Current Projects
Identifying Patterns of Adolescent Substance Use
This project seeks to: (1) systematically review existing literature on patterns of multiple substance use among adolescents, and (2) identify patterns of substance use and mental health concerns among adolescents in Ontario, Canada using cluster methodologies.
Cannabis Interventions for Youth
I strive to identify and implement effective interventions for youth cannabis use. Thus far, I have: (1) helped develop, deliver, and evaluate a brief motivational intervention for post-secondary substance use (called Pause), (2) led a systematic review and meta-analysis on brief interventions for cannabis use among emerging adults; and (3) co-developed a Cannabis Practice Guide for School Mental Health Professionals.
Professor Hippo-on-Campus: Student Mental Health Education Program for Educators and Navigators
Professor Hippo-on-Campus is an initiative of the McMaster Student Mental Health and Well-being Strategy under the Office of the Provost. It is an online mental health education program for McMaster staff and Faculty consisting of eight modules, covering topics such as: creating mental health-positive learning environments, communicating with stressed and distressed learners, and recognizing and responding to students in distress and difficulty. I have been involved in refining the modules, planning the evaluation, conducting analyses, and co-supervising thesis and work-study students. The protocol and feasibility paper is currently in preparation. Additionally, modules specific for teaching assistants are currently being evaluated.