https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news daily 0.75 2023-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1662000506472-AORBCO47E7QWQR1YGIU4/unsplash-image-hWJsOnaWTqs.jpg News https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2023/1/18/latest-results-from-the-regards-trial-published monthly 0.5 2023-01-18 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/7/efficacy-of-a-commercial-weight-management-program-compared-with-a-do-it-yourself-approach-a-randomized-clinical-trial monthly 0.5 2022-09-08 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/8/31/healthcare-is-failing-british-columbians-with-mental-illness monthly 0.5 2022-09-01 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/childcare-crowdfunding-campaigns-aim-to-keep-mums-on-the-academic-track monthly 0.5 2022-09-01 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/ubco-researcher-explores-minimal-food-monitoring-as-part-of-weight-loss-program monthly 0.5 2022-09-01 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/dr-lutes-is-invited-to-speak-to-the-special-committee-on-reforming-the-policing-act-in-the-bc-legislature monthly 0.5 2022-09-01 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/ubco-professor-examines-covid-19-public-health-messaging monthly 0.5 2022-09-01 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/opinion-we-save-money-and-lives-in-bc-by-placing-psychologists-in-primary-care monthly 0.5 2022-09-01 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/mental-health-monday-dr-lutes-discusses-mental-health-matters-fundraiser monthly 0.5 2022-09-01 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/dr-lutes-and-team-supporting-front-line-workers-during-covid-19 monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/mental-health-monday-anxiety-or-anguish monthly 0.5 2022-09-01 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/dr-lutes-on-global-news-alongside-sonia-furstenau-of-the-green-party-for-mental-health-services-funding monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/mental-health-monday-integrating-mental-health-into-bcs-public-health-care-system monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/bc-psychologists-call-on-government-to-provide-more-mental-health-coverage-under-msp monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/a-controversial-pitch-for-the-bc-budget-make-mental-health-care-free monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/the-early-edition-with-stephen-quinn-the-push-for-covering-mental-health-under-bcs-medical-services-plan monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/women-lead-on-covid-19-research monthly 0.5 2022-09-01 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/ubco-experts-including-dr-lutes-offer-tips-for-the-holidays-in-the-era-of-covid-19 monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/tree-of-hope-health-and-wellness-index-for-kelowna-youth monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/bcs-successful-free-covid-19-mental-health-service-enters-new-phase-in-response-to-public-need monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/vancouver-sun-integrated-primary-care-12-month-pilot-project monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/bc-greens-call-for-psychologists-to-have-access-to-msp-billing monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/enhance-in-psychology-today monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/free-psychological-first-aid-during-covid-19 monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/2022/9/1/unprecedented-compassion-supporting-frontline-workers-during-the-covid-19-crisis monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/category/New+Publication monthly 0.5 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/category/News monthly 0.5 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-news/category/Research+Recruitment monthly 0.5 https://thecorelabubc.com/core-team daily 0.75 2025-09-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/56a75aa6-686f-49f7-8422-67e6edfba940/Lesley-Lutes-5+%282%29-1.jpg CORE Team - Dr. Lesley Lutes, Ph.D Professor Director of Clinical Training Psychology Department Office: ASC 203 University of British Columbia Okanagan 3187 University Way, Kelowna, BC Canada V1V 1V7 Phone: 250.807.8128 Email: llutes@ubc.ca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/9d6b34cd-0392-4df9-bd17-f92d5ad90592/pastedImage.png CORE Team - Marcus Gottlieb, MA Marcus is a fourth year Clinical Psychology PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Jessica Lougheed. His research interests are in fathers’ experiences in parenting adolescents; parent-adolescent relationships; gender differences in parenting; conflict with the family system. Marcus is our new Mental Health Equity Fellow, supported by a partnership between the Barber Endowment Fund & BC Psychological Association. