People in The Lab
Director:
Dr. Michael Busseri (PhD, Brock University, 2009) is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Brock University. Between 2015 and 2020, he served as the Graduate Program Director in the Department. His research interests include temporal self-appraisals and subjective well-being. Dr. Busseri’s research has received funding from various sources, including: the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and Centre for Research in Social Sciences (Brock University).
Dr. Michael Busseri (PhD, Brock University, 2009) is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Brock University. Between 2015 and 2020, he served as the Graduate Program Director in the Department. His research interests include temporal self-appraisals and subjective well-being. Dr. Busseri’s research has received funding from various sources, including: the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and Centre for Research in Social Sciences (Brock University).
Graduate Students:
Brock DeGagne (Honours BA Psychology, Brandon University, 2018; MA Psychology, Brock University, 2020) joined the lab as an MA student in September 2018. In August 2020, Brock successfully defended his MA thesis research, examining the impact of social comparisons on individuals' beliefs about how their lives are unfolding over time. Brock's MA studies were support by an Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS). As of September 2020, Brock began his PhD studies in the lab, examining the roles of temporal and social comparisons in shaping how individuals view their lives as unfolding over time. Brock's PhD research is supported by an OGS scholarship (2022).
Brock DeGagne (Honours BA Psychology, Brandon University, 2018; MA Psychology, Brock University, 2020) joined the lab as an MA student in September 2018. In August 2020, Brock successfully defended his MA thesis research, examining the impact of social comparisons on individuals' beliefs about how their lives are unfolding over time. Brock's MA studies were support by an Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS). As of September 2020, Brock began his PhD studies in the lab, examining the roles of temporal and social comparisons in shaping how individuals view their lives as unfolding over time. Brock's PhD research is supported by an OGS scholarship (2022).
Melissa Beaucage (Specialized Honours BA Psychology, Laurentian University, 2022) has joined the lab as an MA student, as of September 2022. Melissa's research will examine individuals' beliefs about how life is changing over time (for themselves, their country, and the world) in relation to personal motivation to make the world a better place.
Undergraduate Honours Thesis Students:
Samantha Kszan began work on her Honours Thesis project in the lab as of September 2023. Her thesis will examine individuals' lay theories about the fixed versus changeable nature of life satisfaction.
Samantha Kszan began work on her Honours Thesis project in the lab as of September 2023. Her thesis will examine individuals' lay theories about the fixed versus changeable nature of life satisfaction.
Research Assistants:
Michelle Martinez (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2022) began working as a research assistant in the lab as of September 2022. Michelle completed her Honours Thesis in the lab during the 2021/22 academic year. In her thesis Michelle investigated the cultural life script during young adulthood, in particular how greater deviation from the typical life script may be linked with lower life satisfaction.
Michelle Martinez (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2022) began working as a research assistant in the lab as of September 2022. Michelle completed her Honours Thesis in the lab during the 2021/22 academic year. In her thesis Michelle investigated the cultural life script during young adulthood, in particular how greater deviation from the typical life script may be linked with lower life satisfaction.
Lab Alumni / Grad Students:
Mojan Naisani Samani (Masters of Arts in Psychology, Brock University, 2017) joined the lab in September 2015 to undertake her program of study in the Psychology MA program. Her MA research focused on the links between mindfulness and temporal perspective. Mojan is currently completing her PhD in Business Administration at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University.
Samantha Metler (Masters of Arts in Psychology, Brock University, 2015) joined the lab in September 2012 to undertake her program of study in the Psychology MA program. Her MA research focused on how the various components of subjective well-being change in similar and/or different ways. Samantha was the recipient of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship for the 2012/2013 academic year. Samantha is currently working in the public healthcare sector.
Taysa-Rhea Mise (Masters of Arts in Psychology, Brock University, 2014) joined the lab in September 2012. Her MA research focused on the link between motivation and well-being. As an MA student Taysa-Rhea was the recipient of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship for the 2013/2014 academic year.
