Find us in FSS 2050!
We're happy to answer any questions about what we do and how we can help you through your undergraduate career. We swear we won't bite!
Our Mission
The Psychology Students’ Association (PSA) is a federated body of the University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU) with the mandate to offer information to all its members about subjects related to the field of psychology and student life.
OUR TEAM
The Psychology Student Association is comprised a team of executive members whose goal is to represent psychology students at the University of Ottawa at the undergraduate level.
Your President - Liza Ilin
I’m from: Ottawa, Ontario
Year: 3rd
BA or BSc? BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As the President, I will help behind the scenes and support all executive members in achieving their initiatives and responsibilities. I will work closely with each executive member to ensure that the events, activities, and services offered by the PSA are inclusive, accessible, engaging, and sustainable. Ultimately, my primary goal is to ensure that all students’ voices feel heard and supported.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: Spending time with my friends, watching movies (especially Harry Potter), listening to music, going on walks, and dancing.
Advice for students: Make the most of your university experience! University is a time to explore your interests, aspirations and create a memorable experience for yourself. As such, this is a great opportunity to join clubs, meet new people, volunteer, and look for other ways to immerse yourself on campus. This will require some effort, determination and commitment, but I promise that it is so worth it!
Academic Interests? Neuroscience, Psychopathology, Personality, and Statistics
Language Proficiency: English, French and Russian
Two words that describe me best: Positive and Hard-working
Fun Fact: I don't use any condiments (such as mustard or ketchup) when eating hamburgers or hotdogs!
Contact me: president@psaep.ca
Your Vice Presidents of Internal Affairs -
Lev Kalin
I’m from: Montreal, Quebec
Year: 2nd
BA or BSc? BSc
Pronouns: He/Him
What is my role in my position? As the VP of Internal Affairs, my job is to coordinate the use of PSA resources, overseeing and distributing merchandise for the faculty, coordinating executive meetings and office hours, managing volunteer hours and opportunities, and working closely with the president to ensure the PSA runs efficiently.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: Watching hockey (Go Habs Go!), playing basketball, hanging out with my dog, playing chess and spending time with family and friends.
Advice for students: Get involved with the university however you can. There are so many fun experiences waiting for you. It is a great way to meet new people, get more involved in your program and build a community on campus.
Academic Interests: Cognitive Aging, Sports Psychology, Behavioural Neuroscience, Social Psychology, and Cognitive Development.
Language Proficiency: English, French and Hebrew
Two words that best describe you: Motivated and Creative
Fun Fact: I have 5 siblings!
Contact me: internal@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Philanthropy - Mikaleigh Cairns
I’m from: Toronto, Ontario
Year: 4th
BA or BSc? BA with a minor in Communications
Pronouns: She/her
What is my role in my position? In my role as the Vice President of Philanthropy and Activism, I work to plan fundraising and activism events for students in psychology and the uOttawa community. I am excited to bring students together for exciting events that support a great cause with the support of the PSA executive team. If you have any fundraiser ideas or causes you are passionate about, please be sure to contact me (email below)!
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: Rewatching my favourite shows, playing board games, listening to music, and being active with my friends outside (skating, Spikeball, mini golf, soccer, tennis, etc!)
Advice for students: University is full of new and exciting experiences. It challenges you to learn not only academically but also to develop personally. Say yes to new experiences and people and you will find your rhythm! Trust the process, be patient with yourself, and form a support system to help you along the way. Also, it goes by so quickly, so be sure to slow down sometimes and appreciate your time here!
Academic Interests: Psychology and Health, Interpersonal Communication, Child Development and Social Psychology
Language Proficiency: English (native), French (fluent)
Two words that best describe you: Friendly and Passionate
Fun Fact: I was in the 2015 PanAm Games opening ceremony with Cirque du Soleil!
