Centre for Developing Minds
The Team
Principal Investigator
Dr. Carolyn Baer
carolynbaer@trentu.ca | CV | Bluesky | OSF
Carolyn is the director of the Centre for Developing Minds and an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Trent University. She earned a PhD from the University of British Columbia and BA and MASc degrees from the University of Waterloo. She held postdoctoral appointments at the University of California, Berkeley and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Outside of the lab, Carolyn enjoys reading, decorating, baking, eating good food, and soaking up any sunshine she can get her hands on.
Research Assistants
Kailey Puddy
Kailey is a Research Assistant in the lab with a strong interdisciplinary background. She holds a BA (Honours) in Forensic Psychology and is currently pursuing her second year of studies in Social Work. Her research interests center on peer relationships, social interactions, and their influence on mental health.
Outside of her academic and research pursuits, Kailey enjoys reading, crocheting, and sewing, often exploring creative projects in her free time. The lab benefits greatly from her thoughtful approach, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to research.
Addie Sullivan
Addie is a Research Assistant in the lab and is currently in her fourth year of Psychology. She is specializing in Health and Wellbeing Psychology while completing a minor in Sociology. With a strong passion for mental health, Addie aspires to pursue graduate studies and a career as a clinical psychologist.
Beyond her academic work, Addie enjoys paddle boarding with friends, crocheting, sewing, and nurturing her growing collection of plants. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication make her a valued member of the team.
Camryn Malo
Camryn is currently in her third year of Psychology specializing in Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience. She is interested in pursuing medical school with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist.
Outside of the lab, Camryn enjoys staying active at the gym, working as a beach lifeguard during the summer months, listening to music, and travelling.
We are pleased to welcome Camryn to the research team. The lab benefits greatly from Camryn’s enthusiasm for neuroscience research, intellectual curiosity, and passion for understanding human behaviour.
Jackie Pordham
Jackie is an Undergraduate Thesis student with the lab who is in upper-year Psychology, specializing in Psychological Development with an option in Linguistics. Jackie is passionate about understanding the ways in which language intersects with early social and cognitive development, with plans to pursue graduate studies and eventually a career in Speech-Language Pathology.
Outside of the lab, Jackie enjoys playing music, crafting, vintage shopping with friends, live theatre, and a good cup of tea.
Lab Alumni
Tia Kleiner, Lab Manager
Navdeep Kaur, Research Assistant
Manmeet Singh, Research Assistant
Noopur Shah, Research Assistant
Alessandra Pinto, Research Assistant
Arya Karki, Research Assistant
Priyanka, Research Assistant (Winter 2025 - Spring 2025)