DYSCover Our Members
Dr. Leanna Closson
Lab Director
Dr. Leanna Closson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Saint Mary’s University. She received her B.A. Honours in Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan, her M.A. in Psychology from Carleton University, and her Ph.D. in Human Development, Learning, and Culture from the University of British Columbia. Her research explores the development of social competence in youth, with a focus on peer relationships. Her past and current research is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). She is a member of national and international bullying research networks (PREVNet and BRNet), and is also a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Youth and Adolescence. Dr. Closson teaches courses in developmental psychology, including a 4th year undergraduate seminar on peer relationships. She enjoys mentoring her students, and was presented the 2019 Feminist Mentoring Award at the Canadian Psychological Association's 80th Annual Convention. Since childhood, Dr. Closson has had a love for travel and learning about other cultures. Having lived coast-to-coast across Canada, she now has fun exploring Canada’s Atlantic Provinces and traveling abroad.
Rita Jabbour
Research Assistant and Lab Mentor
Rita is a research assistant and mentor in the DYSC lab. Prior to graduating from Saint Mary’s University in the Spring of 2024, Rita completed her Honours Thesis under the supervision of Dr. Closson. Her thesis focused on the association between romantic relational aggression and victimisation in emerging adulthood and sense of agency. Rita's current research aims to uncover what being cool means to early adolescents. She is passionate about promoting healthy relationships and mental wellbeing in adolescents and emerging adults, and is eager to expand the literature on these topics. Rita enjoys reading, writing, hiking, and dancing. In the Fall of 2025, she plans on continuing her education to become a clinical psychologist.
Katrina Buffington
Honours Student
Katrina is a fourth-year psychology student at Saint Mary’s University completing her Honours Thesis in the DYSC lab under the supervision of Dr. Leanna Closson. Her thesis focuses on how self-esteem may impact the association between shyness and life satisfaction in adolescents. She has a strong passion about promoting and preserving wellbeing in her community, particularly for those with mental health struggles. In her free time, Katrina enjoys completing puzzles, drawing, playing games and spending time with her family (including her cats). After graduating, Katrina plans to take time working in human services before pursuing a Master’s degree in counselling.
Danielle Richard
Honours Student
Danielle is a fifth-year psychology student at Saint Mary's University, completing her honours thesis in the DYSC Lab under the supervision of Dr. Closson. Her current research explores the role of peer support in mitigating shyness and improving flourishing in late adolescence. Danielle is passionate about guiding and supporting youth, ensuring they thrive and achieve their full potential. She has been an active member of the Moncton Fastpitch Association for over four years. In recent years, she has coached the Learn To Play softball program for girls aged 5-9 and has recently initiated a volunteering program for the league. Outside of the lab, Danielle can be found at the gym, studying at the library, eating sushi, or spending time with her sister and friends. After graduating in the spring of 2025, she plans to pursue a master's degree in school psychology.
Mia Perry
Honours Student
Mia is a fourth-year student at Saint Mary’s University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology and Philosophy. Her honours thesis, supervised by Dr. Leanna Closson in the DYSC Lab, explores the association between preference for solitude and fear of missing out (FoMO) in emerging adults. Mia’s research interests focus on mental health, with a particular emphasis on therapeutic approaches and the cognitive aspects of well-being. In addition to her academic work, Mia provides support at a youth group home as a residential counsellor, and volunteers as a crisis responder with Kids Help Phone. Mia also enjoys rock climbing and travelling, valuing the opportunity to learn about and experience different cultures. Mia is pursuing a career in mental health, aiming to contribute to and innovate the field of counselling psychology. Her next steps are to pursue further education and applied experiences to grow as a scholar and practitioner.
