Aislinn Sandre is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Western University and the Director of the Sandre Lab. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from McGill University and completed postdoctoral training at Teachers College, Columbia University. Aislinn's research focuses on how the brain processes emotion across development and how family and environmental experiences influence these processes to increase risk for psychopathology, especially depression and anxiety. She is also interested in whether interventions that target family and environmental experiences, such as reducing stress, can promote healthy brain and emotional development and reduce risk. Outside of the lab, Aislinn enjoys reading crime fiction, running in the Sifton Bog, traveling, and spending time with her family and her three cats.

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Olivia is a first-year MSc student in Clinical Psychology. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology from Queen’s University. Olivia is excited to investigate the neural response patterns that may predispose individuals to anxiety and depression, as well as the environmental processes that translate these vulnerabilities into psychopathology. Outside the lab Olivia enjoys reading, going on walks, and trying out new foods!

Funding: 

• Canada Graduate Research Scholarship-Master's, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (2026-2027) 

Awards: 

• Best Poster – New Results, Runner-Up at the Society for Affective Science (2026)

Ella is a first-year MSc student student in the Clinical Psychology Program at Western University, where she previously received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Her research interests include exploring how childhood stress can lead to alterations in biological pathways associated with cognitive and emotional development. She is also interested in how atypical development in these areas can increase a child's vulnerability to developing psychopathological disorders later in life. Outside of the lab, she enjoys cooking and baking, physical activity, traveling, and reading psychological thrillers!

Funding: 

• Canada Graduate Research Scholarship-Master's, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (2026-2027) 

Halle is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing an Honours Specialization in Psychology.  Her role in the lab involves coordinating projects, participant recruitment, and aid in weekly tasks. Halle is interested in how vulnerable populations are impacted by stress and adversity as well as prevention and intervention methods that can minimize their impact. In her personal time she enjoys going on walks with her dog and catching up with her family and friends over FaceTime.

Funding: 

• Western Undergraduate Student Research Internship (USRI; Summer 2026)

• Summer Undergraduate Psychology Experience in Research (SUPER) Fellowship, APA (Summer 2026)

Joshua is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing an Honours Psychology (BSc) degree. He has previously done research in the memory field, but is looking forward to learning about the developmental factors that affect various types of psychopathology. Josh also completed his honours thesis in the Sandre Lab! In his free time he loves cooking, going to the gym, and playing volleyball!

Funding: 

• BrainsCAN Diversity in Neuroscience Summer Internship (Summer 2026)