Centre Director and professor Dr. Claire Crooks introduces the summer studentship program to students and faculty.
Centre for School Mental Health hosts summer studentships
By:
Gerry Rucchin
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Students have a chance to collaborate with Western University faculty members on mental health projects this summer.
For the first time, the Centre for School Mental Health has created Summer Studentship opportunities. The goal is to increase collaboration across research labs, provide training for graduate students in unfamiliar areas or methodologies and it also encourages a more multi-faceted approach to child well-being, said Education professor and Director of the Centre for School Mental Health, Dr. Claire Crooks.
So far, there are 10 projects, which examine various topics on the relationship between mental health and education. They range from the impact of COVID-19 on mental health to physical activity in classrooms.
“There is an impressive diversity in research that’s being conducted, because student mental health and well-being intersects with so many other research areas,” Crooks said. “Students have a wide variety of projects to choose from, which will help them further develop their skills and enhance their academic career.”
Students participated in a meet and greet session at the Faculty of Education where they had a chance to talk to supervising professors about the projects. Most projects have one or two spots available for students and some of them are also open to undergraduate student participation.
“It’s a great chance for students to meet their potential supervisors and learn more about the project,” Crooks explained. “These discussions help students make a decision on whether they want to participate in that particular investigation.”
Besides valuable experience, Crooks said students participating will also receive a stipend.
The Centre for School Mental Health conducts research across a full continuum of effective mental health promotion, early intervention, and treatment for youth evidence-based services expanded through school-community partnerships. Their goal is to address the need for improved school-based services for youth from kindergarten to grade 12 who may be at risk for, or who present with, mental health challenges.