Lab Alumni / Honours Thesis Students:
Isabella Roberto (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2023) completed her Honours Thesis in the lab during the 202/23 academic year. In her thesis Isabella investigated the impact of individuals' lay theories concerning social anxiety, that is, viewing social anxiety as something that is changeable through personal effort or fixed in nature.
Michelle Martinez (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2022) completed her Honours Thesis in the lab during the 2021/22 academic year. In her thesis Michelle investigated the cultural life script during young adulthood, in particular how greater deviation from the typical life script may be linked with lower life satisfaction. In September 2022, Michelle began working as a research assistant in the lab.
Emily Erb (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2021) completed her Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2020/21 academic year. In her thesis Emily investigated lay theories for mental health in relation to blame, stigma, and willingness to help others with mental health problems. Emily worked as a research assistant in the lab during the 2021/22 academic year. In September 2021, Emily also began her MA in Education Studies in the field of School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Western Ontario.
Brook Haight (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2020) completed her Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2019/20 academic year. In her thesis Brook investigated the implications of viewing one's future health as a goal versus a standard, based on the integrative self-regulation model proposed by Boldero and Francis (2002). Brock worked as a part-time research assistant in the lab during the 2020/21 academic year. In September 2021, Brook joined the MSc/PhD program in Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, focusing on sport and exercise psychology under the mentorship of Dr. Eli Puterman.
Lauren Kremble (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2019) completed her Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2018/19 academic year. In her thesis, Lauren investigated the implications of the Reflection and Evaluation Model of comparative thinking (Markman & McMullen, 2003) with respect to how young adults view their lives as unfolding over time. As of September 2019, Lauren is working in a private mental healthcare setting and is continuing to investigate the REM with Dr. Busseri.
Holly Harris (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2018) completed her Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2017/18 academic year. In her thesis, Holly investigated whether the ‘end of history illusion (Quoidbach et al., 2013) applies to how individuals view their life satisfaction to be unfolding over time. In September 2019, Holly joined the MA in Critical Disabilities Studies program at York University.
Carlie Le Blanc (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2017) completed her honours thesis in the lab during the 2016/2017 academic year. In her thesis, Carlie investigated whether mental contrasting and implementation intentions can help young adults harness their positive beliefs about the future. As of September 2017, Carlie joined the Masters of Social Work (MWS) program at the University of Toronto.
Kathryn Bunda (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2016) completed her honours thesis in the lab during the 2015/2016 academic year. In her thesis project, Kathryn drew on lay/implicit theories to investigate young adults’ beliefs concerning how their health is unfolding over time. Kathryn also worked as a Research Assistant in the Lab from September 2017 to June 2017. In September 2017, Kathryn began PhD in Social Psychology at Iowa State University.
Erin Shanahan (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2015) completed her honours thesis project in the lab during the 2014/2015 academic year. In her thesis project, Erin drew on cultural life script theory to investigate young adults’ life scripts in relation to their beliefs concerning how their life satisfaction is unfolding over time. From September 2015 to August 2106, Erin worked as a research assistant in the lab. In September 2016, Erin began graduate studies in Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Emily Peck (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2013) completed her Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2012/2013 academic year. In her thesis project, Emily investigated the relationship between clinical depression and subjective life satisfaction trajectories using data from a nationally-representative American sample. Beginning in September 2013, Emily attended Acadia University to purse an MA in Clinical Psychology.
Jenna Jones [Williams] (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2012) completed her undergraduate Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2011/2012 academic year. In her thesis project, Jenna employed an experimental design to investigate the impact of construal level on young adults’ beliefs concerning how their life satisfaction is unfolding over time, and the role of psychological distance. Beginning in September 2012, Jenna attended the University of Windsor to pursue an MA/PhD in Clinical Psychology.
