Research in the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology (CAN) Lab broadly focuses on the role of executive functions in development, spanning from the preschool years through early adulthood. Executive functions are self-regulatory abilities that we use in situations that are new, difficult, dangerous, and/or that require a different way of responding. Some of these abilities emerge early in life and are foundational to purposeful behaviour, like paying attention, keeping track of important information, and stopping ourselves from acting impulsively. Other abilities are more complex and take longer to develop, such as learning how to juggle competing demands for our time, plan effectively, and keep ourselves organized. Our studies examine how these abilities develop, why they are important, and what we can do to strengthen and/or support them in order to reduce impairment, and improve function, in day-to-day life.
News
Match day!
Congratulations to our senior doctoral student, Eleenor Abraham, who has matched at the Surrey Place predoctoral residency in Toronto this year! Eleenor, we are proud of this accomplishment and wish you the very best in this next phase of your clinical training.
Congratulations Mahsa!
Congratulations to Mahsa Sadeghi, who successfully defended her doctoral work in an oral examination today. Mahsa's research consists of three studies examining the interplay of executive functions and motivation in youth, including those diagnosed with ADHD, and includes a version of Goal Management Training that was modified for use with ADHD youth online. Mahsa, the lab is very proud of this wonderful accomplishment - though we will miss you when you leave for your residency.
Congratulations Fatima!
Congratulations to PhD student Fatima Wasif, who has matched for a part-time neuropsychology assessment practicum at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto this year. Fatima will split her time between the pediatric oncology and liver transplant rotations. Way to go Fatima!