Graduate Peer Mentors at a Glance

Hello everyone! My name is Alyssa, and I am a Master of Science in Psychology student, conducting sport psychology research within the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. I also completed my undergraduate degree here at the University of Lethbridge, majoring in both Psychology and Kinesiology, with an honours thesis. I currently conduct research on mental health education, psychological skills, and dance, and have had the opportunity to present my work at both local and international conferences. 

Throughout my time here, I’ve been involved with campus groups like the Golden Key International Honour Society, worked as a research assistant on various projects, and served as a teaching assistant for multiple courses. I also have also enjoyed volunteering at the hospital psychiatric unit and local mental health group homes. 

Outside of academics, I love to stay active. You can usually find me lifting at the gym, running in the coulee trails, or attending a hot pilates class. When I’m not on the move I’m likely reading, sipping coffee, and cuddling with my kitten, Frodo.  

I’ve lived in Lethbridge all my life, so if you ever need recommendations for great study spots, cozy cafes, or fun local restaurants, I’m happy to share my favourites. I am really excited to be a graduate peer mentor this year and would love to connect, so please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time.  

My thesis explores a topic that sits at the heart of today's economic and environmental debates: the impact of economic globalization on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Globalization is often seen as a driver of development and innovation but what happens when increased global integration comes at the cost of environmental sustainability? 

Through this research, I aim to offer a clearer picture of how trade, investment, and cross-border economic activity interact with the pressing issue of climate change. Using data from 120 countries over the span of five decades, this research will apply the Panel Corrected Standard Error (PCSE) model to understand whether economic globalization is pushing us toward progress or pulling us deeper into environmental degradation. 

This research isn’t just numbers and models; it’s about policy, people, and our planet’s future. I hope my work contributes to building sustainable development strategies that ensure progress doesn't come at the cost of livability for any country, developed or developing. 

Studying at the University of Lethbridge has been a deeply enriching chapter of my life. The MA Economics program has not only strengthened my technical and research abilities but also given me space to grow as a mentor, educator, and scholar. I’m grateful to have received the ULethbridge Graduate Research Award, and to work closely with inspiring faculty, including my thesis supervisor and research collaborator in the sociology department. 

What stands out most about ULethbridge is the support system. From academic mentorship to international student engagement, the community here has helped me thrive. Through my roles as a Graduate Peer Mentor and Graduate Teaching/Research Assistant, I have developed not only professionally but also personally, gaining a deeper appreciation for collaborative learning, diversity, and academic purpose. 

The City of Lethbridge, too, has become more than just a place I live; it’s a place where I’ve been able to give back by volunteering as Head Usher at international student event (s), mentoring peers, and connecting with others across cultures. 

Looking ahead, I hope to carry the lessons and connections I've built here into a future where economic thought and social equity meet in practice. 

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tochukwuideba/ 

I am pursuing a PhD in Physics with a focus on quantum cosmology in particular, exploring how the early universe thermalizes and how semiclassical approximations emerge from full quantum gravity. My work involves: 

I am happy to walk through the math behind Poisson brackets, Ashtekar variables, or share codes I’ve built in Python and C++ to run these simulations. 

I joined the University of Lethbridge community in Fall 2022, first as a master’s student and now as a PhD candidate. Over these past nearly three years, I have: 

Outside the lab, I’ve come to love Lethbridge’s vibrant arts scene catching live music at the Slice or strolling along the Oldman River valley. I’m also a regular at campus events, from grad student mixers to writing centre workshops. Having balanced fulltime work (Research Assistant at the Neuroengineering HUB) with my studies, I understand time management struggles firsthand. Whether you are seeking advice on course selection, research outlooks, or simply where to find the best coffee near campus, I’m here as a resource and a friendly ear. Feel free to reach out anytime!. 

I’m pursuing an MSc in Management (Marketing) degree and my focus is on nonconscious effects in the fast fashion industry. To put it simply, I look at the behaviors and attitudes of conscious consumers. Today’s consumers are increasingly vigilant, factoring in environmental, societal, and ethical implications into their purchasing decisions. This heightened awareness leads to equally purpose-drive consumption. But despite the rise of conscious consumerism and the growing awareness of the detrimental effects of fast fashion, this unsustainable garment production model continues to thrive. I look into why people who claim to be conscious consumers still find themselves purchasing from fast fashion retailers, contributing to a cycle of overconsumption, waste and unethical labor practices. My research leads me into the nonconscious effects that affect people, often leading them to making irrational decisions.