Meet the mir Lab
Nigel MANTOU lou
Lab Director
I am the director of the Motivation and Intercultural Relations Lab (MIR lab) and a faculty member at the Department of Psychology, University of Victoria. You can find more about me and my research here.
Postdoc and Graduate students
Chenxi Wu
Master’s Student
I’m deeply fascinated by the intricate interplay between human psychology and technology, particularly in the realm of motivation. My research centers on exploring the diverse motivations behind individuals’ use of technology, with a keen focus on how it might influence their social and emotional well-being.
My curiosity in this area stems from the rich tapestry of portrayals of robots and AI in popular culture, ranging from the endearing companionship depicted in films like “Her” (2012) and the classic manga “Astro Boy,” to the ominous and menacing representations seen in works like “Terminator” and “M3GAN” (2022). Beyond exploring the nuances of technological motivation, I’m also intrigued by the potential cultural variations in perceptions of humanoids and social chatbots. I’m particularly interested in investigating how these differences in perception may impact individuals’ interactions and experiences with technology.
In my leisure time, you’ll often find me immersed in the world of cinema, indulging in a wide range of films from “The Holy Mountain” to the enchanting creations of Studio Ghibli. I also enjoy delving into visual novels and anime for their captivating narratives. Additionally, I love connecting with friends and occasionally doodle in manga style. Feel free to reach out!:)
Kingsley ivande
PhD Student
I am a Ph.D. student in the Department of Psychology at the University of Victoria. My research interests lie at the intersection of Personality-Social, Economic, Cross-cultural, and Positive Psychology. I employ a data-centric approach in my research, leveraging advanced data analytics and data science techniques to explore topics such as acculturation, motivation, and intergroup relations, with a particular focus on migrant and minority populations. A pivotal aspect of my research centers on the well-being of migrants and minority communities as they navigate the complexities of acculturation and adaptation to a different culture and environment. I investigate strategies that not only aid them in coping with the challenges of acculturation but also empower them to thrive in their new environment.
My research often draws inspiration from concepts in Positive Psychology, such as positive mindsets (e.g., growth mindset, stress-can-be-enhancing mindset, and the upward social mobility mindset), exploring how these concepts directly and indirectly influence intergroup and interpersonal processes.
Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy spending quality time one-on-one with close friends, and I am an avid sports enthusiast, with basketball being my personal favorite. Go DUBS!
Brandon Justus
Ph.D. Student
Thanks for checking out the lab and reading my bio! I am a Ph.D. student in the Social Psychology program at the University of Victoria, supervised by Dr. Nigel Mantou Lou. My research focuses on how games, specifically video games and board games, can influence motivation and foster positive intergroup relations. Currently, I am exploring how the fulfillment of basic psychological needs in cooperative game-based interventions contributes to fostering positive relations with outgroup players. If this research sounds interesting to you, please feel free to email me (bjustus@uvic.ca) to discuss this area of research.
When I am not conducting research, I enjoy playing video games—no surprise—and watching animated series (e.g., Secret Level). I also enjoy karaoke and grabbing a beer with friends in my spare time.
Tony Ahn
Postdoctoral Fellow
I am a designer, educator, and researcher. My research interests include simulation-based education, healthcare/health education, and knowledge translation.
We live in a world that demands rapid, complex learning. From healthcare workers to patients, their parents and guardians, and numerous other stakeholders—all need tailored solutions that address their unique circumstances.
My past work with pre-service teachers, pediatric caregivers, and medical residents attests to my commitment to crafting these solutions by leveraging educational technology alongside emotion-aware instructional design. I strive to continue refining my skills in blending design-based thinking with the learning sciences to create impactful educational experiences.
Imran Tatla
Masters Student
Hi! My name is Imran, and I’m an MSc student in the social psychology program at the University of Victoria. My research interests focus on intercultural/intergroup relations within minority groups. In particular, I am interested in evaluating how culturally based conflicts ( e.g., choosing a romantic partner from the mainstream culture) between parent and child impact second-generation youth’s identity development. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, staying active, reading, and sketching.
