Academic Success

Meet your Academic Support Coaches!

Polina Andrievskaia

Hi! My name is Polina, and I am a 3rd year PhD student in the Psychology program at TMU. My research focuses on measuring brain activity during perceived self-motion and reported motion sickness in virtual environments, conducted in the MIVE Lab at Toronto Rehab Institute. I completed my first undergraduate degree in Life Sciences at McMaster University, worked for a couple of years, and then returned back to school for a second undergraduate degree in Psychology at Carleton University. Since then, I’ve been pursuing my graduate studies at TMU. It took me a while to determine what topics I’m passionate about and which studying and writing techniques work best for me—I’m excited to work with you and help you discover the strategies that suit you best! 

In my spare time, I like to dance, read, and occasionally brave a rock climbing wall.

Sam Gauvreau

My name is Sam Gauvreau and I’m a first year PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program. I have a blended background in cognitive neuroscience and education. My diverse career path is composed of a range of academic and professional experiences as a teacher, data scientist, consultant, and researcher. I recently completed my second master’s at TMU where my research focused on understanding the intricacies of successful learning and helping students thrive. I’m looking forward to supporting your own journey through university and helping to navigate any challenges you may face along the way! To balance my work and personal life, I love to recharge by playing soccer, listening to podcasts, or catching up on my favourite TV shows!

Andrea Lee

My name is Andrea Lee, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Psychological Sciences at Toronto Metropolitan University. I did my undergraduate degree in mental health and human biology at University of Toronto Scarborough. Currently, my research interests are in stress, social anxiety, and resilience, with a focus on culture and migrant groups, and I am a part of the Psychophysiology Lab at TMU. It definitely took me a very long time to find my own studying and writing style, and I look forward to helping others figure out techniques that work for them. In my free time, I like to explore different parks and trails with my dog, Ollie.

Matt McCready

My name is Matthew McCready, and I am a 1st year PhD student in the interdisciplinary media & culture program. I received my undergraduate degree in psycholinguistics from the University of Toronto, and my master’s degree in linguistics from York University. In both my undergraduate and graduate research I investigated the role language plays in constructing gender identity. Specifically, I looked at how the way pitch, word choice, and “extralinguistic” factors such as body language and dress construct genderfluid identity. 

In my current studies, I will investigate the roles of language and identity in membership recruitment by environmental organizations, with the goal of understanding how we can better frame environmental causes so that the general public can align with them. 

In my spare time I enjoy reading and writing fantasy fiction, catching up on films and television, and gardening.

Anik Obomsawin

Hi! My name is Anik Obomsawin, and I am pursuing a PhD in Psychological Science at Toronto Metropolitan University. I started my graduate training in Biology, where I studied stress in birds, but I later transitioned to Psychology to focus on research relating to Indigenous community health. Currently, my research explores social and cultural factors that contribute to resilience in Indigenous populations. I am also fortunate to collaborate with faculty in the Department of Psychology to work towards decolonizing and Indigenizing the curriculum. 

Throughout my training, I have gradually learned to employ a range of writing styles and write about a range of topics. I’m excited to continue this learning journey alongside students in the Faculty of Arts!

Natalie Sotelo Ramtahal

Natalie started her PhD as a mature student and works full time at TMU. Her currency PhD research looks at the political economy of cryptocurrency in Canada and the Philippines. Her previous Master’s research looked at identity politics and food.

Natalie has worked in post-secondary education, research, policy, and equity and community inclusion (ECI) for over fifteen years. She is deeply committed to ECI and has worked to advance equity and diversity through her professional and volunteer work. 

1. Download the Nimbus Learning application (external link)  on your smartphone (iOS – Apple or Android)
2. Once the app has been downloaded and opened, please click “Sign in with your institution email” and use your TMU information (TMU email and password) to register or log in.
3. Search for that you would like help-in and book a 1-on-1 appointment session or register for a drop-in session.

All current Faculty of Arts students.

• Anytime!
• When you are starting, working on or completing an assignment, statement or application
• When you are looking for advice or have questions
• When you want to step up your academic performance
• When you want support to help you succeed
• When you feel that you are struggling or may be struggling in the future
   

Academic Support Coaches will:

• Help you with any piece of writing from your Arts courses, or on personal statements, research statements, or other scholarship/graduate school application elements
• Work with you to develop your ideas, brainstorm different approaches, understand assignment prompts, and refine your written communication style
• Work with you to develop your own identity as a writer
• Help you with other academic skills too - we can discuss things like time management, exam preparation, the research process, or taking notes in lectures

Academic Support Coaches won't:

• Edit or proofread your written work for you
• Read your work in advance of the appointment
• Provide feedback in emails

Each appointment is booked for 1 hour, though the actual consultation will usually take about 45 minutes.

You’ll need to share your piece of writing, so please bring a hard copy, upload your document on the Nimbus Learning app, or give your Coach access to a Google Doc.

We note which class you’re in for our records, but we do not inform your faculty member or TA that you’ve visited us.

You can book up to two appointments per week.

If you are more than 15 minutes late, your appointment will be marked as a ‘no-show’. Please email artscoaches@torontomu.ca to discuss rescheduling.

You can cancel using the Nimbus Learning app up to two hours before your appointment time. If you need to cancel after that, please email artscoaches@torontomu.ca.