Student Stories

Natalia Ruiz Cuartas is a PhD candidate in Sociology and Development Studies. Her doctoral research explores the intersection of gender and agroecology in Cuba. She is an international student from Colombia and is working on the Gender Equity in Agricultural Science research project. Through the International Development Studies (IDS) Specialization, Natalia has been able to integrate theory and practice while expanding her understanding of development as a process shaped by diverse cosmologies, power structures, and lived realities.

Abirami Kankatharan is in her second year of the Master of Relational and Family Therapy program at the Maplewoods Centre at the University of Guelph. Growing up in the Tamil community, Abirami became aware of the lingering stigma surrounding mental health, which inspired her to foster acceptance and support within her community. Her experiences supporting friends, family, and community members motivated her to pursue a career in psychotherapy and counselling.

Julia Meze is a fourth-year student in the Child Studies program at the University of Guelph. Passionate about supporting children and families, she has built a strong interdisciplinary foundation through her coursework and enriched her learning through hands-on practicum placements, applying classroom knowledge to real-world settings.

MacKenna Joyce is a recent graduate from the University of Guelph, where she earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Child Studies. During the summer of 2024, she worked at the University of Guelph’s Child Care and Learning Centre (CCLC), an experience she describes as nothing short of transformative. Immersed in the day-to-day realities of early childhood education, Mackenna gained insights that not only deepened her understanding of child development but also solidified her commitment to the field.

Lucas Porto is a fourth-year Psychology student at the University of Guelph. Throughout his undergraduate studies, Lucas has been actively involved in advocating for LGBTQIA+ youth inclusion. Growing up in a community where acceptance was limited, they faced challenges related to their gender identity and sexuality, which deeply shaped their understanding of mental health and resilience. Drawing from these lived experiences, Lucas is dedicated to creating safe, affirming spaces to better support queer youth.

Anna-Lisa Barrett earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Justice Studies in 2023 and is currently a second-year master’s student in the Criminal Justice and Public Policy (CJPP) program at the University of Guelph. As she navigated the challenges of graduate school, Anna-Lisa experienced the profound loss of her grandmother. Through this difficult journey, she confronted grief, self-doubt, and a sense of disconnection, but ultimately found strength and clarity through the support of her community.

Olivia Dobson is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Psychology’s Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (CCAP) program.

Under the supervision of Dr. Meghan McMurtry in the Pediatric Pain, Health and Communication (PPHC) Lab, Olivia’s research focuses on making needle procedure more comfortable for autistic youth and their caregivers.

Hillary Lo is a fifth-year student in the Applied Human Nutrition (AHN) program at the University of Guelph. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she has been actively involved in research, working with the Guelph Family Health Study to investigate dairy intake among children and its associations with health outcomes. Her passion for advancing maternal and infant health has led her to pursue a PhD in Nutrition after graduation, specializing in breastfeeding support and health equity.

What is your program and area of research?

For Julia Moraes, life has been anything but ordinary. Born and raised in Brazil, she arrived in Canada eight years ago with dreams of higher education and the hope of building a brighter future. Fast forward to 2024, Julia not only graduated from the University of Guelph’s Criminal Justice and Public Policy (CJPP) program but also became the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Dr. William (Bill) O’Grady Prize for Excellence in CJPP.