Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipient: Krischanda Bemister-Bourret, Psychology PhD student
Exposure to mostly own-race faces during the first year of life leads to perceptual consequences for babies, such as a reduced ability to distinguish “other-race,” compared to “own-race,” faces. Little research has investigated the downstream cognitive and social consequences of this “other-race effect.” My research asks: How may an adult’s race, degree of confidence, and choice accuracy impact young children’s learning?
If cues to confidence can mitigate or eliminate the potential bias present when children learn from those that differ in ethnic identity and/or accuracy, this could indicate that they are capable of reasoning about, and weighing, subjective and objective cues to credibility. Investigating the downstream consequences of the other-race effect and understanding the various ways that it may play a role in young children’s learning, is critically important to understand – and potentially intervene in – the early emergence of racial biases. Mobilizing these findings within and beyond academia could serve to inform future studies, teaching pedagogy and classroom practices.
What inspires your research?
I was born six weeks too soon into a body that was not ready for this world. The combination of prematurity-induced health complications and identity as a biracial child who didn’t look particularly like either of my parents, meant that I was no stranger to unsolicited stares from a very early age. Throughout childhood and adolescence, I rarely saw people that looked like me in positions of leadership and found it incredibly difficult to imagine myself as a leader in any capacity.
Research has given me an outlet to scientifically examine the why and how of psychological phenomena while also honouring my internal impetus to advocate for the disenfranchised. By investigating the developmental roots of racial bias – and exploring the impacts that objective and subjective cues to credibility play in the relationship between this bias and young children’s learning behaviour – I will take my first steps toward achieving this goal.
"The faculty and students at TMU are truly top-notch - I couldn’t imagine a better environment to receive my graduate education to feel confident that I will be career-ready at the end of my program."
What does it mean to be named a Vanier Scholar? How will this affect your research?
To be named as a Vanier Scholar is a huge honour. Firstly, it is an acknowledgement of the importance of this work to the field of psychology and the social sciences. The Vanier Scholarship also provides the financial support to pursue important work in my field over the next several years. I feel a sense of freedom to explore areas and questions that previously felt out of reach. Further, my work and my life are inspired by my family - it means everything to feel that as the first person to attend university in my family, I am making them proud and making a difference in the world at the same time.
What advice do you have for Vanier Scholarship applicants?
I am the least inspiring person I have ever met… truly.
And I know that this is not a thought unique to me. As graduate students, we spend too much of our time looking in the mirror and asking “Who is that imposter? How did I get here? Why do I bother?”
My advice for Vanier Scholarship applicants is the same advice that I give to myself every day. STOP questioning. You are in graduate school, and at TMU, for a reason. You deserve to be where you are, and you are amazing.
Start your application early. Write, rewrite, edit… and edit some more. Seek advice and support from professionals, academics and peers around you. Select referees that will be able to represent you in the best, and most accurate, light.
How is your TMU graduate education preparing you to be career-ready?
I have worked and studied at many institutions in Ontario – TMU is undoubtedly the best. The multicultural and supportive environment, services and faculty have truly enabled me to thrive. My graduate training at TMU is preparing me to become a critical, well-rounded professional and researcher. Throughout my academic career thus far, I’ve had first-hand experience with a variety of research, recruitment and mobilization methodologies.
Now, in the beginning of my doctoral studies, I am inspired and excited to further develop my research skills and professional networks. The faculty and students at TMU are truly top-notch - I couldn’t imagine a better environment to receive my graduate education to feel confident that I will be career-ready at the end of my program.
What advice do you have for graduate students in general?
When you’re knocked down, don’t feel like you must jump right back up! It’s okay to rest; it’s okay to heal. Frankly, it’s necessary. Take care of yourself, embrace the challenges and don’t ever give up.
Krischanda Bemister-Bourret
Psychology PhD student and 2022 SSHRC Vanier CGS recipient