Lab Director
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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Graduate Student
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!
Graduate Student
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!
Lab Manager
Halle is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing an Honours Specialization in Psychology at Western University. Her role in the lab involves coordinating projects, participant recruitment, and aid in weekly tasks. Halle is interested in how vulnerable populations are implicated in the legal system, specifically children who experience chronic stress. She hopes to obtain a career in legal policy, where she can contribute to creating inclusive and preventative programs that serve youth and young adults who are at high risk of committing crime. In her personal time she enjoys going on walks with her dog and catching up with her family and friends over FaceTime.
Honours Thesis Student
Anisa is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing an Honours Specialization in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (BSc) degree at Western University. Her academic and research interests focus on cognitive development across the lifespan and clinical psychology. She was recently awarded an undergraduate summer research internship (USRI) in which she is examining the development of frontal alpha asymmetry from infancy to childhood and whether positive parenting behaviors predict differences in this development. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the flute and alto saxophone, learning about archaeology, and spending time with family and friends.
Honours Thesis Student
Joshua is a 4th 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. In his free time he loves cooking, going to the gym, and playing volleyball!
Research Assistant
Connie Lea Tsai is a fourth-year student at Western University pursuing an Honours Specialization in Psychology. Her academic and research interests focus on cognitive development, children’s social-emotional wellbeing, and clinical psychology. Her long-term career goal is to become a clinical or counselling psychologist, with aspirations of one day running her own private practice to help individuals navigate everyday life challenges with compassion and evidence-based care. At Western, she is also involved in several clubs, including the Schizophrenia Club, the Taiwanese Association, and CAISA Fashion Show. Beyond school, she enjoys thrifting, baking, and playing the guitar.
Research Assistant
Hiva is a third-year student at Western University pursuing an Honours Specialization in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. Her research interests focus on using brain imaging techniques to assess neural mechanisms of cognitive development. She is particularly interested in brain–behaviour relationships, functional connectivity, and physiological processes of neurons and hormones, with applications to clinical psychology and developmental disorders. Her long-term career goal is to pursue a PhD and work as a neuropsychologist. Hiva is actively involved in student organizations, including the Schizophrenia Club and Western Alzheimer’s Club, where she contributes to community outreach, awareness campaigns, and volunteer initiatives. Outside of academia, she enjoys DJing, spending time with her cats, and painting.
Lab Alumni