Graduate Students
Tianzi Dou, B.Sc.
Tianzi Dou is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at the University of Guelph. Previously, she obtained her Honors Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alberta.
Her master’s thesis focuses on exploring how to enhance the employability of socioeconomically disadvantaged job candidates through strength-based approaches and the consideration of meritocratic factors. The goal is to ensure that the potential of applicants can be recognized with less bias.
Building on her prior research experience, Tianzi is also examining issues related to acculturation and intercultural communication. With her ongoing training in IO psychology, she also hopes to address the cultural challenges faced by organizations, particularly those concerning diverse workforces and organizational justice.
As one of the few international graduate students in the program, Tianzi reflects on her experience and brings unique perspectives to research and consulting work.
Beyond her research, Tianzi is committed to serving the community by helping newcomers with linguistic and cultural barriers. In her spare time, she enjoys reading literature, practicing creative writing, making travel guides, and exploring nature.
Amara Robbins, B.A.
Amara Robbins is a MA student in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program at the University of Guelph. Her current research focuses on hiring bias towards candidates with a criminal record, and whether this bias can be mitigated. The goal is to foster more equitable selection and recruitment procedures.
Amara completed her Bachelor of Arts Honours with a major in Psychology at the University of Guelph. Before embarking on her MA journey, Amara worked in several research labs, contributing to projects in the fields of industrial-organizational psychology, clinical psychology, and forensic psychiatry.
In addition to her academics, Amara serves as a consultant at Organization and Management Solutions (OMS), collaborating with public organizations to facilitate small-group sessions on structured interview training.
Beyond her professional engagements, Amara enjoys travelling, spending time with her family, and listening to podcasts.
Sally Xie, B.Sc.
Sally Xie is a MA student in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program at the University of Guelph. Prior to this, Sally earned her Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology at the University of Waterloo. Sally’s research interests include investigating prejudice, stereotyping, exploring individual experiences of inequality, and intergroup dynamics.
Currently, Sally’s master’s thesis is investigating individual beliefs about inequality and its influence on admissions decisions.
Sally has previous research examining benevolent stereotypes (i.e., model minority stereotype).
Outside of research, Sally embeds herself in her community and spends her time volunteering for not-for-profit organizations. In Sally’s spare time, she loves to knit and explore as much of the world as she can!
Undergraduate Students
Sarah Cappellaro
Sarah is in her final year as a Bachelor of Arts Co-op Honours Psychology student. She is also minoring in Political science.
Sarah has experience in Dr. Paula Barata’s lab as a research assistant, and is currently the lab coordinator for Dr. Song Hing’s lab. Sarah has experience in data analytics through her co-op at Institutional Analysis and Research at the University of Guelph, and became passionate for research through these experiences.
Sarah completed her honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Leanne Son Hing. Sarah is now part of the lab as lab coordinator and a research assistant. Sarah is eager and very passionate to learn and gain experience in the field of I-O psychology research and will be pursuing postgraduate education in this field.
Outside of academics, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves to read.
Wing Tse
Meet Wing, an Honours Thesis student devoted to compassionately supporting the communities he is a
part of. As a full-time firefighter and a reservist for the CAF, Wing is researching the organizational factors in fire departments that affect firefighters’ well-being. He is interested in learning the degree to which psychological safety, stigma, and other paramilitary workplace experiences can lead to psychological outcomes.
As a peer supporter and IPED/CISM member on his fire department, Wing realized that mental health concerns are much more than just PTSD, emergency response, and operational job demands. Through progressing in his education and training in counselling, Wing is driven to acknowledge the challenges and barriers toward mental health and to facilitate resources to improve firefighter and first responder welfare. Wing hopes to pursue a master’s degree in psychology to focus on his passion for sustaining the mental well-being of first responders.
As a Studio Arts minor, Wing enjoys creating art through drawing, painting, and contemporary mediums. Outside of academics, Wing is a property manager and enjoys working with his hands on home renovations and maintenance.
Grace Manning
Grace is in her third year as a Bachelor of Arts Honours Psychology student with a minor in Sex, Gender, and Social Change.
Grace is new to Dr. Son Hing’s lab, volunteering as an experiential learning student she is beginning her journey in research and is enthusiastic to work in the WIDE GEN Lab. She is excited for the new experience she will learn with her lab team and to grow her research skills as a Psychology student.
Grace is continuing to pursue her undergraduate degree and is hoping to begin work on her honours thesis where she can combine her academic focus in Psychology with her passion for gender equity and social change.
Outside of research, Grace enjoys reading, writing, and almost anything outdoors.