Kimberly ning
Masters Student
Hello! My name is Kimberly Ning (or just Kim) and I’m an MSc. student pursuing a degree in Social Psychology at the University of Victoria. I come from Edmonton, AB which is where I completed my BSc. (Psychology Major with a Minor in Business) from the University of Alberta.
I love the study of Psychology as a whole and have a multitude of research interests, but my focus tends to fall into the realm of minority-status group processes. As such, I am highly invested in the topics of intersectionality and discrimination, as well as immigration and acculturation. Currently, I am researching the intersection between queerness and ethnicity and hope to eventually expand my research towards examining the queer migrant experience.
In my spare time, I like to take walks while surrounding myself with nature, or just getting to explore places I haven’t been at yet. I love music, sitting down with a good show or film (Ghibli is my go-to!), and settling into a comfy chair with something to read and a fragrant cup of tea/coffee. In addition, I love to cook, bake, and partake in a good meal :).
Undergraduate students
NATASHA UNRUH
Honour Student
I am a fourth-year psychology student and the current lab coordinator for the MIR Lab. Now in my third year with the lab, I have explored topics related to diversity, institutional policies, and student experiences. My current research examines the reasons Canadian universities cite for recruiting international students—such as diversity, revenue generation, and globalization—and how these rationales may shape international students’ experiences on campus. I aim to complete my honours degree next year and pursue graduate studies.
Outside of academia, I enjoy rock climbing, painting, and connecting with new people through community service.
MATEO SUÁREZ
Independent Study Student
Hello! My name is Mateo, and I’m an international undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at the University of Victoria. I’m currently working on an independent research project exploring the intersection between acculturation, motivation, and learning mindset among international students.
My research interests sit at the crossroads of cultural psychology, language learning, and identity development. I’m particularly fascinated by how cultural transitions shape individuals’ beliefs about learning and self-efficacy, especially in multilingual and multicultural environments. I hope my work can contribute to more inclusive educational practices that support the well-being and academic success of international and minority students.
Outside of research, I enjoy studying languages, biking and taking long walks around Victoria, and discovering cozy cafés. I’m passionate about building cross-cultural understanding, and I’m always up for a conversation about migration, education, or music from around the world.
Kellye Deng
Research Intern
Amy Carrier
Volunteer
Hello! My name is Amy, and I am a fourth- year psychology undergraduate student volunteering for MIR lab as a research assistant. Research interests of mine include cultural psychology, identity, and wellbeing of children / adolescents. My goal is to pursue graduate studies in clinical or school psychology. Outside of research, I enjoy travelling, playing piano, and occasionally video games.
Jeremy Qi Jun Ng
Volunteer
Hi! I’m Jeremy, a third-year psychology student from Malaysia, currently studying at UVic. I’m volunteering as a research assistant in the MIR Lab, where I’m excited to build my research skills in preparation for graduate school. I’m particularly interested in how LGBTQ+ and queer topics intersect with mental health and well-being. Outside of academics, I enjoy working out and playing badminton.
Megan Dhillon
Volunteer
I am an undergraduate Psychology (B.A.) student with an interest in social psychology, and I’m in my final year at UVic. Within the lab, I am volunteering as a research assistant. My personal interests in research involve oppression, intersectionality, and social justice. Outside of academic involvement, I work with children on the Autism Spectrum and volunteer as a social companion to blind people.
Makena Pruden
Volunteer Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Makena and I am a fourth-year Psychology major at UVic. I am volunteering in the MIR lab as a research assistant. I am still exploring my research interests, but I am intrigued by AI’s impact on mental-health and the role of humour in improving motivation for intercultural bonding and anxiety reduction during cross-cultural interactions. I am currently assisting a project that explores if video games can improve intergroup relations. My goal is to complete an independent study and pursue a master’s degree in counselling psychology. If I’m not mentoring kiddos in schools, then I’m outdoors mountain biking with friends and trying new coffee shops!
