Today’s #TuesdayTrainee James Avery was recently accepted into a Clinical Psychology PhD Program at McGill University! James has been a part of our lab since 2021 as a research assistant.
James graduated from McGill University in 2022 with a B.A. in Psychology (Dean’s Honour List, First Class Honours), having completed two honours theses. The first thesis titled “Rewriting the script: How COVID-19affected the relation between intrinsic aspirations and depressive symptoms” was published with him as the first author in Personality and Individual Differences.
In his time post graduation with the lab, he has received many scholarships– Fond de recherche du Québec, Master’s Research Scholarship (declined), the SSHRC-CRSH Canada Graduate Scholarship (declined), and the Derek Eaves Research Grant funded by IAFMHS for a project evaluating unauthorised leaves (UAL) from BC’s forensic psychiatric hospital. The project uses two UAL-specific risk assessment tools to compare those patients who do versus those who do not engage in UALs. The patients are evaluated on the basis of how the UAL affected their trajectory in the hospital. Community access is key to successful reintegration and recovery, and requires staff to balance the needs of the patients and protecting the community– while infrequent, UALs pose significant threats to the patient, community and hospital.
James’ proposed thesis for the Clinical Program will evaluate how cultural values moderate relationships between motivation and mental health outcomes. This research will inform the development of person-centered and culturally sensitive resources/interventions designed to support students’ mental health and goal pursuit.
James has already been pursuing his interest in the importance of embedding cultural consideration into clinical practice to increase patient satisfaction and outcomes through a study of Correctional Health Services with our team. He presented some of the first results of this work at the Canadian Psychological Association 2023 conference and the 2023 BCMHSUS Research Day. Click here to see his poster.
James will be leaving the lab to begin his graduate studies in the fall of 2024. Some of the many things I respect about James are his attention to detail, his compassionate approach to interacting with people, his patience and exceptional mentoring of other junior trainees, and his excellent project management skills. On a personal note, I believe he will be successful in part because he has already learned the importance of a balanced life – continuing to ski, play soccer, and prioritizing family. I love the fact that he has dinner regularly with his grandparents! [As a new grandma, that gives me hope for the future that our little munchkin won’t leave us in the dust when he has something better to do!]. Seriously, James, it has been such a pleasure to have you on the team. We are going to miss seeing you regularly; I am eager to watch your career trajectory!