Lab Director
Dr. Uzma Rehman
Director, Assistant Professor
Dr. Rehman is the director of the Relationship Research Lab through which she leads research and supervises student research. For more information about Dr. Rehman and her research, please click here.
Co-Investigator
Dr. Christine Logel
Co-Investigator, Associate Professor
Dr. Logel is the co-investigator of the Relationship Research Lab. For more information about Dr. Logel and her research, please click here.
Graduate Students
Julia McNeil
Ph.D. Candidate, Clinical Psychology
Julia completed her B.A. in Honours Psychology at the University of Waterloo in 2012 and M.A. in Social Psychology at the University of Toronto in 2014. She is currenly completing her Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Waterloo while being supervised by Dr. Uzma Rehman.
Julia's current research is focused on how early experiences of sexual trauma affect long-term romantic relationships. Julia is also interested in research on attachment styles, positive illusions, research methodology, replication in psychology, and sexual communication.
Outside of school, Julia is a big fan of live theatre, she regularly goes skating, and she is a big fan of board games.
Jessica Edwards
Ph.D. Candidate, Clinical Psychology
Jessica is a PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Waterloo.
Jessica’s research focuses on understanding barriers or challenges people face with sexual consent communication, including predictors of these barriers and ways of addressing them to promote better sexual communication.
Her current hobby is bouldering.
Kendra Wasson
Ph.D. Candidate, Clinical Psychology
Kendra is a PhD student in clinical psychology, continuing her work in the Relationships Lab after completing her M.A. in 2023. She completed Honours Bachelor degrees in both Arts (Psychology) and Kinesiology from the University of New Brunswick. Her current program of research focuses on expanding our knowledge of the process of sexual communication. That is, why, what, and how we communicate sexual topics.
Kendra enjoys many activities outside of her work in the Relationships Lab, including exploring beautiful outdoor spaces and watercolouring.
Taranjot Bedi Padda
Graduate Student, Clinical Psychology
After receiving her B.A. Honours in Psychology and Philosophy at McGill University in 2023, Taranjot is completing her M.A. in Clinical Psychology under the supervision of Dr. Uzma Rehman.
Taranjot's research focuses on the relationship between culture and sexuality. Specifically, she is interested in exploring how endorsing purity culture and other culturally specific sexual norms and values relate to sexual health and well-being.
When she's not in the lab, Taranjot enjoys reading, watching movies, and running.
Bailea Erb
Graduate Student, Clinical Psychology
Bailea received her BSc in Honours Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour at McMaster University in 2022 and is currently completing her M.A. in Clinical Psychology under the supervision of Dr. Uzma Rehman. Bailea’s current research focuses on the phenomenology of shame. She hopes to expand this research to involve the relationship between shame and romantic relationships, and the interplay between shame and sexual experiences.
Outside of the lab, Bailea enjoys dancing, reading (for fun), and hanging out with her cat.
Kethmi Egodage
Graduate Student, Clinical Psychology
After receiving her B.Sc. Honours as a Psychology Research Specialist and Criminology Major at the University of Toronto in 2023, Kethmi is completing her M.A. in Clinical Psychology under the supervision of Dr. Uzma Rehman.
Kethmi's research focuses on the relationships between trauma and holistic relationship functioning within diverse communities. Specifically, she is interested in childhood maltreatment and abuse and its impact on intimacy capacities in adult romantic relationships in both sexual and non-sexual contexts, with a special focus on BIPOC and LGBTQ21A+ populations.
Outside of the lab, Kethmi enjoys reading, yoga, and cooking.
Lab Manager
Anna Zavadskaya
Anna recently completed her B.A. Honours degree in Psychology at the University of Waterloo. She is now working as a lab manager at the Relationship Research lab. Her current research focuses on sexual communication across different age groups.
In her free time, she enjoys taking her dog on hikes and pottery painting.
Honours Thesis and Directed Studies Students
Carolyn Zeng
Carolyn is currently completing her undergraduate Honours Thesis with Dr. Uzma Rehman. She is interested in exploring the intricacies of romantic relationships, specifically investigating the how relationship transgressions and sexual desire are related.
Outside of the lab, Carolyn enjoys drawing, reading, and planning imaginary trips to new countries.
Emma Brand
Emma is an undergraduate Thesis Student working with Dr. Logel and Dr. Rehman. She is investigating the role of sexual communication and well-being specifically in older adults. She is focusing explicitly on exploring the patterns that emerge surrounding what people wish to change about their sexual relationships.
Emma's current favourite hobby during her free time is to read and to get active. Often, she goes figure skating at the UW rink when she can!
Simran Mukkar
Simran is currently completing her BA in Honours Psychology at the University of Waterloo. As a directed studies student under Dr. Rehman's supervision, Simran is examining the relationship between purity culture in South Asian women and sexual health and well-being.
Outside of the lab, Simran enjoys pilates, long walks, and spending time with her cats.
Research Assistants
Ashpreet Bhullar
Ashpreet is a Research Assistant in Dr. Uzma Rehman’s lab, working on Taranjot Padda’s study exploring purity culture in South Asian women and its impact on sexuality and relationships. Ashpreet is in her final year of an Honours BSc in Psychology and plans to pursue a master’s degree, with research interests in developmental psychology, intimate relationships, and sexuality.
Outside of research, Ashpreet enjoys painting and staying active!
Mya Disbrow
Mya is currently working in the lab as one of Bailea's research assistants on her project studying shame, under the supervision of Dr. Rehman. She is interested in various aspects of mental health research. Last semester she was a research apprentice under the supervision of Dr. Logel, constructing a study regarding older adults and their sexuality.
Mya's current hobbies are reading and learning how to play the ukulele.
Athena Ip
Athena is an undergraduate student in her final term. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Fine Arts. She is thinking of pursuing a career as a counseling therapist and psychotherapist in the future, so please hit her up if you have any great tips :) She also works as a Crisis Responder with Kids Help Phone, where she finds the work really committed and meaningful.
Her favorite hobbies are traveling, getting a good coffee, and window shopping. Also, snuggling with cats and dogs!
Dhriti Mehra
As a volunteer research assistant, Dhriti contributes to ongoing projects and studies, primarily focusing on data analysis. She has a personal interest in understanding PTSD and trauma-associated disorders, and the potential of positive relationships and role models in mitigating the risks and impacts of these conditions.
Outside of research, Dhriti really enjoys taking long walks and occasionally painting!
Ashling Ayekun
Ashling is an undergraduate student pursuing a BSc in Honours Psychology. She is currently completing an honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Bergsieker, with Dr. Rehman serving as her thesis reviewer. Her research interests include close relationships, intergroup relations, race, intersectionality, and mental health.
Outside of research, she enjoys reading and watching films.