Memory Lab | Toronto Metropolitan University

The Memory Lab is recruiting new graduate students for Fall 2023.

Please email Dr. Szpunar to inquire.

I completed my doctoral training at Washington University in St. Louis in 2009 and my postdoctoral training at Harvard University in 2015. My research focuses on elucidating the cognitive and neural mechanisms that give rise to adaptive uses of memory in daily life.

Curriculum Vitae

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Google Scholar Citations

Growing up as an autistic, I felt great disparity between my cognition and that of others, leading to my fascination with how people think and how thoughts affect behavior. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in 2015. I then volunteered as a research assistant in the Multisensory Systems Neuroscience Lab at York University under the supervision of Dr. Joe DeSouza. I am entering my third year as a graduate student.​

I am a second-year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology program. I recently completed my undergraduate degree at York University with a concentration in cognitive neuropsychology. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I gained research experience in both cultural psychology and neuropsychology. Within the memory lab, I am excited to explore the potential benefits and consequences of future event simulation in clinical populations. I am also interested in researching ways of reducing mind wandering and enhancing online learning.

I am a first-year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology program. I have a blended background in cognitive neuroscience and education. I most recently completed a master's degree at the University of Toronto where I conducted functional neuroimaging (MEG) research at SickKids Hospital in Toronto. I am also an Ontario certified teacher and previously obtained a Bachelor of Education at Queen's University after completing my undergraduate degree in Cognitive Science at McGill University. I am extremely passionate about fostering accessible learning in our communities. At the Memory Lab, I am very excited to explore cognitive and neuroimaging approaches to study attention and memory in learning to help students overcome challenges and improve educational outcomes.

Undergraduate Thesis Student

I am going into my fourth year of the psychology program. My research interests include learning and memory in educational settings. In my spare time, I like to exercise, read, and watch documentaries.

Research Assistants

I am a recent graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University with a major in psychology and a minor in sociology. I'm particularly interested in identity formation and how psychology can be applied to greater social change. Outside of school, I enjoy reading cheesy romances, watching comedy specials, and exploring the city.

Recent Lab Alumni - Graduate Students

Recent Lab Alumni - Undergraduate Students

Anne Cabildo (BA, 2021) - Current Position - Graduate Student at the University of Toronto

Avishag Frank (BA, 2021) - Current Position - Graduate Student at Toronto Metropolitan University

Ruthie Poizner (BA, 2021) - Current Position - Graduate Student at Concordia University

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Dr. Julia Spaniol, Toronto Metropolitan University

Dr. Jason Chan, Iowa State University (USA)

Dr. Chris Wahlheim, University of North Carolina Greensboro (USA)

Dr. Lynn Lohnas, Syracuse University (USA)

Dr. Arnaud D'Argembeau, University of Liège (Belgium)

Dr. Julie Ji, University of Western Australia

Dr. Jeremy Yamashiro, UC Santa Cruz (USA)

Dr. Adam Putnam, Furman University (USA)

Dr. Meymune Topcu, New School (USA)

Dr. Piotr Szpunar, University at Albany (USA)