Helen Merrick [Dykstra] (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2012) completed her undergraduate Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2011/2012 academic year. In her thesis project, Helen employed an experimental design to investigate the impact of self-discrepancy theory on young adults’ beliefs concerning how their life satisfaction is unfolding over time, and the emotional consequences of these beliefs. Beginning in September 2014, Helen attended Brock University to pursue a Masters degree in Disability Studies.
Annette Malinowski (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2011) completed her undergraduate Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2010/2011 academic year. In her thesis project, Annette investigated the impact of temporal orientation (past, present, or future), favorability of thoughts about one’s life, and dispositional optimism on young adults’ beliefs concerning how their life satisfaction is unfolding over time. Beginning in September 2012, Annette attended the University of Toronto to pursue an Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree.
Lab Alumni / Research Assistants:
Emily Erb (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University). September 2021 to August 2022.
Brock Haight (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University), September 2020 to August 2021.
Emily Erb (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University). Winter 2018 to Summer 2020.
Jennifer Mills (BA with Major in Psychology, Brock University). Fall 2017.
Kathryn Bunda (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2016). Fall 2016 to Summer 2017.
Erin Shanahan (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2015). Fall 2015 to Summer 2016.
Lacey Sherk (Honours BA in Psychology,, Brock University, 2015). Winter 2014 to Summer 2015.
Alexandra Ha (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2015). Spring 2014 to Fall 2014.
Riley Roth (BA with Major in Psychology, Brock University). Winter 2014.
Blaire Dube (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2012). Spring 2012 to Spring 2013.
Annette Malinowski (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2011). September 2011 to Spring 2012.
Samantha Addario (BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2009). Spring 2011 to Spring 2012.
Mojan Naisani Samani (Masters of Arts in Psychology, Brock University, 2017) joined the lab in September 2015 to undertake her program of study in the Psychology MA program. Her MA research focused on the links between mindfulness and temporal perspective. Mojan is currently completing her PhD in Business Administration at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University.
Samantha Metler (Masters of Arts in Psychology, Brock University, 2015) joined the lab in September 2012 to undertake her program of study in the Psychology MA program. Her MA research focused on how the various components of subjective well-being change in similar and/or different ways. Samantha was the recipient of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship for the 2012/2013 academic year. Samantha is currently working in the public healthcare sector.
Taysa-Rhea Mise (Masters of Arts in Psychology, Brock University, 2014) joined the lab in September 2012. Her MA research focused on the link between motivation and well-being. As an MA student Taysa-Rhea was the recipient of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship for the 2013/2014 academic year.
Lab Alumni / Honours Thesis Students:
Isabella Roberto (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2023) completed her Honours Thesis in the lab during the 202/23 academic year. In her thesis Isabella investigated the impact of individuals' lay theories concerning social anxiety, that is, viewing social anxiety as something that is changeable through personal effort or fixed in nature.
Michelle Martinez (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2022) completed her Honours Thesis in the lab during the 2021/22 academic year. In her thesis Michelle investigated the cultural life script during young adulthood, in particular how greater deviation from the typical life script may be linked with lower life satisfaction. In September 2022, Michelle began working as a research assistant in the lab.
Emily Erb (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2021) completed her Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2020/21 academic year. In her thesis Emily investigated lay theories for mental health in relation to blame, stigma, and willingness to help others with mental health problems. Emily worked as a research assistant in the lab during the 2021/22 academic year. In September 2021, Emily also began her MA in Education Studies in the field of School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Western Ontario.
Brook Haight (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2020) completed her Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2019/20 academic year. In her thesis Brook investigated the implications of viewing one's future health as a goal versus a standard, based on the integrative self-regulation model proposed by Boldero and Francis (2002). Brock worked as a part-time research assistant in the lab during the 2020/21 academic year. In September 2021, Brook joined the MSc/PhD program in Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, focusing on sport and exercise psychology under the mentorship of Dr. Eli Puterman.
Lauren Kremble (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2019) completed her Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2018/19 academic year. In her thesis, Lauren investigated the implications of the Reflection and Evaluation Model of comparative thinking (Markman & McMullen, 2003) with respect to how young adults view their lives as unfolding over time. As of September 2019, Lauren is working in a private mental healthcare setting and is continuing to investigate the REM with Dr. Busseri.
