Lab Manager
Jadyn Williams
I graduated from Laurier with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience. I first began working in the IMPETuS lab as a research assistant in 2022, and have since had the opportunity to step into my role as lab manager. My research focuses on emotion regulation, social relationships, and how people process and recover from difficult experiences. I hope to pursue further education in clinical psychology, with the ultimate goal of becoming a clinical research psychologist. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to the lab's research and further develop my skills as a researcher.
Research Assistants
Chelsea Sabatelli
I am going into my third year here at Wilfrid Laurier University, enrolled in the Psychology & Neuroscience program. I am super excited to be starting a Co-op role as a research assistant at the IMPETuS Lab this summer! Some of my research interests include the impacts of addiction and mental health on social relationships, as well as environmental and climate attitudes in today’s society. I plan to further my education in social work after completing my undergraduate studies.
Melody Hogervorst
I recently graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in Spring 2025 as Dr. Wilson’s Honours Thesis student and have been employed as a research assistant. My thesis involved the link between helicopter parenting and undergraduate well-being, however I also have a profound interest in psychopathology treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety. I plan to apply for a graduate degree in clinical psychology for the 2026-27 admission cycle as it is my dream to become a psychologist.
Jasmine Kapoor
I’m currently a fourth-year student in the Psychology & Neuroscience program at Laurier. I am going to start working at the IMPETuS lab as a research assistant for this academic year! My main research interests revolve around a combination of abnormal and social psychology. More specifically, I’m especially interested in the impacts of mental health on various interpersonal relationships. After undergrad, I hope to pursue further education and end up with a career in clinical psychology.
Selena Mekhaeil
I am a second year Health Sciences student here at Wilfrid Laurier University. I am starting to volunteer as a research assistant at the IMPETuS lab this academic year. My research interests span across various dominants of psychology, with a particular interest in the bidirectional relationship between identity and motivation. I hope to further my education after my time at Laurier and pursue a career in medicine.
Nataly Morales Hernandez
I am currently a fourth-year Health Sciences student at Wilfrid Laurier University working toward a minor in Psychology. I am very excited to volunteer at IMPETuS Lab as a Research Assistant for this academic year! My main research interests lie within the field of social psychology, particularly in understanding how cultural norms and societal inequities influence well-being, identity, and relationships. After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to apply to medical school, as I am deeply passionate and determined to pursue a career as a family physician.
Rajmeer Gill
I’m a fourth-year student in the Psychology & Neuroscience program at Wilfrid Laurier University, minoring in Biology. This year, I’ll be working as a research assistant at the IMPETuS Lab. My research interests center on the neuroscience of personality and how mental health influences interpersonal relationships. After completing my undergraduate degree, I will pursue a career in medicine, integrating my background in neuroscience, psychology, and biology to better understand and support mental health and well-being.
Grace Chiarenza
I am a fourth-year Psychology Research Specialist student. I am currently completing my thesis in Developmental Psychology, with a focus on children’s reading and language development. I have a strong passion for working with children and aspire to pursue a career as a psychotherapist specializing in child and relational therapy. In addition, I hold a deep interest in Social Psychology, particularly in exploring how individuals’ past experiences and expectations for the future influence their ability to thrive in society.
