Fiza Hasan

Experimental Psychology and Law master's 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

Long before I began my undergraduate journey, I developed a love for true and fictionalized crime through literature. Since then, I have been fascinated by the whirlwind of flaws disrupting the legal system and society as a whole. I want to ameliorate the justice system in Canada, by focusing on issues with memory and witness testimony. I am motivated to learn and teach, and aim to become an academic researcher and professor. Ultimately, my undergraduate and community experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in research, study projects of social and legal relevance, and to be at the forefront of discovery.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I am drawn to the institution’s recognition for excellence in research and its prominent work in the growing field of law and psychology.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

My goal is to study interviewing techniques for child witnesses, and combat issues with false memories of repeated events. With this research, I hope to improve our understanding of interviewing children, and study its potential consequences, especially in courtroom settings. I aim to revise systems in the legal system, which are designed by adults for children, and may not entirely reflect the needs of children.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

false memory; interviewing techniques; children's memory

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

To better understand forensic settings, I volunteered at the Calgary Courthouse through the Elizabeth Fry Society, supporting individuals who could not afford lawyers. I provided legal information to both youth and adults on their options to stand trial (e.g., pleading not-guilty), and offered them emotional support in the courtroom. Many of the convicted individuals I worked with were fighting systemic disadvantages, and witnessing this firsthand drove me toward understanding people’s experiences in the justice system. I provided individuals who were in financial dilemmas with resources, such as Alberta Legal Aid for a lawyer. I also volunteer with the Calgary John Howard Society, where I hold biweekly one-on-one meetings with former convicts to help them reintegrate into society. The experience is rewarding and informative as I have learned about the inner workings of different prisons, factors influencing criminality, and convicted individuals’ lived experiences. Having worked with ex-convicts by providing them emotional and mental support, and seeing them rebuild their lives ignites my commitment to a career in law and psychology.

Contact Fiza:fiza_hasan@sfu.ca