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/cc9b0c33-b9ad-46ea-92e0-a837766c7244/7F166D0E-0F51-434A-8671-BCF795D5A5D8.JPG CORE Team - Emily Thompson Emily is a third year BSc Psychology major. She joined the CORE as a volunteer undergraduate research assistant in the fall of 2023. Her long term goals are to receive a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests lie in the area of health psychology, social relationships, neuropsychology, and lifespan development. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/4cce6a73-66fe-4833-ba99-c894610e093c/IMG_112441_0.jpg CORE Team - Laviynia Menon Laviynia graduated with a BSc in Psychology (Hons) from UBC. She joined the CORE Lab as an undergraduate advocacy assistant in 2024. Her long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests include grief, culture, and the psychological impacts of neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1617767161322-K21TKWUFDC4W4PZ2JJYN/Alex%2BF.jpg CORE Team - Alex Fountaine, BSc (Hons.) Alex is a second year Master of Arts student in the Clinical Psychology program under the supervision of Dr. Lutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/c360fa5d-516f-4b6e-8717-fa924bedc44f/Gizem+.jpg CORE Team - Gizem Keskin, MSc Gizem is a PhD student in the Psychological Science graduate program under the supervision of Dr. Jessica Lougheed. Her research interests are parent-adolescent dynamics, adolescent development, and emotion regulation. Gizem’s graduate research assistantship is under the supervision of Dr. Lesley Lutes as she coordinates the CORE’s formal Program Evaluation of Emergency Departments in collaboration with Interior Health. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/37c8413a-6569-44ff-a29a-c422f072154b/thumbnail_Briggs_Chloe_01226003.jpg CORE Team - Chloe Briggs, MA Chloe is a PhD candidate in the Clinical Psychology program under the supervision of Dr. Derrick Wirtz. She is in her final year of her clinical training and is currently completing her clinical residency at the Edmonton Consortium Clinical Psychology Program. Chloe's research broadly includes all things positive psychology, including understanding the mechanisms that either promote or subjective and psychological well-being. Chloe is in the process of writing her dissertation, which focuses on ways in which individuals engage with social media and what it does for their well-being. Chloe is passionate about preventative mental health, and aspires to work in a primary care setting where mental health concerns are be addressed early on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/04965f27-eb55-408a-a503-13f95db059e8/LaceyHeadshot.jpg CORE Team - Lacey Dickson, BA (Hons) Lacey just graduated in the spring of 2024 from the University of British Columbia (Okanagan campus), with a BA (Hons) in Psychology. She completed her honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Lutes, which explored perceived barriers to receiving mental health care on campus and student perspectives regarding integrated primary care in the Student Health Clinic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/764d8ef1-ce16-4bfe-aec6-2e5a849e7bd4/Geetika+Headshot.jpg CORE Team - Geetika Sadarangani Geetika recently graduated with her honours in psychology. She completed her honours undergraduate thesis in the 2023-24 academic term under Dr. Jessica Lougheed. Her long term goals include a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests are social psychology, positive psychology, psychopathology and psychotherapy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/b7a27d58-75df-46ef-bb3b-f260bf642e22/IMG_2625.JPG CORE Team - Aidan O’Callahan, BA (Hons.) Aidan O’Callahan, BA (Hons.), MA Aidan is a PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program under the supervision of Dr. Lesley Lutes. Aidan hopes to work as a Clinical Psychologist in rural communities and plans on teaching at the university level. His passion for policy work and preventative strategies has already led to collaborative efforts with the Interior Health Authority and the Canadian Mental Health Association- British Columbia Division. Aidan currently serves as the student representative for the Psychologists in Hospitals and Health Centers (PHHC) Section of the Canadian Psychological Association. