Editor-in-Chief
Yukta Bhandari (she/her)
I recently graduated from the University of British Columbia with a BA in Psychology and a Minor in Writing and Communication, and I’m currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Psychology at New York University. As Editor in Chief of the UBC Undergraduate Journal of Psychology, I lead a dedicated editorial team committed to publishing high-quality undergraduate research—amplifying emerging voices and fostering a culture of intellectual rigour, curiosity, and accessibility.
My research interests sit at the intersection of race, politics, culture, and identity. Drawing on social psychology and writing studies, I explore how language and narrative shape both personal experience and broader systems of meaning and power. I’ve worked across labs in cultural, developmental, and organizational psychology, as well as writing studies, on projects examining nostalgia, mystical experiences, meaning-making, academic accessibility, and the entrepreneurial self.
Outside the journal, I continue to advocate for more expansive, interdisciplinary, and inclusive approaches to research. I’m a strong supporter of EDI-centered scholarship and remain deeply committed to building academic communities that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion through both practice and policy.
Journal Director
Emmett Harries (he/him)
I am in my final year at the University of British Columbia, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies. As Journal Director, I lead marketing initiatives and design the visual aesthetic of our upcoming seventh volume.
Academically, I am interested in integrating socio-psychological perspectives into underserviced public health areas. I have engaged in research and community outreach which aim to better sexual health outcomes, a historically neglected area of healthcare. In the future, I hope to work in public health policymaking to improve aspects of health from evidence based perspectives, making care more equitable and representative of community specific needs.
Outside of academics, I enjoy skiing, going on runs, and exploring Vancouver by bike.
Editorial Team
Hiya Bansal (she/her)
I’m a fourth-year Psychology major at the University of British Columbia with a minor in Health and Society. My academic interests lie in counselling psychology and mental health advocacy. Over the past few years, I’ve worked as a Behavioral Interventionist and a Research Assistant at the Centre for Infant Cognition, where I’ve explored both clinical and research-based approaches to child development. Outside of academics, I really enjoy dancing and exploring nature.
Ava Cervas (she/her)
I am a current third year Psychology student with a minor in Journalism and Social Change. My interests span across various psychological subtypes such as clinical and social, with current interests in neuropsychology. I plan on pursuing a career in which supports individuals with brain injury or developmental disabilities in leading autonomous, self-directed lives. Outside of the UJP, you can catch me writing for The Ubyssey or crafting with UBC Knit and Sew!
Milana Grozic (she/her)
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Health and Society. Currently, I work as a research assistant in the ADAPT Lab at the University of Calgary, where I investigate the impact of technology on individual’s mental and physical well-being, with a particular focus on the promotion of sustainable digital habits. While my current research is rooted in health and technology, I intend to pursue graduate studies in forensic psychology. I am especially interested in understanding the psychological and structural factors that contribute to individual’s displaying harmful and criminal behavior. Outside of academia, I enjoy dancing, photography, and exploring new food spots around Vancouver!
Tiffany Kuku (she/her)
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies at UNBC. As a passionate advocate for mental health equity and inclusion, my academic and volunteer work bridges psychology, social justice and engagement within the mental health community. I have a growing interest in biopsychological and clinical research, with a focus on stress, cultural identity, and health outcomes among marginalized populations. I am also deeply engaged in feminist and sex/gender research particularly as it relates to systemic barriers in mental healthcare. Through my work, I am committed to amplifying diverse voices and promoting accessible, culturally informed research
Nicole Peng (she/her)
I’m a third-year Psychology student minoring in Education, currently volunteering as a research assistant at the Promoting Equitable, Affirming Relationships Lab. Now in my second year with UJP, I’m honoured to take the lead in relaunching the OJS platform to make the journal more accessible for our readers. I’m passionate about supporting inclusivity and mental health among children from minority backgrounds. Outside of the journal, you’ll likely find me either struggling up a bouldering wall or rewarding myself with ice cream from Rain or Shine!
Lara Vaziri (she/her)
I am currently in the final year of my B.A. in Honours Psychology at the University of British Columbia. My research interests lie primarily in the field of clinical psychology, with an interdisciplinary focus. I am particularly passionate about improving access to mental health care by integrating mindfulness and physical activity into therapeutic settings. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a career in clinical psychology. Outside of academics, I enjoy jewelry making, working out, and traveling!