Lab Director
 | Eric S. Kim Eric S. Kim, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia. He is also a research affiliate at the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness (housed at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health), and a research affiliate at the Human Flourishing Program (housed at Harvard University’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science). His program of research aims to identify, understand, and intervene upon the dimensions of psychological well-being that reduce the risk of age-related conditions. This research also aims to understand the influence that the social environment has on the connection between psychological well-being and physical health. His research integrates perspectives from health psychology, other areas of psychology (clinical, developmental, social, personality), gerontology, social epidemiology, biology, biostatistics, and translational science. Read More. |
Graduate Student(s)
 | Julia Nakamura Julia is a first-year MA student in the Health Psychology program. She recently graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology and a minor in Gerontology in 2020. Broadly, Julia is interested in the aspects of psychological well-being that positively influence physical health outcomes, health behaviors, and psychosocial well-being in older adults, with her research lying at the intersection of health psychology, gerontology, public health, and translational science (e.g., with organizations such as IDEO). Julia has recently begun to explore the associations between altruism and health/well-being outcomes, and is currently working with United Way Worldwide to learn about volunteer projects aimed at serving older adults during COVID-19. Contact: jnakamura@psych.ubc.ca |
Senior Research Assistants
 | Rachel Leong Rachel is a third-year BSc student at the University of British Columbia, majoring in Microbiology and Immunology and minoring in Psychology. She is interested in research on how psychosocial determinants of health impact medical diseases and treatments, with a particular oncological and immunological emphasis. She plans to pursue a career in healthcare and continue with clinical and translational research. |
 | Sofie Jensen Sofie is a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a BA in Psychology with a minor in Political Science. She is interested in how sociocultural factors affect psychological wellbeing and therefore physical health in marginalized populations, applying her interest in politics to analyze these issues more systemically. She is passionate about psychological research that helps others maintain good health, both mentally and physically. Sofie is hoping to pursue graduate studies in psychology, currently considering clinical psychology or a more interdisciplinary area such as applied psychology in social policy. |
 | Ramit Seth Ramit is a second-year BA student in the Faculty of Arts at The University of British Columbia. Being interested in the workings of the human mind, Ramit plans to major in Psychology and minor in Education. Ramit is interested in the acculturative process and adaptations of the human mind, especially in the field of immigration. Additionally, Ramit is also interested in the long term effects of stress mitigation techniques such as exercise and meditation. Ramit also plans to pursue a masters degree in Psychology, with either a clinical or a health focus. |
 | Marisa Nelson Marisa is a third-year undergraduate student at UBC pursuing a BA in psychology with a minor in health and society. She is interested in the psychosocial factors that positively influence rehabilitation from chronic conditions. Marisa plans to pursue a graduate degree in occupational therapy. |
Research Assistants
 | Denny Zhang Denny is a third-year BSc student in Mathematics at UBC. He is generally interested in computer science, especially applications related to neural networks and machine learning. Denny is hoping to pursue graduate studies in computer science. He is also actively developing software solutions with the UBC Mathematics Department. |
 | Cherise Kwok Cherise is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia currently majoring in Behavioural Neuroscience. Her previous research experience in dermatology and mental health led to her interest in the interaction between psychosocial factors and their impact on physical and mental health outcomes. Broadly, she is fascinated by mental disorders, health behaviours, inflammatory diseases, age-related chronic conditions, and psychological stress. Following graduation, Cherise hopes to pursue a career in healthcare. |
 | Swara Aman Swara is a first-year undergraduate student who is entering UBC as a part of the Faculty of Arts. She hopes to gain experience in the world of psychology and to learn more about ageism and its impact on society, treatment for mental illnesses, and other areas of research. In her spare time, she enjoys doing pretty much anything artistic. |
 | Andrew Huang Andrew is a 3rd year medical student and future psychiatrist. His research interests include the interplay between psychology and chronic illnesses, as well as the environment and mental health. Outside of work he enjoys hiking, cooking, and raising plants and fish. |
 | Michelle Lin Michelle is a first-year undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia in the Faculty of Sciences. She is interested in studying the development of mental and physical disorders in the rapidly aging population. She hopes that, with the Psychosocial and Flourishing Health Lab, she will be able to further her knowledge of human psychology and explore the field. |
 | Ching Zhang Ching is a first year Science student in the Science One program who hopes to major in neuroscience. Her research interests include the neuropsychology of aging, and sustainable, adaptable systems of care in chronic illnesses. Outside the lab, you can find Ching hunting down matcha lattes in various locations on campus and she is committed to creating a comprehensive ranking for other matcha latte enjoyers. |
 | Isaac Ng Isaac is a second-year undergraduate student at UBC pursuing a BA Degree in Psychology. He is interested in the effects of cultural factors on mental health and well-being, as well as how immigrating to a different culture may also affect these factors. He plans to further his education after his BA degree to ultimately obtain a PhD in clinical psychology to pursue a career in healthcare as a clinical psychologist. |
 | Rita Jin Rita is a second-year BSc student at the University of British Columbia minoring in Psychology. She is passionate about improving mental and physical wellness in populations through the biopsychosocial model of health. She hopes to study the role of psychological stress on behaviour and to share research findings through STEM education and non-profit engagement. In her spare time, Rita enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, going on hikes, and experimenting with digital art! |
Lab Pets
 | Maya Henriksson Maya Henriksson is a Research Psychologist whose primary focus is social behaviour and inter-species interactions. Her research is driven by her daily experiences between her and her sister, Blanca, but treats, car rides, and belly rubs work as alternative motivations. |
 | Milo Leong Milo is a research assistant who deeply enjoys long walks with his family and friends. He strongly advocates for dog treats and against squirrels. Milo is extremely personable so if you see him on the streets he would greatly appreciate you saying hi. |
 | Bubbles Aman Bubbles has a degree in Cuteness and her research interests currently revolve around destressing the family and walks. In her spare time, she uses her talents to stare down her family into giving her treats. |
 | Detective Mittens Detective Mittens is very interested in promoting independence in older age. As a mature-aged cat himself, he is passionate about environmental modifications that help cats maintain a high quality of life. He is currently investigating if cat-sized stairs leading to the couch can reduce joint pain. |
 | Sir Zorro Jin Sir Zorro is recognized for his exceptional achievement in napping and stretching. During the winter break of 2021, he conducted an observational case study on the research question “where is the snow coming from and why” – you can often find him looking out the window collecting data. In his spare time, Zorro enjoys hogging the TV remote control and sunbathing. |