7. Movers and Shakers

Glossary of Terms

1. Developmental Psychology: The American Psychological Association describes developmental psychology as the study of human growth and changes across the lifespan, including: physical, cognitive, social, intellectual, perceptual, personality, and emotional growth.
2. Acculturation: Acculturation is the process whereby an individual from one cultural group learns and adopts elements of another cultural group, integrating them into his or her original culture. Although it can refer to any process of cultural integration, it is typically used to describe the ways in which an immigrant or non majority individual or group adopts cultural elements from the majority or mainstream culture, as the incentive is typically greater for acculturation to occur in this direction. (Berry JW. Conceptual approaches to acculturation In: Chun KM, Balls Organista P, Marín G (Eds.), Acculturation: Advances in theory, measurement, and applied research. (pp. 17–37) Washington, DC: American Psychological Association; 2003)
3. Comprehensive Research Project: During the first two years of Laurier’s Developmental Psychology PhD program, all students must complete a comprehensive research experience under the supervision of a faculty member other than their advisor.

Our Guests: 

1. Ali Jasemi: Ali is pursuing a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University in the Language & Literacy lab under Dr. Alexandra Gottardo’s supervision. Ali has pursued his master’s degree in the same field, researching second language acquisition and acculturation. Ali is also affiliated with the Centre for Leading Research in Education (CLRiE) and Bilingualism Matters@Laurier Initiative. Ali has assisted many newcomer immigrants and refugees with their resettlement process with varying responsibilities. In addition to his studies, Ali also provides mental health rehabilitation support to individuals with traumatic brain injuries. 
2. Avnee Sharma: Avnee is the Lab Coordinator and Community Outreach Coordinator of the CARE Lab. She completed her BA Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2020. She went on to complete her MA Developmental Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2022. Avnee is currently a second year PhD Developmental Psychology student under the supervision of Dr. Danielle Law.
3. Kiara Daw: Kiara is a second year Bachelor of Education candidate at Wilfrid Laurier University. She completed her MA in the Social Justice and Community Engagement program under the supervision of Dr. Marcia Oliver and Dr. Rebecca Godderis. Her thesis focused on investigating the impacts of educational disengagement on Black students’ educational experiences in Ontario school boards. She is passionate about youth justice and amplifying youth voices in education. Kiara is currently working as a research assistant with Dr. Steve Sider’s ‘Lead to Include’ team. Here, she is doing work on many projects focused on inclusive schooling, comparative and international education as well as inclusive school leadership, all centered around student belonging. She is also serving as project manager with Dr. Avis Beek’s STEMovation team, which is an initiative that encourages traditionally underrepresented groups to see themselves reflected in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.

Support & Funding

• The Centre for Leading Research in Education

Music Credits

• Shadows of Motown by Olive Musique

Resources

• The Centre for Leading Research in Education
• Know the Land
• Whose Land