Research Team
Lab Director
Emily Cameron, PhD, R.Psych
Dr. Emily Cameron (she/her) is a Psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University (SFU). Dr. Cameron is an Investigator with the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Affiliate Member of the Women’s Health Research Institute at BC Women’s, Member of the Institute for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology at SFU, and SFU’s Child Research Group Member Lab.
Dr. Cameron completed a BSc (Hons) in Combined Psychology and Biology from the University of Victoria. She completed her MSc and PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Calgary and clinical residency in the Department of Clinical Health Psychology (Child & Adolescent Stream) at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Cameron has specialized training in program development, clinical trials, eHealth interventions, and peer coaching augmented interventions from two postdoctoral fellowships.
Dr. Cameron grew up in the BC Lower Mainland in a wonderfully blended family. Now, as a parent, her work is informed by these lived experiences alongside her clinical and research background. In her spare time, she loves exploring the West Coast through hiking, beach days, good food, and dog walks.
Graduate Research Students
Nushaiba Nanjiba, MA Student
Nushaiba is a second year Masters of Counselling Psychology student at Simon Fraser University. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Counselling and Human Development from Simon Fraser University. Her research interest lies in investigating the experiences of immigrant and refugee fathers in their transition to fatherhood and the supports and barriers to their wellbeing. Nushaiba works as a support worker at an emergency shelter for women and children providing emotional and instrumental support to those experiencing homelessness. She has diverse previous research experience in (1) understanding people in consensual non-monogamous relationships and how they navigate stigma and (2) as a project coordinator on the Aging in the Right Place project, which looks at what supports older adults with experiences of homelessness age in their housing environment. Outside of school and work, Nushaiba enjoys reading romance novels, pilates, and spending time with friends and family.
Troy Holmes, MA Student
Troy (he/him) received his B.A in Psychology with a minor in Counselling and Human Development, from Simon Fraser University in 2024. He joined the lab in May of 2025 and is currently contributing to projects focused on paternal perinatal mental health, including SWell. Troy’s research interests are focused on the intergenerational impacts of caregiver mental health and how families can be supported towards wellness. He is pursuing graduate studies in Counselling Psychology. Over the past 6 years, Troy has volunteered as a peer support coach for men experiencing mental health challenges. He also volunteers regularly providing homeless outreach in New Westminster and on the downtown Eastside. In his spare time, Troy enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, scrambling, and training for that next marathon!
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Hazel Oh
Hazel is completing her B.A in Psychology with a minor in Counselling and Human Development at Simon Fraser University. Her academic interests centre on child development, family dynamics, and the promotion of mental health across diverse family systems. Hazel is particularly passionate about research that informs inclusive, practical, and accessible mental health supports for children and families. In the future, she hopes to pursue a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology. Hazel was awarded an SFU Undergraduate Student Research Award in 2026 to participate in the Family Foundations Lab. She is currently participating in the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute Summer Student Program. Outside of her academic work, she enjoys baking, exploring a variety of creative crafting projects, and volunteering with her community.
Balkeert Rakhra, BSc
Balkeert (she/her) obtained her first bachelor’s degree in Health Science from SFU and is currently working toward a second B.A. in Psychology. Her previous research experience with BCCHR included investigating acute respiratory diseases and their outcomes in children. She joined the Family Foundations Lab in September 2025 and is helping explore the impact of gamified programs on social confidence, leading to emotional regulation and connectedness among adults. Additionally, she is also helping explore newcomer fathers and their experience navigating fatherhood. Balkeert hopes to pursue graduate studies in the future with the goal of becoming a Psychologist. Outside of work, school, and research, she enjoys volunteering at Kids Help Phone, lending a helping hand when needed, baking new recipes, reading suspense/thriller novels, and spending time with her dog. She is currently participating in the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute Summer Student Program.
Caroline Mawhinney, BFA
Caroline graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance and a Minor in Psychology, where she developed a strong interest in the intersection of creativity and mental health. Caroline is committed to supporting mental well-being through a career centered on advancing the development of evidence-based research. Her academic and professional experiences have fostered a passion for contributing to social programming. Now, based in Vancouver, BC, she aspires to become a registered clinical counsellor with the ambition of working with families and incorporating drama therapy into her clinical practice. She is beginning her masters degree in counselling at Adler University in September 2026. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys camping, running, photography, and forcing her friends to listen to her jokes.
Harlin Bharaj, BA
Harlin received her B.A in psychology with a minor in learning and developmental disabilities from Simon Fraser University in 2024. She joined the lab in May 2025 and is currently contributing to SWell, among other projects. Her research interests centre on child neurodevelopment with a particular interest in autism spectrum disorder, early intervention, and strength-based approaches across development. In addition to her research involvement, Harlin works as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA), where she supports neurodiverse children with their language and communication needs. She intends to pursue graduate studies studying neurodevelopmental disabilities specializing in autism spectrum disorder. In her spare time, Harlin enjoys cooking, baking, travelling and spending time with friends and family!
Simrit Munday, BA
Simrit has completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Simon Fraser University, with a minor in Counselling and Human Development. She is deeply passionate about helping others and has hands-on experience working as a Behaviour Interventionist, supporting children with autism in developing social, emotional, and behavioural skills. In addition, she has received training to provide support on a women’s domestic violence crisis line, further strengthening her ability to offer empathetic, trauma-informed care. These experiences have solidified Simrit’s commitment to pursuing graduate studies in counselling psychology, with the long-term goal of becoming a registered clinical counsellor. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Simrit enjoys reading, baking, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Vaneet Virk
Vaneet (she/her) is completing her BSc in Biology at the University of British Columbia. She joined the lab in May 2025 and is contributing to the DIRECTION project, which integrates Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) with health behaviour change programs to better support adolescents with higher body weight at-risk for type 2 diabetes. She also volunteers as a Youth Educator with the Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC, a role that allows her to pursue her passion for mental health and supporting youth. Vaneet hopes to pursue medical school with a particular interest in family medicine and pediatrics where she hopes to bridge the gap between both physical and mental health care. Outside of academics and work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing basketball, and binge-watching her favourite shows.
Couper Saunders, BA
Couper (he/him) graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Counselling and Human Development. During his studies, he developed a deep passion and interest in child development, neurodiversity, family dynamics, inequalities within education systems, and the intersectionality of the previous. Couper is determined and committed to making an impact on neuro-affirming practices. He aims to improve strengths-based understandings of neurodiversity in all settings to support families, children, and educators. His experiences have ignited a passion for community-based, representative research and community programming for neurodiverse youth and their families. He is driven to pursue graduate training to become a registered clinical counsellor, specializing in neuro-affirming care with an emphasis on wholistic intersectionality. Outside of academia and his professional life, he enjoys an active lifestyle, gaming, music, reading, and just being a nerd in general.
Jasleen Brar
Jasleen is currently attending the University of Galway in Ireland where she is undertaking a Bachelor of Medicine, Surgery, and Obstetrics. Through her studies and clinical exposure, she has developed a strong interest in Family Medicine and Community Mental Health, particularly in improving access to care and supporting underserved populations. She is passionate about contributing to patient centered evidence-based practice and values the role of preventative medicine in long-term health outcomes. Jasleen hopes to pursue a career that integrates clinical care with community engagement. Outside of her academic interests, she enjoys staying active, exploring new places, and spending time with friends. Jasleen is currently participating in the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute Summer Student Program.
Lab Alumni
Sophia Guan, BA (Hons), MA Student, University of British Columbia
We are also honoured to work with many additional co-investigators, collaborators, patient partners, community partners, and knowledge users across Canada and internationally!