Diljot Manj
VKURA Research Assistant (2024 Summer)
Hey there! I’m Diljot, a second-year Computer Science and Psychology major at UVic. Currently, I’m contributing as a Research Assistant in the MIR Lab. I’m personally interested in leveraging AI and Video Game Development in tandem to tackle individual challenges, such as overcoming stage fright. I’m equally fascinated with Cybersecurity and Cryptography, particularly social engineering and how it can be used with AI. Presently, I’m assisting in research at the MIR Lab on the positive impact of video games on intergroup relations. Looking ahead, I aspire to continue my undergraduate studies and later pursue graduate studies in Artificial Intelligence as well as in Applied Computer Science. Beyond academia, I enjoy programming, strategy games like Crusader Kings 3, and fantasy books.
Alumni
ISABELLA SCHOPPER
Research Assistant and Honours Student Graduate (2021-2023)
My research in collaboration with Dr. Nigel Lou explores the experiences of Asian-identifying students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in relation to mental health outcomes. My academic involvement also includes being the former co-president of the Psi Chi international Honor Society, and the undergraduate student representative of the psychology department’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee. Isabella is now studying law at UBC
Li Yang
Mitacs Intern (2025 summer)
I’m honored to join the MIR Lab as a Mitacs Globalink summer research intern from China. This summer in Victoria has been both enjoyable and incredibly rewarding. I’m currently contributing to a project in the MIR lab that explores how AI can support qualitative data analysis—a field with great potential to make research more efficient and accessible.
My previous volunteer experiences in Xinjiang and Tibet made me deeply aware of the disparities in mental health resources between developed and underserved regions, as well as the challenges ethnic minorities face in accessing mental health support. These experiences have shaped my interest in reducing these inequalities through low-cost, scalable solutions. I believe AI-driven digital interventions offer promising pathways, thanks to their accessibility and adaptability. For my undergraduate thesis at Beijing Normal University, I will develop an AI-powered system in which virtual clients simulate real therapy sessions to help train novice counselors. In the future, I hope to design culturally sensitive, AI-driven interventions tailored to the needs of racially and ethnically diverse populations. Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking, exploring new places, and having meaningful conversations with people. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat: liliyangpsy@gmail.com
ISABELLA THURSTON
Honours Student and Independent study student (2022-2023)
Hi! My name is Isabella Thurston. I am currently a fourth-year student at UVic majoring in Psychology. I am working alongside Dr Lou on my independent study this year, which will focus on whether or not exposure to diversity initiatives on campus effects white students attitudes of threat, and we are also exploring potential moderators of this relationship. Additionally, my research interests include the effects of racism and sexism, discrimination and inequality on one’s culture, identity and well-being.
Andy van drom
Graduate Student Affiliate (2022-2024)
I have been teaching linguistics and English as a second language in Quebec City since 2005, first at Université Laval and then, since 2012, at Cégep Limoilou. After completing my doctoral studies in linguistics, I am now working part-time on a second master’s degree, in college pedagogy, at Université de Sherbrooke. My research, under the supervision of Dr. Séverine Parent (Université du Québec à Rimouski) and Dr. Nigel Mantou Lou (University of Victoria) studies the influence of metacognitive activities on the language mindset, motivation and engagement of college-level ESL learners. Andy has also published 4 textbooks with Pearson ELT. My desire to innovate in pedagogy through digital technology has earned me an AQPC Honorable Mention and the EF Excellence Award in Language Teaching. Access Andy’s website here to learn more about his research.