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/6f9ae67d-1bcb-4c8f-bf62-392b28dc2eef/IMG_9876.jpg CORE Team - Geneviève Lagrange Geneviève Lagrange recently graduated with her BA in Psychology. Gen started volunteering in the CORE over the summer of 2023 and has been crucial in assisting with data collection for our Interior Health program evaluation. Her interests include psychopathology, psychotherapy, and mental wellbeing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/677a4e68-1f14-45fa-bbb4-6c0073c1b890/DSC_0077.JPEG CORE Team - Nurin Izzati SB Nurin is currently conducting a year-long directed study in the lab. Her work will be related to the Interior Health Suicide Screening program evaluation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1617767120903-5IJXP39OO1HMZS04XKTX/AshleyF_headshot_screenshot.jpg CORE Team - Ashley Felske, MA Ashley just completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at UBC Okanagan under the supervision of Dr. Lutes. Ashley’s studies are funded by an Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Social Sciences Graduate Entrance Award and a Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master’s from CIHR. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/b1102226-6d35-460d-b63b-4d84b3186ef7/headshotskelowna.emily-1.jpg CORE Team - Emily Bissonnette, BA (Hons.) Emily is a second year Master of Arts student in the Clinical Psychology program under the supervision of Dr. Lutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/cb475a6c-1779-41fc-9013-6969e04add5f/IMG_0498.JPG CORE Team - Kristin Zentner Kristen is a first year Master of Arts student in the Clinical Psychology program under the supervision of Dr. Lutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/d42db1df-65f5-415f-966d-bafbf6ac5d86/Social_Media_Chatting_Online_Blank_Profile_Picture_Head_And_Body_Icon_People_Standing_Icon_Grey_Background_generated.jpg CORE Team - Megumi Iyar, PhD In Spring 2022, Megumi completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology under the supervision of Spring 2022, Dr. Lesley Lutes. Her dissertation research was conducted on clinical training in integrated primary care for Canadian Clinical Psychology graduate students. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1574616799732-2MS2PF6C2067LRMRSSP2/Carmela-White.jpg CORE Team - Carmela White, PhD In August 2020, Carmela completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology under the supervision of Drs. Lutes and Wirtz. She worked on several projects related to positive psychology (i.e., ENHANCE), healthy weight management, and assessing the validity of a self-monitoring nutritional intake tool. Currently, Carmella is a practicing Clinical Health Psychologist in an injury/pain clinic as part of a inter-professional team.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/35c00645-c834-481e-b268-a779619de71f/1531159628341.jpg CORE Team - Anne Tseu, MA Anne is a PhD student in the Clinical Psychology gradate program under the supervision of Dr. Wirtz. She is interested in cross-cultural research, acculturation, immigration, well-being, and happiness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/9e06e029-3ae1-4c3f-afd0-c917d2d91c68/IMG_8151.jpg CORE Team - Morgan Begg Morgan graduated in the Spring of 2024 with her BA in Psychology at The University of Victoria. She completed the first year of her undergrad at The University of British Columbia (Okanagan) and began volunteering in the CORE in summer 2023. Morgan continues to assist with data collection for our Interior Health program evaluation virtually from the island! She hopes to pursue a Masters of Counselling Psychology. Her interests are mental health and well-being, psychotherapy, and clinical intervention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1606152061830-M4DGI0ZZCQNDZP1S28J0/1B4A8146.jpg CORE Team - Stefanie Ciszewski, PhD In Spring 2022, Stefanie completed PhD in Clinical Psychology under the supervision of Dr. Lesley Lutes. She conducted her dissertation research on a novel adaptation of Small Changes which incorporated elements of positive psychology at intervention outset to improve treatment readiness (INSPIRE). She completed her predoctoral residency at ___. She is currently working ___. