STU grads present research at high-profile psychology events

From the Springboard Content LAb and STU newsroom

Two recent graduates from Springboard member St. Thomas University had the rare opportunity to present their research at two leading international psychology conferences in the UK and Ireland to share their research on feminist psychology.

Serena Bunin (BA’24) and Sarah Kasprzak (BA’24, Honours ’25) shared their research on feminist psychology at the British Psychological Society’s Psychology of Women and Equalities Section in England and the International Society for Critical Health Psychology in Ireland.

“I felt a strong sense of community and solidarity, surrounded by people whose work is grounded in genuine care and curiosity. It was inspiring to see the work being done in critical and feminist psychology as I prepare to begin my master’s degree this fall.”  

– Serena Bunin, STU conference delegate

Their research drew on interviews from the Psychology’s Feminist Voices Digital Archive, exploring feminist scholars’ reflections on the field’s accomplishments and future, and identifying shared goals to guide its future. 

The two psychology grads were joined by their STU psychology professor Dr. Michelle Lafrance, at the conferences.

Dr. Lafrance described the experience as significant for both students. She said it is rare for recent undergraduates to present at such high-level events. 

“Serena and Sarah may have been the only undergraduates there, but their work was extremely well received, and they made important connections for their future endeavours

– STU Psychology professor Dr. Michelle Lafrance

Students credit strong mentorship

Bunin credited her STU education and Dr. Lafrance’s mentorship with preparing her for this opportunity. 

“The depth and quality of my training equipped me to conduct this research, engage with the work being shared, and develop a sense of belonging and confidence I hadn’t anticipated,” she said.  

The students were supported by STU’s Research Committee and Department of Psychology in attending their first international conferences. Bunin has since begun a master’s in Applied Social Psychology at the University of Guelph, while Kasprzak has gone on to work with the Canadian Mental Health Association. 

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