About us
Mahdi’s main research interest lies in the intersection of social psychology and Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC). He is particularly interested in the effect of mediated communication on communicants' social behaviour and perceptions. Another area of his interest lies in investigating biases in decision-making exhibited by recipients of phishing emails, highlighting the human factor in cybersecurity.
Alexis is an incoming PhD student to Ted Rogers School’s PhD in Management program. Her research interests, under the guidance of Dr. Karen Peesker and Dr. Ellen Choi, focus on leadership resilience and flourishing. She has been awarded the Toronto Metropolitan Graduate Fellowship (TMGF) and Ted Rogers School Dean Awards/Scholarships.
Alexis is also a recent graduate of the Master of Science in Management (MScM) program at the Ted Rogers School, under the guidance of Dr. Mahdi Roghanizad, where she researched deception detection in computer-mediated communication. During her time in the MScM program, she was awarded an Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and Ted Rogers Graduate Entrance Scholarship.
Alexis is currently working as a Research Assistant and Teacher’s Assistant at TMU. She has had submissions accepted for presentation at both the Administrative Sciences Association of Canada and Academy of Management conferences.
Alexis' LinkedIn profile (external link, opens in new window)
Erika is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Management (MScM) at the Ted Rogers School, with a specialization in Human Resources/Organizational Behaviour. Under the guidance of Dr. Roghanizad, her current research focuses on comparing perceptions of trustworthiness in face-to-face and video interactions between strangers. This investigation aims to shed light on the nuances of virtual communication and interaction compared to in-person dynamics. At the same time, Erika is refining her abilities as a research assistant and grading assistant.
Erika earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from TMU, where her passion for social psychology flourished. In her final year, she undertook an undergraduate thesis investigating spontaneous first impressions formed based on facial appearance. This effort set the stage for her lasting interest in studying social interaction and perception.
With aspirations to pursue a Ph.D. in industrial psychology, Erika is driven by a desire to contribute meaningful insights into how social interactions and perceptions influence individuals in the workplace. She aims to continue conducting research that enriches our understanding of these dynamics.
Tiffany is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Management (MScM) at the Ted Rogers School, specializing in Organizational Behaviour. Her research, under the guidance of Dr. Kristyn Scott, centres on leader emotion regulation and the effects on employees when leaders fail to regulate their emotions. She holds a DCS degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Human Resource Management, providing a strong foundation for her research interests in positive psychology, which include emotion regulation, empathy, well-being and mindfulness.
Tiffany's passion for understanding how these factors contribute to organizational success drives her commitment to her studies and research. Outside of academia, she enjoys yoga, long walks, and loves to travel, seeking new experiences that enhance her personal and professional growth. Tiffany aspires to continue her studies toward a PhD with the goal of becoming an organizational psychologist, focusing on enhancing worker well-being through her research.
Tiffany's LinkedIn profile (external link, opens in new window)
Alexis has completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at TMU, with a focus in health psychology covering areas such as sport, sleep and positive psychology. Complementing this, she has also taken coursework in environmental geography, geodemographics and graphic communications management, highlighting her passion for interdisciplinary learning and application.
Her involvement on campus has been extensive, including roles such as Vice President of Finance for the Psychology Students’ Association, where she managed budgets and organized events to enhance student engagement. Additionally, she made significant contributions to the Society of Arts Social Sciences and Humanities as a Digital Outreach and Engagement Specialist, SPROUT Marketing Associate and Director of Graphic Design for the Kaleidoscope Research Conference, refining her skills in web design, social media management and graphic design using Adobe Creative Suite. These experiences contributed to her earning the Brian Segal Award for leadership and community involvement in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Her professional journey as a research assistant and switchboard operator has equipped her with a robust foundation to pursue her interests in user experience design and research, accessibility in technology and healthcare information management. In pursuing these interests further she will begin her master’s degree in information science at the University of Toronto in September 2024.
Alexis' LinkedIn profile (external link, opens in new window)
(PDF file) Alexis' Curriculum vitae (CV) (opens in new window)
Erica is a student at TMU studying Psychology and Criminology. She has a certificate in Crime Analytics and is additionally studying for a certificate in Criminal Justice and Criminology
She has experience working alongside Canadian law enforcement and Toronto Victim Services. Erica is writing an Honours Thesis and assisting The Toronto Youth Cabinet as an executive member of the Urban Health Working Group.
Certificates: Crime Analytics
erica.du@torontomu.ca (opens in new window)
(PDF file) Erica's Curriculum vitae (CV) (opens in new window)
Haadia, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at TMU, exemplifies a passion for understanding human interactions within organizational structures. Her academic foundation is enriched by her hands-on experience as a research assistant, where she explored the nuanced realms of Face-to-Face and Computer-Mediated Communication. This investigation into influence, social prediction and perspective-taking significantly contributes to her burgeoning expertise in human resources. Haadia's adeptness in customer engagement and leadership, as evidenced through various service-oriented roles, parallels her academic curiosity, driving her to examine trust and relationship dynamics mechanisms in online and interpersonal contexts. Her interest in research and ability to navigate complex situations with poise and analytical precision positions her at the forefront of emerging HR trends and practices.
Kaleigh is a Psychology graduate from TMU. During her time in her undergraduate studies, she completed an Honours Thesis supervised by Professor Todd Girard as part of the Brain Imaging and Memory lab at TMU. She made the Dean’s Honour Roll for the past three years of her studies and was a part of the Psychology Scholars Circle. While completing her degree, she also achieved a double minor in Sociology and English. Her experiences outside of academics as the captain of the women’s varsity soccer team and as a head-coach/manager for a soccer clinic have given her the opportunity to hone her skills in group management and to be an effective team member, while challenging her to develop excellent time management skills.