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/5cde2ace-1b24-477b-a574-d47ff77258a8/Zach+Walsh.jpg CORE Team - Dr. Zach Walsh, PhD Professor Psychology Department Office: ASC 206 University of British Columbia Okanagan 3187 University Way, Kelowna, BC Canada V1V 1V7 Phone: 250.807.9373 Email: zachary.walsh@ubc.ca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/fd7079ee-441d-4015-b238-1ab0e3a3b852/maya+libben.jpg CORE Team - Dr. Maya Libben, PhD Associate Professor Psychology Department Office: ASC 284 University of British Columbia Okanagan 3187 University Way, Kelowna, BC Canada V1V 1V7 Phone: 250.807.9026 Email: maya.libben@ubc.ca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/593244bd-0734-4315-acea-1ce9ef34e7d1/Screen+Shot+2022-09-14+at+4.57.26+PM.jpg CORE Team - Dr. Susan Holtzman, PhD Associate Professor Psychology Department Office: ASC 283 University of British Columbia Okanagan 3187 University Way, Kelowna, BC Canada V1V 1V7 Phone: 250.807.8730 Email: susan.holtzman@ubc.ca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1662005602462-EE09UE7PA8X8C29C8U1V/unsplash-image-t0q_BbfgvAA.jpg CORE Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1662005779444-EFLS7OKYVZUE7FIIJB3I/unsplash-image-t0q_BbfgvAA.jpg CORE Team https://thecorelabubc.com/research-1 daily 0.75 2023-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/a809d7a1-0dff-49b0-8912-f96eb0d12910/tate_2022_oi_220757_1659553616.5942-1.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/2bde0e5d-7f5a-489c-b6fa-a08e5582d8b3/Cummings+et+al.+%282022%29+-+Persistence+of+Depressive+Symptoms+and+Risk+of+Incident+Cardiovascular+Disease+With+and+Without+Diabetes-+Results+from+the+REGARDS+Study.jpg Research - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/9ad73fdc-b774-405f-81c5-edef99618278/japplphysiol.00537.2021.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/26232838-a1c4-4824-b419-70426a919499/PCPsychs+Proposal+-+FINAL.jpg Research - The PCPsych Program This proposal requests that the government work in partnership with UBCO and BCPA to hire, train, and embed 20 full time equivalent (FTE) Psychologists within the Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in our province over the next 3 years. PCPsychs will be an integrated part of the care team providing care to patients with complex medical, mental, and behavioural health needs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/265ecd88-4e46-449f-a4d7-f5f408fce117/Week+1+-+Introduction.jpg Research - ENHANCE Program The ENHANCE Program (Enduring happiness and continued self-enhancement) is designed to teach social skills, ways of thinking, and understanding one’s own values and strengths as means of increasing life satisfaction, meaning, and enjoyment of life, and as well as reducing stress and depression. Recently, the program was adapted for improving individuals health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1662014111623-SKTXUZIQ3BFWPVB4Y64X/unsplash-image-3y1zF4hIPCg.jpg Research https://thecorelabubc.com/contact-1 daily 0.75 2024-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1537317991683-XR1LM5A6IJPY1NK2QBBJ/UBCOkanagan_CampusMap.png Contact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1662013709313-S35LH2PIOSKTVVCM29HI/unsplash-image--0xCCPIbl3M.jpg Contact https://thecorelabubc.com/research-projects daily 0.75 2022-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/3bae91f5-c28a-498b-a15f-fcc4d52b5064/Cummings+et+al.+%282022%29+-+Persistence+of+Depressive+Symptoms+and+Risk+of+Incident+Cardiovascular+Disease+With+and+Without+Diabetes-+Results+from+the+REGARDS+Study.jpg Projects and Facilities - PERSISTENCE OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND RISK OF INCIDENT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE WITH AND WITHOUT DIABETES: RESULTS FROM THE REGARDS STUDY This new article highlights some important secondary outcomes of the REGARDS trial, an 11-year prospective cohort study (N=30,000) examining the impact of untreated depression on CV risk (e.g., stroke). In this study, Dr. Lutes and colleagues’ found that untreated depression in those without diabetes increased risk of stroke, particularly in black patients. