Our Team

  • Valerie Sotardi, PhD; LAMB Lab Leader

    Kia ora! I am a Senior Lecturer of Educational Psychology and Quantitative Research at the University of Canterbury. I am passionate about youth mental health and findings ways to support rangatahi in Otautahi Christchurch and across Aotearoa New Zealand. Education research topics include the effects of classroom and school belongingness, schooling transitions, academic burnout, assessment anxiety, and perfectionism on academic performance and student well-being. I am particularly interested in research on anxiety, stress, and coping strategies from adolescence to early adulthood. This includes research on help, namely the gap between help-seeking intentions (i.e., considering help) and behaviour (i.e., seeking help) in academic and non-academic settings. I am currently focused on research aimed to improve mental health literacy and mental health first aid among young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. I am an accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course instructor, and I adopt a range of methodological approaches in my research, including mixed-method studies. More importantly, I am a salsa dancer, gamer, and lover of dogs. Email me with any inquiries about the LAMB lab, research, or supervision.

  • Hilary Dutton, PhD

    I am a Pākehā/Māori (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) youth development researcher at the University of Canterbury. My work focuses on how young people and adults build quality relationships in community settings such as youth mentoring and youth work. I have a particular interest in how self-disclosure contributes to relationship development. My current project is supported by a Rutherford Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellowship, awarded in 2021 to pursue a two-year project hearing from young people about their experiences of self-disclosure in their mentoring relationship. I enjoy using qualitative and observational methodologies in my research. I have also co-authored national publications for the youth sector, including Ngā Tikanga Whānaketanga – He Arotake Tuhinga, a synthesis of two decades of Aotearoa-based research on youth development and wellbeing.

  • Maansa Bajaj Prakash, PhD

    I am curious about how we learn, supporting environments that facilitate positive learning experiences, and empowering the teacher workforce with evidence-based practices to continually support their professional journey. My work and research interests focus on understanding various pieces that need to fit together for successful learning to occur. My PhD project investigated interactions between students' learning approaches and beliefs and classroom assessments, and have had the opportunity to present my findings at conferences and speak with educators and leaders. I believe that learning is a joyful and enriching experience, and it is my hope that every young person in a classroom is curious and fascinated by the immensity our universe has to offer. When I'm not working, I enjoy reading, yoga, gaming, and learning languages.

  • Xin Kate Ren, PhD

    Kia ora! I am a dedicated researcher with a strong passion for understanding and enhancing the well-being of university students. Currently, I am a senior international support advisor at the University of Canterbury. Through my academic journey, I have developed a keen interest in investigating the complex factors that impact university students' learning experiences and overall wellness, particularly in the context of the evolving educational landscape. My research is centered around delving into students' stress, coping strategies, sense of belonging, and burnout, and the unique challenges that students face, especially amid evolving learning environments. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of effective interventions and support systems that empower students to thrive academically and personally. I am committed to utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches to gain a holistic understanding of students’ needs and to inform evidence-based practices that foster a nurturing and inclusive university environment.


    Please don't hesitate to get in touch via kateren0218@gmail.com

  • Victoria Leggett, PhD Candidate

    Kia ora! My name is Victoria Leggett and I am a PhD candidate in my final year researching mental health, happiness, and social media use in young people. My background is in educational psychology having completed the Master of Educational Psychology programme in 2020 at Victoria University of Wellington. My master’s research investigated the protective factors of school climate and school connectedness against depression and self-harm for Aotearoa New Zealand secondary school students. However, my research passions have landed more in the discourse surrounding mental health and the philosophies of happiness and well-being.

    I am passionate about mental health and how we can improve the lives of rangatahi here in Aotearoa New Zealand through new ways of approaching well-being that champion the lived experiences of young people. I have been privileged enough to speak to community youth groups in Canterbury about anxiety, resilience, and mental health and have witnessed the benefit of starting these conversations with young people.

    I am always keen to discuss these research topics, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any queries or questions relating to my work!

  • Jinjing Fang, PhD

    I am currently a Researcher in the School of Teacher Education at the University of Canterbury. I have a long-standing interest in understanding how to maximise learning opportunities and fostering student wellbeing in diverse academic settings - using both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

    I recently completed my PhD in Education at The University of Auckland, focusing on the longitudinal impact of educational assessment on student social and psychological outcomes. Prior to my PhD, I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Zhejiang University and a Master of Education from Boston College where I developed a solid foundation in educational theory and practice.

    With an authentic passion for education and a strong drive to create a significant impact, I am fully committed to advancing knowledge in my areas of expertise. My research interests reside within the exploration about
    (1) multidimensional factors that contribute to students' motivational beliefs,
    (2) consequences of educational assessment and evaluation, particularly on students' emotional/psychological wellbeing, and
    (3) how to enhance students' learning, engagement and wellbeing.

    As a dedicated researcher and educator, I am enthusiastic about expanding my expertise through interdisciplinary collaborations and am eager to learn and incorporate new techniques and methodologies into my work to tackle complex research questions. If you have any inquiries or opportunities for collaboration, please feel free to reach out to me at jf.jinjingfang@gmail.com.

  • Hirasha Pooliyadda

    I am a PhD student specializing in Computer Science at the University of Canterbury. My research focus encompasses the intersection of Computer science and Psychology. My research explores the interconnection of these domains, focusing on human-computer interaction, gamification, and their impact on the Mental health of students. By leveraging insights from Psychology and integrating them into computer science research, my aim is to create innovative approaches that can positively impact students' well-being and academic success.

    Link to my publications (ResearchGate profile): https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hirasha-Pooliyadda-2

    Contact email: hirasha.pooliyadda@pg.canterbury.ac.nz

  • Shahab Abdul Wahab, PhD Candidate

    I am a PhD Candidate at the University of Canterbury with a focus on educational leadership. With a Master of Education in hand, I embarked on my true calling as a change catalyst in education. Starting as a passionate teacher, I quickly became a school principal. In my PhD studies, I have embarked on a zealous pursuit to enrich institutions as an educational advisor. Engaging in collaborative endeavours with schools, I assumed a pivotal role in providing insightful guidance on the domains of curriculum development, teacher training, and educational policies. My proficient grasp of data analysis and research are instrumental in the amelioration of educational quality, thereby harmonizing institutional practices with the ever-evolving demands of students.

    Fields of Research:
    • Appreciative leadership
    • Appreciative inquiry
    • Social learning theories
    • Educational leadership