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Team
Dr. Jeffrey Wardell
Principal Investigator
Jeffrey Wardell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and the director of the Behavioural Alcohol and Cannabis Research Lab (BAC Lab) at York University. He is a registered Clinical Psychologist with expertise in the assessment and treatment of addictive behaviour. He is interested in studying the interplay among personality, cognitive, social and biological factors in substance use behaviour, with the goal of identifying risk and protective factors for substance-related harms. A current focus of his work is understanding the predictors and consequences of combined use of cannabis and alcohol, as well as clarifying medicinal and non-medicinal motivations for cannabis use.
Nicolle Fox
Ph.D. Student
Nicolle Fox is currently a graduate student in the Clinical Psychology program working under Dr. Wardell's supervision. Nicolle has been a Research Assistant in the BAC Lab since 2020 primarily assisting with the SMART-CAN study. Nicolle's independent research interests include treatment outcomes for those engaging in unhealthy substance use. Nicolle is also a Registered Psychotherapist working with adults experiencing various struggles and sits on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-West Durham and Northumberland.
Kyra Farrelly
Ph.D. Student
​Kyra Farrelly is a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student supervised by Dr. Wardell. Kyra graduated from Dalhousie University in 2019, where she first gained experience working in addiction and mental health research. Kyra also has past experience working as a research assistant at the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research in Hamilton, where she further grew her interest in pursuing substance-related research. Kyra's graduate-level research interests include examining patterns and consequences of simultaneous cannabis and alcohol use as well as the relationship between cannabis use and trauma-related outcomes.
Erin Courtice
Postdoctoral Fellow
Erin Courtice is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the BAC Lab at York University. She completed her PhD in Experimental Psychology at the University of Ottawa in 2023, where she also taught as a Part-Time Professor. In the BAC Lab, she lends her quantitative expertise to the MEDCAN study, contributing to research on the behavioural mechanisms that influence alcohol and cannabis use. Her broader research interests include examining the role of interpersonal technologies in health-related outcomes, and applications of advanced research and quantitative methods.
Tahmina Amini
Lead Research Assistant
Tahmina earned her Honours BSc in Psychology from York University. She is one of the Lead Research Assistants in the BAC Lab, primarily involved in the MEDCAN study. Her research interests focus on trauma and addictions in minority populations, particularly how cultural background, systemic inequities, and experiences of discrimination influence mental health outcomes. She is passionate about exploring culturally informed approaches to treatment and care, with the goal of improving access to effective mental health support. Tahmina plans to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology.
Nicole Dimitrova
Lead Research Assistant
Nicole graduated with a B.A. in Specialized Honours Psychology from York University. She completed her honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Wardell, examining the perceived effectiveness of cannabis use for pain management in people living with HIV. Nicole is currently a lead research assistant in the BAC lab, where her primary role is to assist with the MEDCAN study. Her main research interest is in individuals with physical disabilities, and she is particularly interested in examining how physical impairments may serve as a risk factor for substance addictions. Nicole plans to pursue graduate school in the future.
Rose Peyvandi
Lead Research Assistant
Rose is currently pursuing her MEd in Counselling Psychology at OISE after completing her B.A. Honours in Psychology at York University. Her interest in addiction research became salient when she began working as a relief worker in harm reduction shelters. She has a passion for promoting mental wellness and is deeply interested in positive psychology, existential therapy, trauma-informed approaches, and peer support. Beyond learning, Rose enjoys hiking, travelling, reading, and photography.
Ryan Hooshiar
Lead Research Assistant
Ryan is in his fourth year in the Specialized Honours Psychology program at York University. He is completing his thesis under Dr. Wardell’s supervision, examining how perceived stigma among individuals who use cannabis medicinally and recreationally relate to cannabis use behaviours and negative outcomes. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, Ryan intends to pursue a graduate degree in social-personality psychology through which he plans to form his own social psychology research lab in order to study constructs such as how misinformation is disseminated and personality judgements of leaders. Ryan also plans to become a professor of social psychology as well as research methods and statistics.
Sophie Bedard
Research Student
Sophie is a research student at the BAC lab who is currently pursuing her B.A. Honours in Psychology at York University. Her main role in the lab is to assist with the MEDCAN study. Sophie’s research interests focus on the effects of alcohol and cannabis on mental health outcomes. She is also interested in the link between alcohol use and trauma-related outcomes. Sophie plans to continue her journey in academia and hopes to attend graduate school following the completion of her bachelor's degree.
Ryan Hernandez
Research Student
Ryan is a third-year undergraduate student in the Psychology Honours program at York University. As a research student in the BAC lab, he assists with running participants for the MEDCAN study, checks data for CAMH, and supports the team with various lab tasks. Ryan’s research interests center around addiction, particularly how substances like alcohol and cannabis are used as coping mechanisms. He is passionate about exploring how psychological support can help those struggling with substance use and hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology with aspirations of becoming a therapist specializing in addictions.
Julienne Nera
Research Student
Julienne is currently an undergraduate student completing her second year in the Psychology program at York University. She is currently gaining hands-on research experience in the BAC lab through the REDI program. Julienne is primarily interested in Clinical and Counselling Psychology, which she plans to pursue in graduate school. She aims to apply the skills she's developing in Dr. Wardell's lab for both her studies and professional practice.
Annual Research Society on Marijuana Conference 2025
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