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I completed my undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Toronto and my Master's in Criminology at Wilfrid Laurier University. I enjoy exploring questions about the world at the intersection of biology, psychology and social influence, with a particular focus on serial and sexual homicide. Outside of criminology and my research, I love to learn about epidemiology, biology and ancient history.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

My decision to attend SFU was influenced by both the faculty and the unique opportunities the university offers. The field of sexual and serial homicide is relatively small in Canada, and very few universities can provide the experience and opportunities that SFU does. I was very fortunate to meet Dr. Eric Beauregard, who has been immensely supportive of my research interests.

What sparked your interest in criminology?

My interest in Criminology began early, maybe too early, when I was around twelve years old. I picked up a book on the Jack the Ripper investigation and became fascinated with criminal cases. I had so many questions about how someone could behave so violently and how investigations of violent crimes took place. This curiosity led me to read extensively about different cases, and the history of forensics and psychology, ultimately leading me to focus on serial homicide.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

I was grateful to receive the SSHRC scholarship as a Master's student. I am also very thankful to have been awarded Graduate Scholarships as a Master’s student and Research Scholarships as a PhD student. These awards allowed me to concentrate on my research without the added stress of working extra jobs on top of schoolwork. Being an SSHRC recipient also instilled in me confidence as a graduate student and validated the importance of my research.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I have two main projects. The first began as a passion project focused on female serial killers. Most research on serial homicide tends to focus on men and sexual homicide, particularly cases in the United States. I was curious about the existing research on women and cultural differences, but I found that there was very little available. I have collected biographical information on approximately 80 female serial killers from the past 200 years, including their life histories, victims, methods of murder, and characteristics of their crimes. I am currently in the process of analyzing this data to identify patterns across different women and cultures. I am also working on a book chapter that summarizes existing work on typologies of serial homicide and debates within the field. The next several months will involve extensive literature reviews, but I look forward to it!

What excites you about your research, and how do you believe it could benefit our community/the field?

I am particularly interested in unravelling the causes of extreme antisocial behaviour, which often contradicts human nature. While the topics I explore may be morbid, I believe that understanding them is fundamental to prevention. Serial homicide is extremely rare, but the research conducted in this area can be broadly applied to many other types of crime. Furthermore, the legal changes resulting from such cases can have a large impact and draw attention to how crime disproportionately affects marginalized groups, such as Indigenous populations, LGBTQIA+ communities, and other minorities.

So far, what has been the most challenging part of your PhD journey, and how are you addressing it?

One of the most challenging aspects of graduate school so far has been finding a balance between academics and other commitments. As a graduate student, it can be tempting to seize every opportunity for involvement in research and committees. I often forget to prioritize activities outside of school and have a habit of volunteering myself for any opportunity I come across. Recently, I have been working on not overloading myself and giving my full attention to the projects I already have.

Do you have any advice for prospective students?

This has likely been said to many prospective students, but it bears repeating you are more than your degree. Have passions and things you enjoy outside of your graduate degree. Hobbies, shows, clubs or anything that is a break from the focus of your research helps to keep the interest in your studies ongoing. Additionally, defining yourself by the success in courses and research alone is a tiring and stressful experience – find fulfilling things outside of school that can get you through rough patches (and good luck)!