Contact me: philanthropic@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Social Affairs - Rachel Pang
I’m from: Calgary, Alberta
Year: 2nd
BA or BSc? BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As the VP of Social Affairs, I organize and host social events throughout the academic year for students within the School of Psychology, in addition to students from other faculties via RSG (registered student government) collabs. My goal is to bring forth events that will allow students to interact with their peers and feel like a part of a community.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: Going for walks, reading, baking, listening to music, and attempting poetry.
Advice for students: The perfection you seek is not what you receive. There will always be “just another club, just one more commitment, just a couple more hours.” In your search for perfection, you miss the little details along the way. University is so much more than just top grades and back-to-back extracurriculars; it’s also late nights laughing with friends, exploring a new world, and creating the life your childhood self always dreamed of. Take a step back and admire how far you’ve come.
Academic Interests? Child Psychology, Eating Disorders, Nutrition, Twin Relationships, Addiction, and Social Psychology
Language Proficiency: English, Mandarin, French (proficient)
Two words that best describe you: Passionate and Empathetic
Fun Fact: My immediate family is currently living in 4 different time zones!
Contact me: social@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Communications - Silvi Ivardi
I’m from: Southern Ontario (Oakville, Barrie, Midland) but grew up in St. John's, NL and currently live in Thunder Bay, ON
Year: 2nd
BA or BSc? BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? My role is to ensure psychology students are kept up to date with pertinent information (i.e. events, mental health resources, opportunities) in both French and English, sending out newsletters, updating the website and the social medias, answering emails and DM’s and directing students to available resources.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: Cats (my cat if I'm home, if not, cat videos!), hanging out with my friends, reading with a cup of coffee, dancing with the UOttawa Dance Club or being a part of a big crowd of people!
Advice for students: Always reach out to your TA's when you need help in class! They've been in your place before, and they have all sorts of tips and tricks for how to succeed in your classes, especially in science!
Academic Interests: Motivational Psychology, Neuroscience, Social Psychology, Behavioural Neuroscience and Organic Chemistry.
Language Proficiency: English (native) and French (fluent)
Two words that best describe you: Extraverted and Happy
Fun Fact: I'm also the VP Finance for the UOttawa Dance Club!
Contact me: communications@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Finance - Ema Macleod
I’m from: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Year: 2nd
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? My position on the PSA is VP of financial affairs. My job on the PSA is primarily to create the budgets for activities and ensure PSA funds are spent responsibly. I will also work with members of the PSA, when they spend their own money, to ensure they are reimbursed. I as well provide UOSU with reports of the PSA’s spending. These reports are to ensure money was spent responsibly and all money is accounted for.
When I'm down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Watching sitcoms like friends or modern family, listening to music (especially Taylor Swift), hanging out with my friends, and going for walks on the canal!
Advice for students: Do not overwork yourself. University is such an amazing and unique time of your life. Make sure that you are able to do what makes you happy. There are so many clubs and opportunities available on campus and there are many amazing experiences to be had. Try your best to make time for what makes your heart happy. School can get hard but having activities outside of school can make the stress more manageable!
Academic Interests: Positive psychology, Social Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Child Development and Abnormal psychology
Language proficiency: English
Two words that best describe me: Optimistic and Animated
Fun Fact: I was once on a radio Disney quiz show about Disney princesses and got every question wrong.
Contact me: finance@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of University Affairs - Juanita Calderon
I’m from: Newmarket, Ontario
Year: 5th
BA or BSc: BA with a minor in Social Sciences of Health
Pronouns: She/Her
As the VP of University Affairs, I am responsible for supporting students with any academic inquiries, conflicts, appeals, grade reviews and course selection. I’m focused on promoting the improvement of the Psychology program at UOttawa and aiding students with their professional and personal growth. I also organize events and panels that contribute to the academic development of undergraduate psychology students.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Having dance parties with my friends, spending time with my family & cuddling my cat. Also getting some comfort food and watching a favorite movie!
Advice for students: Try your best to still invest time and energy into your personal growth and interests. This is where your passion, dedication and joy will come from and will (hopefully!) align with your academic pursuits/career and all your hard work will feel so rewarding. Be true to yourself and your values and join some fun clubs on campus!