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/9ad73fdc-b774-405f-81c5-edef99618278/japplphysiol.00537.2021.jpg Projects and Facilities - The influence of sex and maturation on carotid and vertebral artery hemodynamics and associations with free-living (in)activity in 6–17-year-olds Our findings suggest that habitual sedentary behavior may influence cervical artery hemodynamics in youth, independent of physical activity, maturation, and sex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1633760637751-99GIVMCETFMLHM4YNQZ1/plos.jpg Projects and Facilities - THE ROLE OF TAILORED PUBLIC HEALTH MESSAGING TO YOUNG ADULTS DURING COVID-19: “THERE’S A LOT OF AMBIGUITY AROUND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE SAFE” This study suggest young adults feel highly responsible for protecting themselves and others from COVID-19, face confusion due to inconsistent public health orders and messaging, and are not reached due to the ineffectiveness of existing strategies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1559872095995-Q6DZAGV3M52NDZQDP3MB/IMG_0180.jpeg Projects and Facilities https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1559872098676-NZINUVRDMCIDK0WA111L/IMG_0276.jpeg Projects and Facilities https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1559872110084-SQZ8E3CSSF0IESNKMDAW/IMG_0278.jpeg Projects and Facilities https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1537319143164-PTQ3PI3RRHZ0FANTL2J8/board-bunch-cooking-349609.jpg Projects and Facilities https://thecorelabubc.com/team daily 0.75 2022-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1604277099434-Z1H69XNY0D19YZBDWFEH/Braxtyn%2Bphoto.jpg The CORE Team - Braxtyn Horbay, Bsc (hons) Braxtyn graduated from UBC Okanagan in December 2020 with her BSc (Hons) Psychology degree. She completed her honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Lesley Lutes, where she examined qualitative experiences of weight stigma and perceived barriers to treatment for obesity. Braxtyn also worked as a Research Assistant in the CORE Lab. She is currently working towards her MSc degree in School & Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1617767102361-1WN1DX7GBE41POV5SH3O/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-10-13%2Bat%2B1.36.43%2BPM.jpg The CORE Team - Chloe Briggs BSc. University of Toronto MA, University of British Columbia - Okanaga Chloe is a second year PhD student in the clinical psychology graduate program. Her research interests are in the area of positive psychology; specifically, mindfulness, self-compassion, emotion-regulation, and subjective and psychological well-being https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1633758854089-ZZS85A0RM7A11J509M6B/blank-profile-picture-973460_640.png The CORE Team - KARAH HOPGOOD Karah is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia (Okanagan campus), pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry and Minor in Psychology. In the spring of 2021, she completed her honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Lesley Lutes and Dean Gino DiLabio, which explored resting metabolic rate (RMR) trajectories within the Small Changes program. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1609474068068-7XISUX91T3L5HUPAEB7X/EmilyBissonnette.jpg The CORE Team - Emily Bissonnette, BA(hons), BHSc, RMT Emily is a fourth-year psychology student at UBCO. She completed her honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Wirtz, where they investigated the effects of a two-week online self-compassion intervention. She is currently researching perceptions of various wellbeing factors in relation to social media use. Other research interests include topics in health psychology such as stress and heart rate variability. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1588711201039-NUZB9280CQ2404C2DL5F/1B4A8146.JPG The CORE Team - Stefanie Ciszewski BA Honours, University of Ottawa MA, University of New Brunswick Stefanie is a PhD student in the clinical psychology graduate program at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan. Her research interests are within the field of health psychology and behavioural medicine with a specific focus on behavioural intervention and prevention programs for healthy weight management. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1538176455100-9TNOAQBZCTF463OVN06O/ali.photo.jpg The CORE Team - Ali Caldwell, BA (Hons) Ali completed her BA Honours in Psychology in 2019. She worked as a research assistant in the CORE Lab and assisted on many projects, most recently working on the Eminence Cluster, a funded community health project. She is now in her second year of her Master’s Degree in Social Work at UBC Okanagan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1567118188959-5ZQAPBDGLE4VEI2NOFGI/Screen+Shot+2019-08-29+at+3.30.44+PM.png The CORE Team - Brooke Dudley, BSc (Hons) Brooke completed her BSc Honours in Psychology in 2019 at UBC Okanagan. She conducted her honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Lesley