationships with others. I am also interested in the work of my peers, and value the opportunity to learn from others in the lab, challenge my own perspectives, and continue growing as a researcher and academic. 

 

What drives you?

I am driven by my curiosity about the complexities of human behaviour and the ways our experiences shape who we are and how we connect with others. We have an innate desire to connect with and support one another. I am interested in exploring the role human relationships play in our lives and how they shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. I find it fascinating how a single experience can shape the way someone sees themselves, navigates the world, and connects with others. I want to explore these complexities. I am also interested in seeing how modern technology can be used to support people and offer accessible approaches to psychological interventions.

Tell us a little about yourself?

Hi, I’m Alexa, and I’m from here in St. John’s! When I’m not at work or school, I love watching movies, travelling, hanging out with family, and going out for food or coffee. 

 

What does your work in the lab involve?

I joined the lab for my master's thesis, and while we are in the process of project development, I plan to explore romantic relationships and the effects of mindfulness.

 

What most interests you about the work in the lab?

I am extremely interested in the passion every lab member has for their projects and learning about the various topics they research! I was drawn to the lab because I believe it will provide me with inspiration, new knowledge in methodology and statistics, and new perspectives to consider. 

 

What drives you?

I am driven by curiosity about human behaviour, especially its social and interpersonal aspects. The connections we form every day can dramatically change our lives, and I think that warrants a lot of research and exploration, which I’m passionate about being involved in.