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Kanza Batool, President, DPE PhD, Year 2

Kanza is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Developmental Psychology and Education program at ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½. As a member of the APHD student association, she aims to create opportunities for student connection and collaboration. Kanza is dedicated to enhancing the student experience at ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ by addressing the needs and concerns of APHD students.

Research focus: Child Development, Children's Moral Judgments, and Young Children’s Cheating Behaviours 

After my degree, I want to: Work in not-for-profit organizations to create and improve programs that support marginalized groups in our community.

Remarks to APHD students: A warm welcome to all APHD students! As you embark on this exciting academic journey, remember that you are part of an incredible community that supports and empowers each other, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Together, we can create a thriving environment that fosters growth and learning.

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Darshan Panesar, Vice President, DPE PhD, Year 5

Darshan is currently a fifth year Ph.D. student in the Developmental Psychology and Education Program and the Collaborative Program in Neuroscience. He looks forward to being a part of your APHD Student Association and strives to be an engaged colleague and peer mentor for incoming and current students. He is dedicated to building an open network of learning and growth by connecting students, faculty, and other members of the APHD and ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ communities.

Research focus:  Sleep Development and Psychophysiology

After my degree, I want to: Pursue a career in academia and research facilitating our understanding of sleep development, problems, and treatments.

Remarks to APHD students: A heartfelt welcome to our new and returning students! We are a vibrant community filled with knowledge and support, who are dedicated to assisting and inspiring you. Together, let's foster a positive, thriving environment and make this year one of growth and memorable experiences!

Liyuzhi (Dolly) Dong, Finance Officer, DPE PhD, Year 1

Dolly is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Developmental Psychology and Education program. As a researcher of academic integrity, she is committed to approaching financial responsibilities with thoroughness and dedication, with the goal of maintaining and protecting the fiscal integrity of APHD SA.

Research Focus: Expressive behaviors, Early Childhood Cheating

After my degree, I want to: continue to do cool research and get a puppy.

Remarks to APHD Students: Greetings to all APHD students! It's fantastic to have you with us. UofT, ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½, and APHD have a treasure trove of resources and exciting events just for you. Dive in and make the most of these opportunities. Looking forward to running into each other at ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½, don’t be a stranger!

Teresa Orbillo, Communications Officer, DPE PhD, Year 2

Teresa is a first year PhD student in the Developmental Psychology and Education program, with a program emphasis on Program Evaluation. She is also a member of the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ Alumni Association Student Advisory Committee helping conduct events that foster community engagement. Teresa is on the communications team for the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) Student Emerging Evaluator Network, working to promote and enhance evaluation practice nationally. As a Neurofeedback Therapist, she values interpersonal connection and helping individuals reach their goals! Her goal with the APHD SA, is to improve student engagement, and to have fun while doing so!

Research focus: Physiological Reactivity, Emotion, Autism and Neurofeedback

After my degree, I want to: Become an entrepreneur, melding my clinical, research and evaluation skills. If I am making a positive impact on lives, I’ll be happy!

Remarks to APHD students: A warm welcome to all APHD students, I am beyond excited to work with all of you this year! Feel free to email me at teresa.orbillo@mail.utoronto.ca with any questions, concerns or if you just want to talk!

Zein Abuosbeh, Equity & Diversity Officer, DPE PhD, Year 3

Zein is a PhD student in the Developmental Psychology and Education Program. She is looking forward to being part of the APHD Student Association. Zein’s goal in this position is to provide a safe space for APHD students to express themselves and any concerns they may have.

Research focus: Language Development, Bi/Multilingualism, Applied Psycholinguistics.

After my degree, I want to: Explore post-doctoral opportunities and course instructor positions.

Remarks to APHD students: Welcome to APHD! There is so much for you to learn, I know that it might be difficult sometimes but that’s completely normal, just trust the process and know that you have an amazing community that wants you to succeed. Never hesitate to reach out, we’re all ready to help!