Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major; Family Studies Minor
The University of British Columbia · Vancouver, BC
Dean's List 2025
Navya Malladi
UBC Psychology Student & Research Assistant
Researching Infant Moral Cognition and Stress Physiology
About
I am a Psychology student at the University of British Columbia, with a minor in Family Studies, and am applying to graduate programs in counselling and clinical psychology. I am interested in adolescent mental health and how early experiences influence psychological well-being.
My experiences have allowed me to explore these interests through both research and meaningful work with children, youth, and adults. At UBC, I am involved in developmental and clinical psychology research related to infant social cognition and stress physiology. Beyond research, I have worked directly with children in childcare, behaviour intervention, provided support to youth and adults as a crisis responder, and participated in mental health advocacy initiatives.
These experiences have deepened my commitment to becoming a counsellor who works with children, adolescents, and families. I plan to continue building my research and clinical skills to support youth and adults in their emotional and psychological well-being.
Education
Counselling Coursework
George Brown Polytechnic · Online
Research
In-Person Recruitment Coordinator and Senior Research Assistant
UBC Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Lab · Vancouver, BC
- Collect psychophysiological data, including ECG and galvanic skin conductance, using MindWare equipment to support research on stress, emotion, and physiological responses.
- Collect biological samples, including passive drool and cheek swabs, while following protocol standards to produce reliable physiological and biological data collection.
- Coordinate in-person recruitment by building relationships with prospective child and parent participants, and supporting family engagement and study enrolment.
Associate & Senior Research Assistant
UBC Centre for Infant Cognition Lab · Vancouver, BC
- Conduct family-focused research on infant social evaluation by using behavioural coding programs, including jHab and ObserverXT, to examine patterns in infants’ social preferences.
- Lead an independent research project under the supervision of Dr. J. Kiley Hamlin examining pre- and post-COVID differences in infant social evaluation within the Helper-Hinderer paradigm.
Research Assistant
UBC Centre for Cognitive Development Lab · Vancouver, BC
- Supported developmental psychology research on how children ages 3–10 think and learn in early mathematics and language through study preparation, participant communication, uploading study data, and participant log maintenance.
Presentations
Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference (PURC)
University of British Columbia · Vancouver, BC
Presented research on pre- and post-COVID differences in infant social evaluation using the Helper–Hinderer paradigm
Publications
-
Pre-COVID versus Post-COVID Shifts in Infant Social Evaluation in Helper-Hinderer Paradigms
The University of British Columbia , Manuscript in preparation.
Clinical Experience
Behaviour Interventionist
Private Family · Vancouver, BC
- Provide one-on-one behaviour intervention support for a 6-year-old child with autism spectrum disorder, using individualized strategies to support reading, writing, English language development, and social skills.
Volunteer Crisis Responder
Kids Help Phone Crisis Line · Vancouver, BC
- Provide text-based crisis support to youth and adults through active listening, emotional validation, coping strategies, and collaborative safety planning when needed.
Child & Youth Experience
Volunteer Classroom Instructor
Let's Talk Science · Vancouver, BC
- Delivered interactive science lessons for 2nd-grade students, facilitating hands-on learning and classroom engagement.
Teacher Aide
Pacific Spirit School · Vancouver, BC
- Facilitated classroom learning and daily activities for students in grades K-5.
- Supported student behaviour and promoted a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Daycare Aide/On-Call Aide
The Shyne School · Woodinville, WA
- Led daily routines and developmentally appropriate activities for children ages 1–7, supporting structure and social engagement.
- Provided individualized support to children with diverse developmental needs.
Teacher Aide
Kiddie Academy of Kirkland · Kirkland, WA
- Supported classroom activities for children ages 6 months-7 years.
- Promoted positive student behaviour and an inclusive early learning environment.
Leadership
Marketing Coordinator
UBC Mental Health Awareness Club · Vancouver, BC
- Lead the club's marketing team in developing outreach strategies for mental health awareness events.
Leadership Education in Adolescent Health Intern
University of Washington · Seattle, WA
Lead for mental health advocacy
- Contributed to adolescent mental health initiatives and public health discussions.
- Developed accessible mental health resources for high schools in the Seattle area during COVID/post-COVID period.