We welcome individuals from a range of backgrounds to join our lab. If you are passionate about sport and performance psychology and interested in pursuing a research-based graduate degree or post-doctoral fellowship (particularly about team effectiveness in sport), feel free to contact Desi with more information about yourself, your Curriculum Vitae, and unofficial transcripts. Some examples of the topic areas that we are particularly keen to explore include (though are not limited to): the dynamic nature of teamwork over time (e.g., through intensive longitudinal modeling); interpersonal efficacy beliefs (e.g., through network analytic methods); goal disengagement (e.g., knowing not just when to ‘hold em’ but also when to ‘fold em’), and stress, resilience, and thriving (e.g., performance under pressure).
*The application process for the Fall 2026 cohort is now completed. Applications for the Fall 2027 cohort will open near the end of 2026. Entrance to the graduate program is competitive. In particular, as the MA and PhD degrees are largely research-oriented, previously successful applicants have had experience conducting research (e.g., completing independent research projects, volunteering as research assistants). Applicants will have ideally completed multiple courses in psychology (particularly sport psychology and team dynamics) as well as research methods and/or statistics. Grad students and post-docs are expected to apply for awards/scholarships to fund their studies (e.g., SSHRC, MITACS, internal awards). Prospective PhD students should note the minimum funding (currently $40,000/year) that UBC requires in order to be enrolled in a PhD program. Please visit the School of Kinesiology’s website for more information about its programs, application processes, and funding opportunities.
A small number of volunteer research assistant opportunities are sometimes available for highly motivated undergraduate students who are keen to get involved in research within our lab (e.g., assist with data collection). Please note that priority for these positions is given to students who have completed the Performance Psychology (KIN 486y) and/or Psychology of Team Effectiveness (KIN 486c/457) courses. Contact Desi for more information.
It should be noted our lab does not focus on applied sport psychology consultancy/counselling. Athletes seeking a sport psychology consultant are encouraged to visit the Canadian Sport Psychology Association’s directory of certified professionals. Students interested in pursuing an applied sport psychology degree may find it helpful to visit the Association of Applied Sport Psychology’s directory of graduate programs.