Academic Interests: Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychopathology, Sports Psychology, Women’s Health and Social Sciences of Health
Language proficiency: English, French and Spanish
Two words that best describe me: Passionate and Curious
Fun Fact: I love to dance and one of my favorite clubs on campus is the UODC (Uottawa Dance Club)!!
Contact me: universityaffairs@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Equity - Jihane Mkhatri
I’m from: Casablanca, Morocco
Year: 4th
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As the VP of Equity, I will be involved and responsible for promoting and ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion within the association and its activities. I will be making sure that our psych students feel welcome and represented in all the endeavors taken by the association as well as making sure the events are accessible and sustainable.
When I'm down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Practicing my religion, taking myself out on a solo date, and talking to my family and best friends.
Advice for students: Make your own path and don’t worry about what people are doing or thinking. Everyone is on a different journey and in a different chapter of their life. No one goes through the hardships you’re going through so be compassionate and kind to yourself always, there is only one of you!
Academic Interests: Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Couples Psychology and Human Sexualities
Language proficiency: English, French and Arabic
Two words that best describe me: Altruistic and Hard-working
Fun Fact: I have watched Gilmore Girls 11 times in the span of 3 years.
Contact me: equity@psaep.ca
Your Director of Secretarial Affairs - Anupriya Kakkar
I’m from: Ottawa Ontario
Year: 3rd
BA or BSc: BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As the Director of Secretarial Affairs, my role is to take attendance and meeting minutes during Executive Team meetings. My role also includes helping the other executive members in setting up events.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: spending time with my friends and family, playing guitar, photography, late night drives and watching comedy movies.
Advice for students: Focus on the present and your mental well-being ALWAYS. Remember to always be kind to yourself and have a positive mindset. Your thoughts become your actions and your actions become your reality.
Academic interests: Neuroscience, Psychological Disorders and Treatments, Anatomy and Physiology.
Language proficiency: Hindi, English and French (beginner)
Two words that best describe me: Outgoing and Empathetic
Fun fact: I was born in New York.
Contact me: secretarialaffairs@psaep.ca
Your Director of Marketing and Promotions - Carolyn Arner
I’m from: Cottam, Ontario (near Windsor)
Year: 4th
BA or BSc: BA with a minor in Business Management
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position?: As the Director of marketing and promotion, I will create and administer promotional campaigns on the social media accounts of the PSA. I plan to foster a sense of community within the PSA Executives and students through open communication and mutual respect.
When I'm down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Hitting the gym, swimming, listening to music, painting, reading, singing and spending time with friends!
Advice for students: Find a group or cause you enjoy and get invested. The best way to make friends, find connections, and feel empowered is to get involved.
Academic Interests: Motivation, Leadership, Organizational Psychology, Development, Health Psychology and Sport Psychology
Language proficiency: English
Two words that best describe me: Outgoing and Creative
Fun Fact: I have the entire Mammia Mia 1 movie script memorized.
Contact me: promo@psaep.ca
Your Director of Bilingualism and Translation - Gabe Kotch
I’m from : Barrie, Ontario
Year: 3rd
BA or BSc? BSc
Pronouns: He/Him
What is my role in my position? As Director of Bilingualism and Translation, my role is to promote a bilingual environment for both French-speaking and English-speaking students and ensure that all documents shared by the PSA reflect both official languages.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: Writing, baking, or doing New York Times crossword.
Advice for students: Being at university isn’t all about school — it’s learning to live on your own for what is most likely the first time. Take your time and make decisions right by you because self-discovery is so much more important than school will ever be.
Academic Interests? School Psychology, Cognition and Neuropsychology
Language Proficiency: French and English
Two words that best describe you: Procrastinating Author
Fun Fact: I have changed my program twice.
