MA Student Madison Harvey awarded Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship

Congratulations to Psychology's Law and Forensic MA student Madison Harvey, who received the prestigious Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship - Doctoral Scholarship (CGS-D) from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

The CGS-D program aims to support ongoing excellence in Canadian research by rewarding exceptional doctoral students at Canadian institutions in all academic disciplines. With this support, scholars can concentrate on their studies, while also seeking mentors in their chosen fields.

Raised in Saskatchewan, Harvey completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Regina and is currently in her 2^nd year of Graduate studies in the Law and Forensic Psychology program.

“My research is primarily focused on witnesses in the legal system. In particular, I am interested in what witness memory after a long delay (e.g., years) may look like, what we can expect from their interviews and testimony, and how these witnesses may be perceived by individuals in the justice system, such as judges,” says Harvey, who is currently working under the supervision of Dr. Deborah Connolly.

“Often, a case may not go to trial until after a long delay, due to a variety of reasons, and a witness may be the only form of remaining evidence. Due to this, it becomes extremely important to understand more about what long-term autobiographical memory actually looks like, and what individuals in the justice system may expect it to look like.”

When it comes to advice for prospective students who may be interested in continuing their education at the graduate level, she mentions that graduate school is undoubtedly hard work, but also rewarding if you are enjoying what you are studying.

“Open yourself up to opportunities, and you may find yourself doing something you never would have anticipated (like going to Australia to work on research for 6 weeks!). I would also encourage prospective students to make sure they are interested and excited about their graduate career. Graduate school becomes a huge part of your life, and it can be very enjoyable if you love what you are doing, like I do.”