Supervisors

Dr. Daniel Ansari 

Overview

In recent years there has been an increasing attention paid to math anxiety by educators and educational researchers. Most of this research has focused on the relationship between math anxiety and math achievement. Significantly less is known about the relationship between math anxiety and mental health in children. This raises questions such as: How does math anxiety affect children's mental health? And do children with mental health challenges experience more math anxiety. The aim of the project will be to explore this relationship in greater detail. The work might include a systematic review, the design of a survey or experiment to better understand the relationship between math anxiety and mental health in school-aged children. The project will likely take around 5-10 hours a week. An additional $1500 is available as a supplement to the stipend.

Anticipated Output

• The proposed research could result in a poster presentation as well as a manuscript. There is also opportunity to write a blog post or engage in other knowledge mobilization.

Preferred Skills

• Background in Developmental Psychology or Educational/School Psychology.

Supervisors

Dr. Wendy Ellis and Dr. Lynda Hutchinson

Overview

Drs Ellis and Hutchinson are conducting a research study examining the role of social networking and internet use on adolescent social and psychological adjustment. This summer, we are interested in collaborating with a student to assist with this work. Description: Parents and teens in the London community will be invited to view the film “Screenagers” at King’s University College at Western University in June 2023. After the screening, there will be a brief panel discussion and parents and teens will be asked to consider takeaways from the movie. Finally, parents and teens will have an opportunity to complete a short survey asking them about their media use and well-being. Duties: The student will be asked to devote approximately 5 hours a week to the project from May 15 through to August 15, 2023. The student will attend the movie screening and the panel discussion, assist with qualitative and quantitative data collection and conduct data analysis. The goal is for the student to present some of the findings at a national conference. Additionally, as part of knowledge mobilization, information from the student’s project and the larger study will be shared with schools, and parents directly, through school newsletters and in-person presentations. The student will receive the $1500 stipend provided by CSMH and can earn up to an additional $500.

Anticipated Output

• Poster presentation at a conference the student is interested in attending.

Preferred Skills

• Skills and interest in qualitative analysis preferred.
• Experience using Qualtrics preferred.
• An interest in adolescent development preferred.

Supervisors

Dr. Barbara Fenesi 

Overview

While student movement (i.e., fidgeting or standing) is highly discouraged in typical classrooms, recent research suggests that for children with ADHD, movement during high-focus periods improves their performance. Thus, the current study will investigate how children with and without ADHD perform on a variety of cognitive tasks while stationary biking versus remaining stationary. Children will also wear neuroimaging equipment to offer insight into the neurophysiological responses associated with movement and cognitive performance. 

Trainee roles include supporting the recruitment of children with ADHD, and typically developing children, piloting the experimental protocol, and data collection. 

Trainees will gain a diverse set of skills in participant interaction with neurodivergent and neurotypical children, as well as data collection using cognitive and neurophysiological measures. Approximate time commitment: 50-60hrs between end of May and end of August.

Anticipated Output

• Anticipated outputs include a poster presentation or verbal presentation, and eventual manuscript submission.

Preferred Skills

• personable and able to interact with diverse children and their caregivers
• detail oriented, as the protocol requires meticulous execution
• resourceful - this type of data collection always has its hiccups (especially when working with children), so the trainee will need to be able to think critically and effectively on the spot sometimes

Supervisors

Dr. Deanna Friesen 

Overview

Addressing students' academic needs is a critical component of students' success and overall well-being. This project will analyze teachers' beliefs about ways to implement the recommendations of the Ontario Human Rights Commission's Right to Read report. Questionnaire data has been collected that includes both quantitative and qualitative responses. The student will organize the data, identify key findings and produce a brief report. The project should take about 50 hours of work and will be in line with the stipend amount. Most of the work will take place in June and early July. Perfect for a student with limited time, but who wants a brief, meaningful experience in another lab.

Anticipated Output

• Written Summary

Preferred Skills

• Statistics knowledge

Supervisors

Dr. Colin King 

Overview

This project will use a scoping review methodology to identify recommendation practices to promote social justice among school psychologist practitioners using key search terms across databases and software (Covidence). Additional $1000 available to support an additional 30 hours of project work for a total of approximately 80 hours of work. Work will support a framework for the project with possible fall extension if students are interested.

Anticipated Output

• Research poster presentation (for CSMH research day or external conference presentation if of interest).
• Opportunity to turn project into research manuscript

Preferred Skills

• Background in scoping review methodology (or Covidence software) is helpful, but happy to provide support.
• Interest in social justice and roles of school psychologists

Supervisors

Dr. Kaitlynn Mendes 

Overview

I am looking to recruit a student who is willing to: 1) help organize and possibly conduct in-person focus groups with youth over the summer about their experiences of technology facilitated sexual violence (TFSV). Focus groups would take place in Ontario. 2) Assist our research team with knowledge mobilization work around TFGBV by helping to produce infographics, fact sheets, and other public facing documents or materials (e.g. website content). Students will join a large research team and might be asked to help with other tasks (preparing presentations; literature searches). It is anticipated students would spend approximately 50 hours on the project. There might be opportunities for additional top up funding as well.

Anticipated Output

• Poster presentation of their work over the summer
• Knowledge mobilization documents (infographics, fact sheets)

Preferred Skills

• Students must have a solid understanding of theories around gender, intersectionality, and gender-based violence.
• We have a preference for students with some experience organizing or doing interviews or focus groups or a student who is willing to be trained in this area.

Supervisors

Dr. Nicole Neil 

Overview

The S3 program is both an outreach and a research program led by Drs. Neil and Puvirajah. The goals of S3 program are to engage youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their peers in STEM through hands-on activities and inquiry, foster social skills, and model best practices for teachers and practitioners. We will be running the program for 2 weeks during the summer. The student will support the preparation and pre-assessment (June, 5-10 hours per week) and must be available for delivery of the program during the weeks of July 10-14 and July 17-21 (full or half days). Analysis will occur afterwards. Additional top up funds are available, total hours can be negotiated.

Anticipated Output

• Conference presentation (poster or oral). Potentially manuscript depending on willingness to continue working together after program.

Preferred Skills

• Must be available for delivery of the program during the weeks of July 10-14 and July 17-21.
• STEM backgrounds, camp experience, inclusion coordination experience, experience with children with autism desirable.

Supervisors

Dr. Katreena Scott 

Overview

This summer, CREVAWC will be helping to coordinate and evaluate the Undressing Consent program for all incoming students to Western's affiliated colleges. Undressing Consent is a 90-minute live facilitated group discussion of consent, pleasure, and rejection. This summer studentship offers the opportunity to contribute to research on this program. Dive into the evaluations we have done in previous years and help us find ways to address the challenges! Contribute to developing and evaluating an adaptation for international students. Depending on student experience, interest and time, supplemental funds are available to support students who may wish to also facilitate groups.

Anticipated Output

• There will definitely be opportunities to work on presenting this research in various formats, including work towards publication as a manuscript.

Preferred Skills

• Readiness to jump in!