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"Tiara Cash is an outstanding scholar committed to understanding how people navigate life transitions, such as the start of university or end of employment, as well as what personal and structural tools can help manage these often-stressful times. Tiara uses a range of methods in divergent contexts because she is deeply motivated to studying this question from every angle. Notably Tiara’s research is an extension of her experiences and concern for others. She is committed to fighting injustice, and is an excellent mentor to junior scholars joining our team and outgoing graduates facing their own transition to new adventures."
- Dr. Lara Aknin
Tiara Cash
Social Psychology doctoral student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
My name is Tiara Cash. I am Black American, Mississippi Chahta (unenrolled), and Tsalagi descendant. I’m a current PhD student at SFU from Memphis, TN (USA) where I work with Dr. Lara Aknin in the Helping and Happiness Lab. I hold a Master’s Degree (M.S.) from Western Illinois University where I studied Sport Psychology and a Master’s Degree (M.A.) from Simon Fraser University in Social Psychology. In addition to being a graduate student and researching in the lab, I am a certified Koru Mindfulness Instructor with a 20-year personal practice in mindfulness and meditation. With this work - I own an organization focused on serving communities through the concepts of mindfulness, meta-awareness, and meaningful self-relationships and relationships with others where I conduct presentations, workshops, and consultations through an emerging framework: Equitable Mindfulness. My career interests include working with underrepresented and underserved equity-seeking populations, resilience training, and research on life transitions and well-being.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
There are a few reasons why I made the choice to start my PhD journey here at SFU. To start, Dr. Aknin is a leader in the science of happiness. When I met her, I instantly knew I wanted to work with her. She has been an amazing mentor so far, and I look forward to seeing how I grow under her leadership. Also, when I visited the campus, I fell in love! It beautifully sits on top of Burnaby mountain and everyone I met was kind and helpful.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
My research focuses on the intersections of life transitions and prosocial behaviors/gratitude on well-being outcomes.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of my professors, classmates, and staff within the psychology department. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a place where the spirit of the organization is based solely on collaboration and the good of all. I also feel challenged at SFU and that I will receive a well-rounded education with deep research knowledge and practical application.
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.
Yes, I am a 2022 Vanier Graduate Scholarship recipient. I was also a recipient of the SFU Special Graduate Entrance Scholarship.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?
Research Website: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tiara_Cash
Contact Tiara: tiara_cash@sfu.ca