Lutes, where she investigated the use of a modified dietary monitoring app in a weight management intervention. She was a research assistant on many projects, and after graduation, she was the CORE’s Clinical Research Coordinator for one year. She is currently working towards her MD at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1617767161322-K21TKWUFDC4W4PZ2JJYN/Alex%2BF.jpg The CORE Team - Alex Fountaine, BsC (hons) Alex graduated in June 2021 with her BSc (Hons) in Psychology. She completed her honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Lesley Lutes, in which she examined the utility of virtual “warm handoff” in integrated primary care. She is currently working as the CORE’s Clinical Research Coordinator. Her research interests are within health psychology; specifically, integrated care, behavioural medicine, chronic conditions (e.g., IBD, diabetes, chronic pain), knowledge translation, and healthcare policy reform. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1617767120903-5IJXP39OO1HMZS04XKTX/AshleyF_headshot_screenshot.jpg The CORE Team - ashley Felske BA Honours, University of Calgary Ashley is a second year master’s student in the clinical psychology program at UBC Okanagan. She has experience with disordered eating and bariatric surgery research. Her current research interests within health psychology are sustainable health behaviour change, weight management, and body image. Ashley’s studies are funded by an Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Social Sciences Graduate Entrance Award and a Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master’s from CIHR. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1617767195184-PIIO4UFIMUOU6PETS2KM/ChelseaBicknell.jpg The CORE Team - Chelsea Bicknell Chelsea graduated from UBC Okanagan in April 2021 with her BA. Psychology degree. She is completed her directed study under the supervision of Dr. Derrick Wirtz, where she is examining how news consumption through social media affects well-being. She is also currently working as a Research Assistant in the Subjective Well-Being Lab. Chelsea is motivated to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology, to one day practice as a Registered Psychologist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1633758663639-QDH5KZMGI1NJL8050UST/blank-profile-picture-973460_640.png The CORE Team - Megumi M. Iyar, MA Doctoral Candidate in Clinical psychology Chair, Student Section – Eating Disorders Association of Canada Megumi is interested in collaborative care and factors that promote change with the aim of improving adherence to treatment across the weight spectrum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1574392188249-RMFVKQQAT1XY7W3RU92T/Photo%2Bfor%2BBio.jpg The CORE Team - Joanna Garcia, BSc (Hons) Joanna completed her Bachelor’s of Science degree at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus majoring in Psychology. She conducted research for her honours thesis about the relationship between social media and well-being. Her areas of interest are within psychology include well-being, as well as forensics, and psychopathology. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1633758750634-X4OLMKHNAIBQT8QGBKIK/blank-profile-picture-973460_640.png The CORE Team - ANNE TSEU, MA BA Honours, Mount Royal University MA, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Anne is a PhD student in the clinical psychology gradate program at UBCO. She is interested in cross-cultural research, acculturation, immigration, well-being, and happiness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1574391848874-9KD35LQPFG9PMQLXBR2V/75464347_1257479007787242_2056517563520647168_n.jpg The CORE Team - Paul Lutz, Ba (hons) Paul completed his BA Honours in psychology in 2020 under the supervision of Dr. Derrick Wirtz. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in psychology at Carleton University. His interests include ecological momentary assessment methods, pro-environmental behaviour, climate change anxiety, and well-being. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1617767220579-9MN9DY7DZWW2SJE1JJFU/Caitlin%2BArnall.jpg The CORE Team - Caitlin Arnall Caitlin is a fifth-year undergraduate student at UBC Okanagan, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology. She completed her honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Derrick Wirtz in 2021. Her research used the experiential sampling method to explore the presence of social connection during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on subjective well-being. Her other research interests include health psychology (e.g., sexual well-being), sexual health education, harm reduction intervention strategies, and public policy reform. