Psychology

UFV/Psychology/Psychology research at UFV/Research labs/C3 Lab

C3 Lab

The Cognition & Complex Conditions Lab conducts multidisciplinary research examining brain-behaviour relationships and how they are modified in the context of ageing and illness. We integrate behavioural and neuroimaging methodologies and use novel digital assessment tools to address clinically relevant questions.

Our overall goal is to conduct research that can help to improve human cognitive functioning and well-being.

Current research projects

The Cognitive Profile of COVID-19: Longitudinal Neuropsychological Outcomes Following Infection

This is a longitudinal CIHR-funded study that aims to examine the neuropsychological and psychosocial consequences of COVID-19 infection in Canadian adults.

This study is being conducted in collaboration with faculty and students at the University of Victoria.

We are currently completing study recruitment and moving towards data analysis and knowledge translation activities. To learn more, please visit Impacts of COVID-19 on Cognitive Functioning | Just another UVic Online Academic Community site 

The SMART-AD Study (Smartpen Measures for Alzheimer’s Risk Tracking in Aging and Dementia Study)

This is a newly developing study that will use a digital pen (smartpen) to examine novel cognitive scores as markers of early and subtle brain changes among older adults.

This project is currently in the study design phase and will move towards recruitment in the spring/summer of 2026.

Publications

Please visit PubMed to see a list of publications.

Team Members

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Dr. Kristina Gicas (Lab Director)

Dr. Gicas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at UFV where she teaches clinically-oriented courses in psychology and conducts neuropsychological research in aging, dementia, and homelessness. She is also a registered Clinical Neuropsychologist in B.C. In her spare time, Dr. Gicas enjoys running, biking, and camping with her family on the beautiful west coast.

 

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Cole Westie (Research Assistant)

Cole is an undergraduate student at UFV working towards a psychology Honours degree. Looking ahead he intends to enter the field of clinical neuropsychology as he has a keen interest in the biological basis of human behaviour. Outside of academic pursuits he enjoys drawing, printmaking, and both playing and collecting music.

 

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Freddy Johnson (Research Assistant)

Freddy is a second-year student at UFV currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology and a minor in Biology. He has a strong passion for healthcare and plans to pursue medical school or graduate studies in Neuropsychology. A few fun facts about Freddy: He was born in Liberia, West Africa, and adopted at age two into a Hispanic and Irish household, giving him a unique cultural background. Freddy loves physical exercise and sports like soccer, basketball, swimming, and volleyball. He has an artistic side and enjoys portrait drawing, anatomy sketches, 2D digital animation, and playing musical instruments. Freddy is also an animal lover; he has a black cat named Polo and a standard poodle named Willow who is way too smart for her own good!

 

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Siya Aggarwal (Research Assistant)

Siya Aggarwal is a Psychology major at the University of the Fraser Valley in the final stage of her undergraduate degree. She aspires to become a clinical psychologist and is deeply motivated by using psychological research and practice to support mental health and well-being. She brings strong skills in research writing, collaboration, and communication, along with hands-on experience in community engagement and program facilitation. Her long-term goal is to combine clinical work with community-based impact, making mental health support more accessible, inclusive, and practical.

 

  • Pranya Rana (Research Assistant)
  • Sydney Hoogenboom (Research Assistant)
  • Tamara Cleverdon (Directed Studies Student)

Contact

Opportunities to join the lab periodically become available depending on study needs, supervisor availability, and funding availability. There are a variety of roles students may assume in the lab, including volunteer Research Assistant, Directed Studies student, Honours student, and Work-Study student.

Typically, students in these roles are expected to dedicate approximately 6-8 hours per week to research activities for a minimum of 8 months. Inquiries regarding opportunities in the lab can be directed to Dr. Gicas.

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