Department of Psychology
Elizabeth Kelley
Associate Professor, Lab Director
I received my BAH in Psychology from York University in 2000 and my PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Connecticut in 2006. I am interested in the development of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and how all aspects of development (social, perceptual, cognitive, and linguistic) interact in individuals with ASD, intellectual disabilities, and typically developing individuals across the life span.
In my spare time (what spare time?) I enjoy spending time with friends (especially eating good food or activities near or on water), watching movies with my cats, shoe- shopping, traveling, and reading. And last but certainly not least, my favourite ice cream flavour is Edy鈥檚 low-fat French Silk (one of the only things I miss about living in the States).
Melissa Susko, PhD. Student
I am a second-year PhD student in the developmental psychology program. Broadly, I am interested in the mental health and well-being of autistic individuals across the lifespan. For my dissertation, I am taking a participatory research approach to create and validate a new measure of quality of life for autistic emerging adults. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cycling, and watching A LOT of reality TV
Meghan Kelley, Directed Lab Student
I am a third year undergraduate student studying biology & psychology. I am interested in the development of neurodivergent children. My directed lab project will look at how different intervention styles influence the development of communication in young children with autism. In my spare time, I love listening to music, being outside, and spending time with friends and family
Victoria Vaughan, Directed Lab Student
I am a 5th-year undergraduate student majoring in Life Sciences and minoring in Psychology. I joined the ASD lab as a research assistant in the summer of 2024, and I will be completing a directed lab project during the Fall and Winter semesters of the 2025-2026 school year. My research focuses on self-injurious behaviours in autistic youth with co-occurring intellectual disability who may be minimally or non-speaking. In my free time, I love discovering new restaurants in Kingston and spending time with friends!
Maya Curkovic, Thesis Student
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Health Studies. This is my first year in the lab, where I am currently completing my thesis. While I enjoy exploring all areas of psychology, I am particularly interested in the intersection between developmental and clinical psychology. My thesis focuses on examining social communication and social skills as predictors of anxiety and depression in youth with autism. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing sports, watching movies, crocheting, and spending time with my family and friends.