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1574616799732-2MS2PF6C2067LRMRSSP2/Carmela-White.jpg The CORE Team - Carmela White, PhD In August 2020, I completed my Ph.D. in clinical psychology at UBC Okanagan, where Drs Lutes and Wirtz supervised me. During my time working in the CORE, I worked on several projects related to positive psychology (i.e., developing, implementing, and testing the effectiveness of a well-being intervention (ENHANCE)). Additionally, I worked on research projects related to healthy weight management and assessing the validity of a self-monitoring nutritional intake tool. Currently, I am working through the registration and licensing process in Alberta to become a clinical and health psychologist. I have also secured employment working in an injury/pain clinic as part of a multidisciplinary team of chiropractors, physiotherapists, kinesiologists, naturopaths, and massage therapists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1617767007922-14YKWZMEHVHJI42VJ8VI/Milo.pic222.jpg The CORE Team - Milo Avey (They/Them) Milo graduated from the psychology program at UBCO in the summer of 2020. They are currently studying clinical psychology at the University of Regina with a focus on institutional betrayal trauma. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1633761135671-JQQGGHWZ9ZN4B6874JUU/147758098_181311406726449_9217330532177781261_n.jpg The CORE Team https://thecorelabubc.com/news daily 0.75 2022-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1586322436716-18Z4GEUOLZDY52C8XGEO/image-asset.jpeg News and Media https://thecorelabubc.com/selected-publications daily 0.75 2020-06-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1633762372448-98FYRKGEGH19XUXXBSBX/unsplash-image-GWbIHT51VT4.jpg Selected Publications https://thecorelabubc.com/en-enhance daily 0.75 2024-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1603848426073-KNQ8O0T8NYROAXK51026/CORE+Biographies.jpg The ENHANCE Program https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1687982257515-VLH02OZNI2UHFWMQITSU/Screen+Shot+2023-06-28+at+12.53.41+PM.png The ENHANCE Program https://thecorelabubc.com/pcpsych-program daily 0.75 2022-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/3fd6cd9b-068c-412d-9882-ed8c50232b10/PCPsychs+Proposal.jpg PCPsych Program - The PCPsych Program The Primary Care Psychologist (PCPsych) program proposal requests that the government work in partnership with UBCO to hire, train, and embed 20 full time equivalent (FTE) Psychologists within the Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in BC over the next 3 years. PCPsychs will be an integrated part of the care team providing care to patients with complex medical, mental and behavioural health needs. This includes direct, on-demand (often same-day) patient consultations for brief (15-30 minute) visits for a wide range of issues including chronic medical condition management, diagnostic assessments, and mental health treatment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/ff8fac47-55cd-43ac-9ae0-397d030920cf/PCPsychs+Proposal+-+Executive+Summary.jpg PCPsych Program - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1633761837927-TRFPQ4AQEYP5N2RU2WMJ/unsplash-image-OQMZwNd3ThU.jpg PCPsych Program https://thecorelabubc.com/speakerseries daily 0.75 2025-06-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1750802215926-3P7QWL3HI9H8M1HTWT69/Speaker+Series+Poster+Ruth+Lavergne.png Speaker Series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1750374890251-ZG0AO2GWUEWC93C8B84K/Suicide+Care+in+Emergency+Departments+April+2025.jpg Speaker Series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1744747232790-W5OFYWI3E2UGQECGNHQ9/Image+2025-04-15+at+12.59+PM.jpeg Speaker Series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1729191199921-C6SWQIQDXTS35A8LS1AQ/Speaker+Specific+Poster+%281%29.png Speaker Series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1725056745728-9K2QOHV5T9H7RLSTQU3I/MP+Doherty+Flyer.png Speaker Series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1725056744384-QHTVJ1AHXU5BOJOG1F26/Speaker+Series_February.png Speaker Series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1725056743709-VUZL1G0ELZDP9473YJ0M/Advocacy+Series+_+Nov+17.png Speaker Series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1725056739797-9P2YE6NDBBNPD7KFOHDF/DrNarangSpeaker.jpg