Holly Harris (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2018) completed her Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2017/18 academic year. In her thesis, Holly investigated whether the ‘end of history illusion (Quoidbach et al., 2013) applies to how individuals view their life satisfaction to be unfolding over time. In September 2019, Holly joined the MA in Critical Disabilities Studies program at York University.
Carlie Le Blanc (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2017) completed her honours thesis in the lab during the 2016/2017 academic year. In her thesis, Carlie investigated whether mental contrasting and implementation intentions can help young adults harness their positive beliefs about the future. As of September 2017, Carlie joined the Masters of Social Work (MWS) program at the University of Toronto.
Kathryn Bunda (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2016) completed her honours thesis in the lab during the 2015/2016 academic year. In her thesis project, Kathryn drew on lay/implicit theories to investigate young adults’ beliefs concerning how their health is unfolding over time. Kathryn also worked as a Research Assistant in the Lab from September 2017 to June 2017. In September 2017, Kathryn began PhD in Social Psychology at Iowa State University.
Erin Shanahan (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2015) completed her honours thesis project in the lab during the 2014/2015 academic year. In her thesis project, Erin drew on cultural life script theory to investigate young adults’ life scripts in relation to their beliefs concerning how their life satisfaction is unfolding over time. From September 2015 to August 2106, Erin worked as a research assistant in the lab. In September 2016, Erin began graduate studies in Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Emily Peck (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2013) completed her Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2012/2013 academic year. In her thesis project, Emily investigated the relationship between clinical depression and subjective life satisfaction trajectories using data from a nationally-representative American sample. Beginning in September 2013, Emily attended Acadia University to purse an MA in Clinical Psychology.
Jenna Jones [Williams] (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2012) completed her undergraduate Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2011/2012 academic year. In her thesis project, Jenna employed an experimental design to investigate the impact of construal level on young adults’ beliefs concerning how their life satisfaction is unfolding over time, and the role of psychological distance. Beginning in September 2012, Jenna attended the University of Windsor to pursue an MA/PhD in Clinical Psychology.
Helen Merrick [Dykstra] (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2012) completed her undergraduate Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2011/2012 academic year. In her thesis project, Helen employed an experimental design to investigate the impact of self-discrepancy theory on young adults’ beliefs concerning how their life satisfaction is unfolding over time, and the emotional consequences of these beliefs. Beginning in September 2014, Helen attended Brock University to pursue a Masters degree in Disability Studies.
Annette Malinowski (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2011) completed her undergraduate Honours Thesis project in the lab during the 2010/2011 academic year. In her thesis project, Annette investigated the impact of temporal orientation (past, present, or future), favorability of thoughts about one’s life, and dispositional optimism on young adults’ beliefs concerning how their life satisfaction is unfolding over time. Beginning in September 2012, Annette attended the University of Toronto to pursue an Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree.
Lab Alumni / Research Assistants:
Emily Erb (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University). September 2021 to August 2022.
Brock Haight (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University), September 2020 to August 2021.
Emily Erb (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University). Winter 2018 to Summer 2020.
Jennifer Mills (BA with Major in Psychology, Brock University). Fall 2017.
Kathryn Bunda (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2016). Fall 2016 to Summer 2017.
Erin Shanahan (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2015). Fall 2015 to Summer 2016.
Lacey Sherk (Honours BA in Psychology,, Brock University, 2015). Winter 2014 to Summer 2015.
Alexandra Ha (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2015). Spring 2014 to Fall 2014.
Riley Roth (BA with Major in Psychology, Brock University). Winter 2014.
Blaire Dube (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2012). Spring 2012 to Spring 2013.
Annette Malinowski (Honours BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2011). September 2011 to Spring 2012.
Samantha Addario (BA in Psychology, Brock University, 2009). Spring 2011 to Spring 2012.