Contact me: bilingualism@psaep.ca
Your 101 Week Coordinator - Arianna Houle
I’m from: Russell, Ontario
Year: 5th
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As 101-week coordinator, I’m planning, organizing, and running the PSA’s 101 week (with close help from my other exec members). I want to make this 101-week an event to remember for all the incoming first years who participate! 101-week is one of the best ways to make friends in first year and get a chance to know people in your program as well as meeting students from other programs and faculties and I am honoured to be able to help facilitate that this year!
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Hitting the gym, going for a drive and blasting some music, or taking a bath.
Advice for Students: University is a time to find yourself! Take the opportunity to study something new, join a new club, try a new hobby, or really do anything to expand your boundaries and get out of your comfort zone!
Academic Interests: Psychopathology, Forensic Psychology, Social Psychology and Criminology.
Language Proficiency: English and French
Two Words To Describe Me: Energetic and Driven
Fun Fact: My goal is to be able to bench 185lbs by the end of the year.
Contact me: ahoul013@uottawa.ca
I’m from: Ottawa, Ontario
Year: 4th
BA or BSC: BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As a council member I really want to make sure the voices of psychology students are heard. It is so important that the faculty understands the concerns, needs, and desires of their students. I hope to be able to create a better bridge between the student body and the faculty.
When I'm down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Cooking and baking, brunch, watching netflix, and hanging out with my friends.
Advice for students: Be kind to yourself, university is not easy for anyone!
Academic interests: Cognition, Clinical Psychology, Child Psychology and Neuroscience
Language Proficiency: English, French and Hebrew
Two words that best describe me: Enthusiastic & Hardworking
Fun Fact: I have a best friend with the same first name!
Contact me: council@psaep.ca
Samantha Clement
I’m from: Paris, ON
Year: 3rd
BA or BSc: BSc
Pronouns: She/Her/Elle
What is my role in my position? As a general council member, I attend School of Psychology council meetings with professors within the program. At these meetings, I note updates from the professors on matters related to the psychology program. I also act as a representative of the undergraduate students at these meetings by advocating for psych undergraduate students!
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: spending time with my friends (and their pets), listening to music, baking for my roommates, and skating.
Advice for students: Try to get involved with anything you’re interested in! We have so many wonderful clubs, sports, and student organizations on campus that anyone can join! Always prioritize your comfort and health but for me, getting involved has truly elevated my university experience!
Academic Interests: Child Development, Drugs & Behaviour, Psychopathology, Personality, Behavioural Neuroscience, and Forensic Psychology.
Language Proficiency: English and French (beginner)
Two-words that best describe me: Passionate and Hard-working
Fun fact: I grew up on a dairy farm!
Contact me: council@psaep.ca
Farah Abuosbeh
I’m from: Montreal, Quebec
Year: 4th
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: she/her
What is my role in my position? My job as one of the PSA’s council members is to be the link between the psychology undergraduate student body and the School of Psychology. I will attend the management and the school council meetings of the School of Psychology to stay current on what is happening within the School. I am here to voice your concerns, comments, and inquiries to the School of Psychology. I will also relay information from these meetings back to the PSA and to you. Do not hesitate to contact my fellow council members and I whenever you have a question, complaint, concern, or comment; we are here to listen and to help in any way we can.
When I'm down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Listening to music, watching youtube, talking to those close to me, taking a nap, eating good food, and reading (I love books very much they’re my best friends at this point).
Advice for students: Do not get hung up over one grade or course, especially early on in your degree – you will always have a chance to do better in the future. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and remember that we all go through ups and downs at university. Lastly, be open to new and interesting experiences! Join that student government, go to that movie night, and join clubs that share your interests! Remember that this can be a fun experience and does not have to be one riddled with worrying and overworking yourself.
Academic Interests: Psychopathology, Mood Disorders, Adolescent and Adult Psychology, and Clinical Psychology.
Language proficiency: English, Arabic, and French (intermediate).
Two words that best describe me: Optimistic and Helpful
Fun Fact: I love animals and have a pet bunny named Bugs (yes, as in Bugs Bunny… very original I know).
Contact me: council@psaep.ca