KEMMERLY CHIPONGIAN
Honour student (2023 Fall); Independent Study Student (2023 Spring); Research Assisant (2022 Fall)
Hi! My name is Kemmerly, and I am completing my Honours thesis with Dr. Lou in the MIR Lab. My research focuses on intended versus actual outcomes of equity, diversity and inclusion policies, and how universities can design and deliver initiatives to best support cultural minority students. In the future I hope to pursue a Masters’ degree in Public Health, and continue exploring the biopsychosocial model of health in relation to health equity and accessibility. In my spare time, I love watching films, reading with a hot mug of tea, and spending time outdoors!
Kem is a Master’s students in Public Health at the University of Washington.
Evelyn Warsito
Lab coordinator (2022-2023)
Hello! My name is Evelyn and I am a fourth year psychology undergraduate student at UVic. I’m from Jakarta, Indonesia, and I transferred to UVic last year from Edmonds College in Washington. I am interested in mental health and coping strategies of migrant students, especially of marginalized communities.
Evelyn finished her Master’s degree in Digital Media at Toronto Metropolitan University and now a digital designer.
Sunwoo Joo
Mitacs Intern (2024 Summer)
Hi! I am Sunwoo, and I am a rising fourth-year psychology and counseling student at the University of Hong Kong. As part of the Mitacs program, I am excited to contribute my assistance at the MIR lab during this summer. My research interests focus on the intricate aspects of how 1.5-2nd generation immigrants maintain their cultural identity, language development, and well-being. In my spare time, I like to dance, travel, go for a walk or go to the beach.
Xu Wang
Mitacs Intern (2024 summer)
Xu is a summer intern (2024) in the MIR lab. And now a PhD student at the National University of Singapore.
Anjuli Strong
Volunteer (2024-2025)
Hello! My name is Anjuli, and I am a third-year psychology student at Uvic from Toronto. I am interested in the intersection between mental health issues and diverse cultural backgrounds, and how to create treatments that take these differences into account. I am currently volunteering as a research assistant for a study at the MIR lab about the difficulties second generation immigrants face in relationships. I am aiming to become a clinical psychologist, though I’d like to focus on research first. At the moment, I’ve been enjoying playing video games, spending time with my friends, and painting surreal art.
Sarah Edgar
Volunteer (2024-2025)
Hi! I’m Sarah, a second year psychology student at UVic from Saskatoon. I am volunteering in the MIR Lab as a research assistant. I am interested in mental health, personality, and intergroup relations and am finishing my undergraduate degree as I work towards a career as a therapist. I am currently assisting on a project that focuses on intergroup relations and games as I continue to develop my research interests and skills. Outside of the lab you can find me reading, crafting, hanging out with friends, or working in childcare.
KUSAM SHARMA
Independent study student (2022)
Hi my name is Kusam and I am a third year student at UVIC for a BSC in psychology, majoring also in psych. I’m originally from Victoria, I attended my first two years of my bachelors at Camosun College and transferred to UVIC at the beginning of my third year. My research interests are anything relating to the root causes of racisms, the impact racism/discrimination has on an individuals mental health as well as how individuals can expand their well being. For fun I like to watch movies, horror is my favourite genre and I enjoy going outdoors on short trips.
Tamara Knight-Robinson
Independent study student (2024)
Hi! My name is Tamara, and I am a third-year psychology major at UVic. I am volunteering in the MIR Lab as a research assistant. I am interested in research that focuses on intercultural relationships and how these affect people’s perceptions and identity. I am currently assisting on a project within the MIR Lab that is focussing on second-generation immigrants and the various conflicts that affect their identity development. I am hoping to eventually complete an independent study and attend graduate school in the future. As of right now I am focussing on continuing to grow my research skills! In my spare time, I enjoy exploring new places to eat with my friends, indulging in a good book and finding Victoria’s best matcha latte.
Danial Mirsajedin
Independent study student (2022-2023)
I am completing the last year of my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Uvic. I am greatly interested in mental health & well-being, specifically in relation to immigrants. There is a possibility that I will further pursue my interests in mental health by looking to do a counselling or clinical psychology master’s degree in the future.
dogtor piper
Honorary Lab Member