Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipient: Max Marshall, Psychology PhD student

What inspires your research? 

There is so much knowledge to glean from SGD older adults — a community that has navigated (and continues to navigate) systems of oppression and inequity with resilience and grace, while paving the way for younger generations. To me, research is a form of storytelling, and I think it is important to help tell the stories of these communities in ways that feel appropriate to them. I am really inspired by the opportunities that can emerge from this intergenerational learning. If, in this process, we can also lend our knowledge from psychology to support older SGD adults in navigating the distinct challenges faced in older adulthood, I want to help facilitate this process to ensure that this community is afforded opportunities to thrive.

Supporting older SGD adults also supports all SGD persons. When younger Queer people see older Queer people thriving, it can send a message of hope and belonging for their future. In a world where messages of nonacceptance are still too pervasive, I hope that this research can make even a small contribution to strengthening local Queer communities. For me, that is part of being a socially responsible researcher.

What does it mean to be named a Vanier Scholar?

It is a great honour! It is such a privilege to be a student and to study the topics that I am passionate about. The academic journey also requires diligence, commitment and fierce perseverance, especially in the moments when it feels like the setbacks outweigh the successes. Being recognized with a Vanier Scholarship is an affirmation of this perseverance. This award is also a commitment to continue this journey in becoming a leader in sex- and gender-based science. Receiving this award grants me greater freedom to explore these research questions and to build a strong program of research throughout my PhD.

Receiving a Vanier Scholarship is also a testament to the countless mentors who have shone a light on my path, especially when it was difficult to see the next step for myself. I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for the people who continue to support me along the way. I hope that I can share my experiences with future students to support them in their journeys too.

What advice do you have for Vanier Scholarship applicants?

Start early. Time is your friend! A strong application requires time to write, rewrite, review and rewrite again. Relatedly, seek feedback on your materials from those you trust. It is easy to get stuck in a cycle of our own thinking — see how your application reads to others and be open to feedback.

One piece of advice I received from previous Vanier Scholars was to ensure that your application reflects an overarching narrative of your life, including your leadership and academic experiences. Remember that funding at the graduate level is awarded based on the merit of the whole application, not only the project proposal (although the proposal is an important element). Help the reviewer understand both why this research is important and why you are the right person to lead this line of work. A funding application is not the time to be humble! Articulate your experience with nuance, and do not shy away from highlighting your successes.

How is your TMU graduate education preparing you to be career-ready?

TMU has encouraged me to reflect on what it means to be a critical and responsible clinician-scientist. Through courses like Psychopathology, Culturally Informed Clinical Practice and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, we are exposed to the latest science and taught how to think critically about applying our learning in real-world clinical and research contexts. Through my training at the Psychology Training Clinic (a partnership between TMU and St. Michael’s Hospital Academic Family Health Team), I received excellent supervision while providing assessment and treatment services to adults with diverse identities, giving me a strong foundation of clinical skills that I will continue to build during my external practica in my PhD.

Through my department and my lab, I have also had valuable mentorship opportunities that have strengthened my teaching skills. Taken together, TMU provides a rich and dynamic environment that sets the stage for a rewarding career in clinical work, research and mentorship. 

What advice do you have for graduate students?

Everyone’s path through graduate school is different. As students, most of us experience the natural human urge to compare our path to those next to us, including both our successes and our setbacks. My advice is to focus your vision on the uniqueness of your own journey by prioritizing what is important to you. With that said, seek support from those around you at every step. The friendships that I have made in my cohort, my lab and my program have been an invaluable source of support and joy during my graduate studies thus far. 

As they say, the days are long but the years are short. Try to slow down a little bit. We are all navigating a fast-paced world, often fixated on what comes next. Try to find gratitude in the day to day. It is these moments that shape our time here. 

Any other comments?

Thank you to my supervisor, Dr. Alexandra Fiocco, for her unwavering support throughout my studies and for encouraging me to always pursue the highest standard of training!