The Executive Team
Ian Wellspring
President
Ian is currently completing his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology under the supervision of Dr. Woodworth. His research interests are in the field of Forensic Psychology and aims to address how emerging technologies impact psychological services (i.e., therapy, assessment), verbal cues to deceit, Computer-Mediated-Communication (CMC), and mental health within the legal system. Ian completed his Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta. Growing up, he always had an interest in medicine/psychology and law, and was introduced to the combination of these two fields while completing his undergraduate degree, furthering his passion. Outside of academics, Ian enjoys hiking and trail running, reading, listening to music, and watching soccer.
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Ian’s role is to oversee all activities in the PGSA and ensure effective communication and foster teamwork with its members. His main role is to curate events and activities for both graduate and undergraduate students, prioritize and manage tasks within the PGSA team, resource development, community outreach with the undergraduate and graduate community, as well as provide timely and effective communication between graduate students, faculty members, and undergraduate students. An important part of his position, and of the PGSA, is to enhance both undergraduate and graduate student experiences while at UBCO.
Kirthana Ganesh
Treasurer
Kirthana is pursuing her PhD in Clinical Psychology and is currently in her third year. She is working with supervisor Dr. Liane Gabora, with her research focussing on conceptualising the impact of the therapeutic alliance on the therapist and client. Originally from Bangalore, India, Kirthana is also passionate about integrating Indian philosophy and traditional knowledges with the field of psychology. She pursued her BA (Hons.) in Psychology, and her MSc. Clinical Psychology from India, entering Canada for the first time in 2019. When not working, Kirthana can be found on beaches or hiking on various trails around Kelowna. She also enjoys cooking, knitting, and tending to the steadily increasing number of plants she owns.
Kirthana’s role at the PGSA is to ensure that adequate funding is available, and appropriately utilised for the various initiatives/events/workshops held throughout the year. In collaboration with the executive team, Kirthana helps conceptualise and organise different events, and facilitating workshops and panel discussions for undergraduate students. Ultimately, the PGSA’s goal is to offer concise, well-articulated, and relevant information to undergraduate students about the discipline of psychology, applying, getting into, and managing grad school, as well as various avenues of employment after school.
Maya Pilin
Secretary
Maya is a Ph.D. student in Psychological Science in Dr. Marvin Krank’s Cognition and Substance Use Lab (CASUL). Her research focuses on affective forecasting within the substance use context; in other words, she explores people’s emotions and expectations of alcohol and cannabis use. Maya received her M.A. in Psychological Science from UBCO and her Honours B.A. in Psychology from the University of Ottawa. Outside of the lab, Maya reads voraciously and loves watching musicals.
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Maya is the secretary of the PGSA, which means that she works on the administrative aspects of PGSA events. Along with her colleagues, Maya helps plan the workshops that the association holds for undergraduates throughout the year. This year, she is excited to once again help run events that help psychology undergraduates learn more about the field and their career opportunities!