Two Psychology professors recognized by the Association for Psychological Science
The Association for Psychological Science (external link) (APS) serves as the hub for numerous prominent psychological science researchers globally. Committed to integrating time-honoured scientific principles of rigour and transparency with inventive approaches, APS strives to advance the conduct and application of research in the field.
Dr. Julia Spaniol and Dr. Andrew Kim
Fellow status is awarded to APS members who have consistently excelled in advancing the science of psychology, showcasing exceptional contributions in research, teaching, service, and application. Dr. Julia Spaniol, professor of Psychology and Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Aging (Tier 2, NSERC), has been named a 2024 Fellow.
On this achievement, Dr. Spaniol said, “I am honoured to receive this recognition from my academic peers. Science is a collaborative endeavour, so I'd like to acknowledge all of my students, colleagues, and mentors, without whom none of my work would be possible! Thanks also to the Department of Psychology and the Faculty of Arts at TMU for their ongoing support.”
Dr. Spaniol directs the Memory and Decision Processes Lab, which uses behavioural and neuroimaging methods to study how motivation and cognition interact in younger and older adults. Dr. Spaniol's research program signals a shift away from a “deficit model" of cognitive aging, toward a more holistic view whereby cognitive processes support adaptive goal pursuit throughout the lifespan. In recent years, the lab has conducted influential studies on the impact of reward motivation on cognitive function, as well as studies of altruism and curiosity as drivers of cognitive engagement in adulthood.
The APS Rising Star title is awarded to exceptional APS members who are in the initial phases of their research careers following their Ph.D. This designation acknowledges individuals whose groundbreaking contributions have propelled the field forward and indicates significant potential for their ongoing impact. Dr. Andrew Kim has been named a 2024 Rising Star.
Dr. Kim is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and an Adjunct Scientist at the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal. Dr. Kim’s work focuses on identifying who is at risk of experiencing both an addiction and mental health concern, how addictions and mental health symptoms are maintained, as well as improving current psychological treatments for co-occurring addictions and mental health disorders.
“This achievement is a reflection of the mentorship I have received, support from colleagues in the Department of Psychology, and all the wonderful collaborators and trainees I have had the pleasure of working with,” said Dr. Kim. “It was an honour to have my work and impact recognized, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to improving the lives of those who experience addictions and mental health difficulties.”
The TMU Psychology program is the largest in the Faculty of Arts with 41 full-time faculty members, 39 dedicated research labs, and over $13 million in active grants from external sources. Welcoming over 1,150 eager students—both graduate and undergraduate—the department provides ample room to grow and explore within the expansive 25,000 square feet of research space.