HRI is committed to training the next generation of clinical researchers and scientists. Through our Trainee Program, we provide learning opportunities for graduate and post-doctoral students in the field of mental health and addiction research. Trainees work under the supervision of HRI Scientists in all areas of research.
Two HRI Trainees recently received significant awards:
Yarden Levy
Yarden Levy
Yarden Levy, a PhD student in the Research and Clinical Training program in the department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour at McMaster University, was the recipient of a Wilson Leadership Scholar Award. The Award recognizes undergraduate and graduate students poised to serve as Canada’s next generation of leaders. It cultivates leadership through a career development program that links students with mentors and experts to advance both personal and professional goals. Yarden was one of only three students accepted into the program this year.
Yarden’s thesis focuses on the use of neurofeedback training to reduce trauma symptoms in military members, veterans, and first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a Wilson Leader, Yarden will build critical skills aimed at bridging existing gaps between policy and decision-making in Canadian healthcare, with an ultimate aim to implement novel treatments that will help Canadians living with PTSD.
Bethany Easterbrook
Bethany Easterbrook
McMaster University PhD student Bethany Easterbrook received the Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship Doctoral Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The $105,000 award will support her research exploring moral injury in the Canadian Military.
Bethany holds a Master’s degree in Health Research Methodology from McMaster University and is currently a PhD student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program. Under the supervision of Homewood Research Chair in Mental Health and Trauma, Dr. Margaret McKinnon, Bethany is Principal Investigator of a study entitled Moral Injury and Mental Health Outcomes: Predictors and Risk Factors in the Canadian Military.
The study will examine the prevalence and severity of moral injury in the military, as well its potential predictors and impacts on mental health outcomes and treatment-seeking patterns. Findings could guide the development of optimal treatments to better help military members who experience a moral injury during service.
Congratulations to Yarden and Bethany on these well-deserved honours.