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" I chose SFU because of my supervisor, Dr. Shannon Zaitsoff, and because of the unique clinical training opportunities offered as a part of the clinical psychology program. The program's diverse focus on treatment modalities and varied research programs attracted me to the university."
Chloe White
Clinical Psychology doctoral student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field
I always knew mental health advocacy and clinical psychology research were passions of mine! However, it became clear that research on eating disorders was of the utmost importance to me when I was in my undergraduate Introduction to Psychopathology course at McGill University. In the course, I distinctly remember coming across a small section in my course textbook on eating disorders. The section was less than 1/6 of a page - less than half the size of other sections on mental illnesses - and stated that eating disorders are one of the most prevalent and life threatening disorders. I remember wondering: why then do they only get 1/6th of a page of this textbook? Eating disorders continue to rise in prevalence, and yet, little research and funding is dedicated to understanding how and why they manifest. This fact, paired with eating disorders high mortality rates, continue to motivate me.
Why did you choose to come to SFU?
I chose SFU because of my supervisor, Dr. Shannon Zaitsoff, and because of the unique clinical training opportunities offered as a part of the clinical psychology program. The program's diverse focus on treatment modalities and varied research programs attracted me to the university.
How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?
My research broadly focuses on better understanding how eating disorders present across the gender spectrum, with the goal of improving existing prevention and intervention efforts.
What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?
Gender diversity, eating disorders, intervention
How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?
My coursework, research, and teaching experiences have helped me become a better clinician and researcher overall. The opportunity to connect with students and research participants better informs the kinds of questions I ask in my research. My coursework has provided me with a foundation in clinical skills that has been expanded upon in my research experiences. Ultimately, these skills have also informed how I interact with my students and have helped me become an attentive, informed, and motivated teacher and student.
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
I have been the recipient of several donor funded awards, all of which have supported me in becoming a better researcher and clinician! Most notably, I have been the recipient of the Judith Mappin Award for Research in Women's Health, the Soroptimist Foundation of Canada Award, the Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Master’s Scholarship, and the Kruger Products Bicultural Entrance Award. Each of these awards have provided me with funding to pursue and delve deeper into my research program. Most recently, I was awarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship by the Canadian Institute of Health Research which will fund my doctoral studies.
What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?
The most valuable lesson I have learned is that everything will get done and failure is a very normal part of the process! Graduate school is very busy and there is a never-ending to do list. If you let it, the work will consume you. Instead, you have to take charge and set boundaries. In my experience, this means I have a "hard out" for my working hours and days. I remember being very overwhelmed with responsibilities in my first term of graduate school and a friend saying to me: "How do you eat a whale? One bite at a time." That is graduate school in a nut shell.
What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?
Some tips I would share are to have a strong sense of hierarchy of your priorities. I don't have time for all of the things I would like to do, but I never miss seeing my friends. My non-negotiables are my social life!
Contact Chloe:chloe_white@sfu.ca