The social and clinical psychology areas of the Department of Psychology have much to be proud of - and this week that includes the announcement of the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships for 2016. Two PhD students are among the recipients.
Harrison
Oakes,
a
psychology
PhD
candidate
in
the
Faculty
of
Arts,
specializing
in
social
psychology,
will
use
his Social
Sciences
and
Humanities
Research
Council
(SSHRC) scholarship
to
conduct
research
and
develop
strategies
that
will
address
the
root
cause
of
social
prejudice
—
such
as
ageism
and
homophobia
—
and
enhance
connections
between
different
social
groups.
Along
with
advancing
understanding
of
what
causes
prejudice,
his
research
will
help
to
increase
peoples’
sense
of
social
connection
using
inexpensive
strategies.
Siobhan Sutherland, also a psychology PhD candidate in the Faculty of Arts, who is specializing in clinical psychology, will use her Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) scholarship to examine if and how discussions by couples about their sexual life are more mentally draining than nonsexual discussions. As part of her research, which aims to improve the quality of romantic relationships, she will test a communication technique called cognitive reappraisal to determine if it helps to facilitate healthy sexual communication between partners.
“We are very proud of our Vanier scholars,” said Jeffrey Casello, Associate Provost, Graduate Studies. “Their research will advance the social, mental and physical well-being of Canadians and people around the world. Their recognition with these prestigious awards speaks to the breadth of scholarship at Waterloo, spanning engineering and social sciences, with an emphasis on health.”
The Government of Canada launched the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program in 2008 to strengthen Canada's ability to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. Vanier Scholars demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and/or humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering and health. Vanier scholarships are valued at $50,000 per year over the course of three years.