Speaker Series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1725056741105-MOLP0C6LWG63GD3JJ319/General+Poster.png Speaker Series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/7abb409b-5942-432e-b2af-4a02cb113d0c/-8721607416915229949.jpg Speaker Series - We are thrilled to introduce Marcus Gottlieb as the 2nd Mental Health Equity Fellow at UBCO! Marcus, a dedicated 3rd-year PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program, brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. He combines a background in government service, having worked for the Ontario Provincial Government, with a deep passion for supporting individuals through delivering evidence-based psychological interventions and conducting research to inform these interventions. On a broader scale, he is eager to leverage this expertise to advance mental health policy by collaborating with BC government officials, academics, and practitioners, with the goal of driving meaningful systemic change in British Columbia. https://thecorelabubc.com/about-our-research-copy daily 1.0 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/97bc9c85-096a-4e32-bd0b-ff2988f95e96/Image+2024-12-19+at+10.48+AM.jpeg About Our Research 2024/2025 - ENHANCE Program The ENHANCE Program (Enduring happiness and continued self-development) is designed to teach social skills, ways of thinking, and understanding one’s own values and strengths as a means of increasing life satisfaction, meaning, and enjoyment of life, as well as reducing stress and depression. Recently, the program was adapted for improving individuals health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/6e0f0902-bcfb-4d2d-a22d-80f934119d1a/Screenshot+2024-04-16+at+11.42.57+AM.jpg About Our Research 2024/2025 - 2024 Researcher of the Year (Health) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1726091536087-H93A6I3YRIRALHV6A1F0/unsplash-image-Zyx1bK9mqmA.jpg About Our Research 2024/2025 - Advocacy The CORE lab is passionate about advocating to the government for accessible, equitable, and comprehensive psychological care for those living within and outside of British Columbia. Specifically, we advocate for psychologists to be integrated into the provincial primary care system in order for people to receive timely, accessible, evidence-based care delivered by mental health specialists who can assess, diagnose, treat, and evaluate patient outcomes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1726091239062-V2MPQ3H4ZW8D95YQP86N/unsplash-image-OCKa0AkSyRc.jpg About Our Research 2024/2025 - Behavioural Interventions Small Changes is a behavioural weight management intervention designed to promote healthy, sustainable weight loss in individuals with overweight or obesity, and has been adapted to be effective in chronic health populations such as those with atrial fibrillation and psoriatic arthritis. The ENHANCE program is a behavioural intervention that uses positive psychology to improve subjective well-being, and has also been adapted to work in the context of COVID-19. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/1726090652011-ZHVN94FOJMKIJDYNSVN2/unsplash-image-nMyM7fxpokE.jpg About Our Research 2024/2025 - Emergency Department Program Evaluation In partnership with Interior Health (IH) and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the CORE Lab is conducting a program evaluation of suicide and mental health screening protocols across 9 emergency departments (EDs) in the IH region. This project focuses on evaluating the screening process, discharge procedures, and follow-up care for patients who present to the ED in acute mental health crisis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b9b2eeaec4eb7cb4e830f03/148da7bb-3681-4496-b4ba-82a69355821f/IMG_1015+%281%29.jpg About Our Research 2024/2025 - Integrated Primary Care Our research focuses on improving access to evidence-based psychological care by tailoring mental and behavioural health interventions for delivery in primary care settings. We explore key factors such as mental and physical health outcomes, patient and provider satisfaction, clinician training, and program effectiveness to support integrated, high-quality care. By bridging the gap between mental health and primary care, our work aims to create more equitable and sustainable systems of support for diverse communities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5310cef7e4b08602cbfa36bf/1395951531371-UHVVQPY7DU2MY6Z73FW2/hayden-header.jpg About Our Research 2024/2025