Our Team

Olivia Nelson

Olivia is a research assistant for Dr. McGrath and is eager to continue learning about substance use and gambling behaviour. Olivia is a recent graduate of the University of Calgary, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with First Class Honours. She was previously Dr. McGrath’s honours student, where her thesis explored the Problem Speculation Measure in a sample of Canadian cryptocurrency owners. Olivia hopes to further her academic journey by pursuing graduate studies in counselling psychology.

olivia.nelson1@ucalgary.ca

Cailynne Smith

Cailynne is a research assistant with Dr. McGrath and is deeply intrigued by the opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of substance use and gambling behaviour. Cailynne is a recent graduate of the University of Calgary, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with First Class Honours and a minor in Sociology. Her previous honours research in Dr. Linda Carlson’s Psychosocial Oncology Lab explored the beneficial effects of mindfulness on the wellbeing of cancer caregivers. Cailynne is hoping to further her academic journey by pursuing graduate studies in counselling psychology.

cailynne.smith1@ucalgary.ca

Dr. Spencer Murch

Dr S.pencer Murch is a cognitive psychologist and AGRI Postdoctoral Fellow supervised by Drs. Daniel McGrath and Andrew Kim at the University of Calgary. His work seeks to: (1) understand the cognitive, behavioural, and psychophysiological profiles of addictive digital product use, and (2) explore new opportunities for improving human health by using emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to detect, intervene, and ultimately prevent gambling-related problems. 

spencer.murch@ucalgary.ca

Diandra Leslie

Diandra is a PhD candidate in her third year of study in the Psychology Graduate Program. She received her Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Toronto, where she completed a double major in psychology and human biology, and she received her Master's degree in psychology from the University of Calgary under the supervision of Dr. McGrath. Diandra's research interests include mental health and addictions among emerging and young adults. Her dissertation research will focus on factors that influence university students' substance use and gambling habits.

rdleslie@ucalgary.ca

Eleni Moumos

Eleni is a fifth-year student in the Undergraduate Psychology program with a minor in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. Dr. McGrath supervises her in a PSYC 504 independent study project. Her research is focused on how people interact with sports betting, some of the strategies they use to control their betting, and their ability to self-regulate their gambling behaviour.

eleni.moumos@ucalgary.ca

Carter Bird

Carter is completing his third year of studies in the Psychology undergraduate program, with interests in gambling, sensation and perception, and personality. His end goal is to study law, with a specialization in business areas such as intellectual property, and securities. He is a former student of Dr. McGrath and current volunteer in his lab.

carter.bird@ucalgary.ca

Eliane Morcos