Taylor Heffer

Lab Director

Dr. Heffer is a developmental psychologist interested in adolescence. Her primary line of research focuses on identifying cognitive and affective processes that contribute to elevated risk for mental health problems during adolescence. She is particularly interested in how these factors interact to predict individual differences as well as stability and change in adolescent wellbeing over time.

Team:

Graduate Students
Jessica Biasin
Jessica Biasin is an MSc student in the Forensic Psychology Program and is supported by the Government of Canada’s SSHRC scholarship. Her research interests are deeply rooted in understanding the complexities of human behaviour within legal contexts, focusing on antisocial personality traits of Honesty-Humility and how they develop non-linearly throughout adolescence. Her work aims to bridge gaps between psychological theory and practical applications in forensic settings, reflecting her commitment to advancing the field of forensic psychology.

Honour Students
Sharuya Mathavan
Sharuya Mathavan is a fourth-year general psychology student at Ontario Tech University. Her research interests primarily focus on developmental and child psychology, with a particular emphasis on worries, social media, and risky behaviours during adolescence. Outside of research and school, she enjoys going on walks, hanging out with friends and families, and watching her favourite shows and movies. ​Sharuya is also the Lab Assistant. 
Kimberleigh Cormier
Kimberleigh Cormier is a fourth-year general psychology student at Ontario Tech University. Her research interests primarily focus on developmental psychology, as well as sport and performance psychology. Outside of research and school, Kimberleigh is always keeping busy with her husband and three daughters, competes on an adult synchronized figure skating team, loves to watch hockey, go camping, and spend time outside.
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​​Rebecca Olesky
Rebecca Olesky is a fourth-year undergraduate student in the General Psychology program with a minor in Educational Studies and a specialization in Affective Science and Mental Health. She is mainly interested in youth, mental health, and child maltreatment. She likes to watch hockey and loves being on the ice coaching, teaching or playing. She aspires to be an elementary school teacher, as she loves being around kids.

Research Assistants
Emily Tyrrell
Emily Tyrrell received her BAH in Psychology from Queen’s University. She is interested in understanding socio-emotional development and brain maturation from infancy through adolescence, focusing on synthesizing findings across domains, and making scientific concepts accessible to a broader audience.
 Julia Marriott
Julia Marriott is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biological Science with a minor in Psychology at Ontario Tech University. Her research interests encompass animal and human biology, focusing on specific mechanisms in daily physiological processes. Additionally, she enjoys studying psychological development, with a particular emphasis on the progression of mental health across various age groups. Combining these two concepts, she hopes to explore the roles of biological factors in different stages of mental health development.
Sinthura Thuraisingam
Sinthura Thuraisingam is a fourth-year undergraduate at Ontario Tech University, completing a BSc in Psychology. Her research interests include cognition, psychopathology, behavioural psychology, perception, and decision-making. She hopes to research the intersection of cognitive and behavioural psychology, exploring how internal processes impact adolescent behaviour.
Wania Zafar
Wania Zafar is an enthusiastic undergraduate at Ontario Tech University, studying Medical Laboratory Science and minoring in Sustainability Studies. She’s curious about psychology, adolescence, and human behaviour, which shapes her research interests in mental health, cognitive processes, and well-being. Outside of her studies, Wania enjoys spending time with family and friends, going for long walks, reading, crocheting, and journaling. She also loves exploring new topics through online courses that spark her interest.
Anoopa Babu
Anoopa Babu is a fourth-year Forensic Psychology student at Ontario Tech University. Her research interests focus on identifying the processes and factors that uniquely affect adolescents' mental health and behaviour. In the future, she aspires to apply this knowledge to support and advocate for at-risk youths within the criminal justice system. Outside of research and school, she enjoys travelling, photography, and spending time with friends and family. ​

Alumni

  • Andraya Rinaldi (Research Assistant - Summer 2024)
  • Devlyn Yarenko (Honours Student - 2024)
  • Dryden Arseneau (Honours Student - 2024)
    • Affiliation: Western University (Graduate Student: Neuroscience)