PhD Students
Jake Siamro, BSc, MA
I am a PhD student in the Social Psychology program at Wilfrid Laurier University, having
completed my BSc at Carleton University and my MA at Laurier. I am working in the IMPETuS
lab for my Comprehensive Research Project.
My research interests broadly fall into the categories of social, personality, and political
psychology. My interests with the IMPETuS lab broadly focus on the factors that contribute to
political polarization. Specifically, I am interested in how specific beliefs—such as those rooted
in emotional reasoning and 'us vs. them'; thinking—contribute to the increasing hostility and
division on college campuses. The role of social media in fostering such beliefs is also of
particular interest.
Masters Students
Alexis Williamson-Rothensee, BA
Having completed degrees in Kinesiology and Psychology (Research Specialist) at Wilfrid Laurier University, my research interests as an MA student centre on attitudes toward abortion care and gender equity. I am particularly interested in understanding how the current political climate shapes beliefs about reproductive rights, and in examining ways to foster productive conversations around contentious topics, such as abortion care.
Research Associates
Danielle Larche, BA
I am a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Psychology (Research Specialist) BA program with a minor in Sociology, planning to complete a Masters of Social Work. I am interested in political polarization, perception, and lay beliefs; namely, how these factors relate to the perpetuation of social inequality. For example, my Honours thesis investigated how people define the term “racism”, and how these definitions vary across the political spectrum. This research suggested that differing conceptualizations about what the word “racism” entails may exacerbate political tensions. Currently, I’m involved with a study looking at democratic backsliding and partisans’ support for unethical political tactics.”