The Executive Team
Alisha Davis
President
Alisha is a Ph.D. student in the Psychological Science program at UBC Okanagan, supervised by Dr. Sarah Kraeutner. Her research in neuropsychology explores how we learn through non-physical practice by identifying brain regions active during performance. She earned a B.Sc. in Microbiology and Psychology and later completed her M.A. in Psychological Science, both at UBCO. Her passion for medical and psychological research was shaped by her family’s medical diagnoses. Outside academia, Alisha enjoys adventures with her Frenchie (his name is Bosley), listening to music, and spending time with friends.
As PGSA President, Alisha oversees operations, promotes collaboration, and helps co-host events for graduate and undergraduate students. She manages tasks, supports resource development and community outreach, and ensures strong communication between students and faculty. Her goal is to enrich the student experience at UBCO.
Linxuan (Marina Wang
VP Events
Linxuan Wang is a Master's student in the Psychological Science Program at UBC Okanagan, co-supervised by Dr. Elena Nicoladis and Dr. Liane Gabora. Her research focuses on investigating the relationship between bilingualism and creativity. She earned her BA in Psychology from UBC Vancouver. Outside academia, Linxuan enjoys playing various sports - especially pickleball, reading, and spending time with friends and in nature.
As PGSA VP Events, Linxuan organizes and coordinates events for the Psychology Course Union, ranging from academic workshops to social and networking opportunities. Her role includes creating proposals, managing logistics and budgets, collaborating with faculty and student groups, and ensuring events are inclusive and accessible. She also develops academic content (e.g., conference prep workshops), mentors junior execs, and represents the union at university-level planning meetings.
Emily Bissonnette
VP Finance
Emily is a PhD student, supervised by Dr. Lesley Lutes. Her research investigates interest holder perspectives and readiness for healthcare change, specifically in implementing integrated primary care with psychologists. She completed her B.A. (Hons) in psychology, as well as her M.A in clinical psychology, at UBC-O. Interests outside of academia include hiking Knox Mountain and dedicating time to her family.
As PGSA VP of Finance, Emily’s role 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, Emily helps conceptualise and organise different events, and facilitates workshops and panel discussions for undergraduate students. This work contributes to PGSA’s goals of offering concise, relevant information to undergraduate students with an interest in the discipline of psychology, applying, getting into, and managing grad school, as well as various avenues of employment after school.
Coordinator
Jayme Stewart is a PhD student in the Clinical Psychology Program at UBC Okanagan, supervised by Dr. Leanne ten Brinke. Her research focuses on advancing understanding of psychopathy across settings, improving risk assessment and management, and supporting survivors of violence. She earned her BA in Psychology from MacEwan University, an MA in Experimental (Forensic) Psychology from Carleton University, and an MA in Clinical Psychology from UBC Okanagan. Outside of academia, Jayme enjoys staying active - especially through spin classes - spending time with her pets (Harley and Smudge) and friends, reading, and playing board games.
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As PGSA Coordinator, Jayme works on the administrative aspects of PGSA events, helping with organization and serving as a liaison between volunteers, students, and the PGSA executive team. She recruits and supports volunteers, facilitates communication, and ensures events run smoothly. Her goal is to foster engagement, strengthen connections, and spark interest in psychology among students.
