Who is your Applied Psychology & Human Development (APHD) Student Association? Learn more about each member below! We sat down with each member and got to know each of them a little bit better. We will continue to share more information from your APHD Student Association on this page throughout the year, so keep an eye out here!
Meet your 2025-2026 APHD Student Association
Kanza Batool, President, DPE PhD, Year 3
Kanza is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Developmental Psychology and Education program at ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø. As a member of the APHD student association, she aims to create opportunities for student connection and collaboration. Kanza is dedicated to enhancing the student experience at ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø by addressing the needs and concerns of APHD students.
Research focus: Child Development, Children's Moral Judgments, and Young Children’s Cheating Behaviours
After my degree, I want to: Work in not-for-profit organizations to create and improve programs that support marginalized groups in our community.
Remarks to APHD students: A warm welcome to all APHD students! As you embark on this exciting academic journey, remember that you are part of an incredible community that supports and empowers each other, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Together, we can create a thriving environment that fosters growth and learning.
.

Calahndra (Cali) Brake, Vice President, DPE PhD, Year 1
Cali is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Developmental Psychology and Education program at ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø. As Vice President, she is committed to building a supportive and inclusive environment where all students feel heard, valued, and connected. She is experienced in advocacy and event planning, and looks forward to working collaboratively to enhance the student experience across APHD.
Research focus: Moral judgements of plagiarism, children's understanding of stealing.
After my degree, I want to: Continue to engage in research, teaching, and mentorship that supports students and contributes to the academic community.
Remarks to APHD students: A warm welcome to all APHD students! Whether you're just starting out or returning for another year, know that you're part of a vibrant and caring community. I'm always here to listen, support, and advocate for you. I look forward to helping make this year meaningful and memorable for all of us!

Zein Abuosbeh, Finance Officer, DPE PhD, Year 4
Zein is a PhD candidate in the Developmental Psychology and Education Program. She’s returning to the APHD SA this year as Finance Officer, after serving as EDI Officer last year. Zein is passionate about supporting students and is excited to help keep the SA’s finances organized and transparent.
Research Focus: Language Development, Bi/Multilingualism, Applied Psycholinguistics.
After my degree, I want to: Explore post-doctoral opportunities and course instructor positions.
Remarks to APHD Students: Welcome to APHD! There is so much for you to learn, I know that it might be difficult sometimes but that’s completely normal, just trust the process and know that you have an amazing community that wants you to succeed. Never hesitate to reach out, we’re all ready to help!

Teresa Orbillo, Communications Officer, DPE PhD, Year 3
Teresa has been a part of the APHD student association in different capacities for 3 years running. She is dedicated to improve student engagement, and to have fun while doing so! As a practicing Neurofeedback Therapist, she also values interpersonal connection and helping individuals reach their goals!
Research focus: Physiological Reactivity and Emotions
After my degree, I want to: Become an entrepreneur, melding my clinical, research and evaluation skills. If I am making a positive impact on lives, I’ll be happy!
Remarks to APHD students: A warm welcome to all APHD students, I am beyond excited to work with all of you this year! Feel free to email me at teresa.orbillo@mail.utoronto.ca with any questions, concerns or if you just want to talk!

Meagan Muscat, Equity & Diversity Officer, CP EdD, Year 2
I am a 2nd year EdD Counselling Psychology student in the APDH department. I am a proud Métis student with years of volunteer experience both in community and academic settings. Most recently I have been involved with the ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø Council, Graduate Education Council, and ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø Graduate Student Association. I have always believed that it is important to get involved in the academic community to increase representation, personal growth, and to build a stronger team.
Research focus: Indigenous Mental Health
After my degree, I want to: After my degree, I want to become a Registered Psychotherapist and open a private practice.
Remarks to APHD students: I am truly excited to join the APDH team as your EDI Officer. I hope that my past experience, cultural values, and positive teamwork will benefit the association and greater student population.

Student Program Representatives
25/26 student representatives TBD.
Program Reps | Program | Email Address |
Mushfika Chowdhury | SCCP | aphdsccp@gmail.com |
Michelle Scully | SCCP | |
Kati Kalmar | CP | aphdcprep@gmail.com |
Ai Nuo (Serena) Geng | CP | |
Connor Mccauley | CSE | csestudentcouncil@gmail.com |
Thomas Sayers | CSE | |
Casey Hon | CCP | aphdccp@gmail.com |
Anisha Jahagirdar | CCP | |
Angelie Ignacio | DPE | aphddpe@gmail.com |
Janet Hu | DPE |