Who We Are
Jessica V Strong, PhD, ABPP
she/her
I'm a board certified and licensed geropsychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Prince Edward Island. I am passionate about working with and serving older adults in both my clinical work and in my research. Clinically, I conduct cognitive assessments for differential dementia diagnoses and provide psychotherapy for mental health issues in late life. I supervise students in the clinical Doctor of Psychology program at UPEI on developing geropsychology competencies.
My primary research interest is in cognition and aging, cognitive reserve, and how musical training and involvement protect against cognitive decline and promote well-being. I also enjoy applied research, including program development, implementation, and evaluation of services for older adults across settings. More recently, I have been involved in research related to the geriatric workforce pipeline, and how this pipeline may be impacted by factors including ageism vs. exposure to positive experiences interacting with older adults.
Lab Associates - Some of our collaborators!
Kirsten Graham, PhD
Kate King, PsyD
Olive Bryanton, PhD
Cindy Woolverton, PhD
William Montelpare, PhD
Evan Plys, PhD
Rachel
she/her
I am in my fourth and last year of the Doctor of Psychology program, currently on internship. I am passionate about health and wellness and fascinated by the aging process. I love working with older adults and hearing stories and wisdom stemming from lived experiences. My clinical dissertation examines the link between trauma and cognition in older adults, while also looking at the role of post traumatic growth and resiliency.
Jodi
she/her
Jodi is a third year student in the Doctor of Psychology program. She will be completing her dissertation on adult children caring for parents with dementia. Specifically, she is interested in how prior relationship quality impacts unmet needs and mental health in adult children caregivers.
Warren
he/him
Warren is a second year student in the Doctor of Psychology program. He will be completing his dissertation on sleep and dreaming in older adults.
Lanlan
she/her
Lanlan is the Age Strong Lab Manager for 2023-24! She is on the brink of completing her Honours of Psychology project under the mentorship of Dr. Strong. Her professional journey has included roles as a journalist and counselor, and she is committed to advancing her proficiency in the field of clinical psychology. Her current focal point revolves around death anxiety within the framework of multicultural perspectives. She is determined to elucidate the unique attributes and underlying factors contributing to death anxiety among immigrated populations.
Morgan
she/her
Hi! My name is Morgan and I graduated with my BSc in Psychology from UPEI in 2022. I have been working with the Age Strong Lab since 2019, focussing on the Impact of Music on Aging and Cognition project and the Seniors Survey. I am currently working on medical school applications and hope to become a physician. I am particularly interested in research on accessibility, advocacy and education, particularly when it relates to health care.
Maria M.
she/her
I am a returning 6th year student at the University of Prince Edward Island. I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2021 and this year I now have the pleasure of acquiring my Honours Thesis degree under the supervision of Dr. Strong. I am very excited to be a part of Age Strong PEI! I am very passionate about the older adult community and learning about how to improve healthy aging and quality of life as well as spreading awareness about ageism. I am looking forward to working with everyone here; it is great to be a part of a community that cares so much about the geriatric population!
Kaitlyn
she/her
I am a returning 5th year student at UPEI and I will be completing my Honours thesis in psychology this year with Dr. Takano. I am particularly interested in substance use and recovery processes, but am fascinated by all aspects of psychology. I enjoy broadening my scope of interests so I am very excited to be back volunteering in Dr. Strong’s research lab!
Danah
she/her
I am a psychology student with a passion for working with kids and a broad interest in topics across the lifespan. I am interested in research that improves the care provided to older adults as well as promotes diversity in psychology. Volunteering at Dr. Strong’s lab sparked my passion for research and taught me so much about the work that goes into research. I look forward to learning more and I hope to help people of all ages throughout my career!
Fairouz
she/her
Fairouz graduated in 2023. She particularly interested in social justice issues. She volunteers on the running and dementia project.
Dylan
he/him
Hello, my name is Dylan! I am a fourth year psychology major and sociology minor at UPEI. I am a sponge for knowledge and have a passion for research.
Nik Nurdayana Balqis Nik Akmal Rizal
she/her
I am currently in my 5th year of Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. I will be working on my honours thesis (23-24') under the supervision of Dr. Strong for thr topic of Religiousity/Spirituality specifically on struggle in relation to ACEs among individual across lifespan. Apart from that, I am an active volunteer in many organizations on PEI such as Hillsborough Hospital, Canadian Blood Services and Canadian Red Cross! I am passionate about Spirituality and Environment that influence our perspective when understanding the meaning of life and our relationship with others. I hope to be able to work in Research field someday :)
Nathaniel
he/him
I am in the final year of my Psychology Degree with a minor in Business Administration. I am keenly interested in all forms of psychological research; my main interest has been in qualitative research and studying older adults. I am volunteering in the lab to better understand how research is conducted outside of the classroom and to take these skills into my future endeavours.
Lab Alumni
Emily Jewell, PsyD
Katie (Master's in Counseling)
Madison (Master's in Education)
Clare (Master's in OT)
Aiping (Law School)
Rhiannon (Bachelor of Education)
Ryan (Master's in OT)
Caroline (applying for mental health support jobs)
