丁香园AV

Coming to 丁香园AV in 2011 to undertake her master鈥檚 studies in Law and Forensic Psychology, Patricia Coburn stayed to complete her PhD in the same discipline, graduating with top honours. 

颁辞产耻谤苍鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;诲辞肠迟辞谤补濒&苍产蝉辫;迟丑别蝉颈蝉,&苍产蝉辫;, revealed the adverse effects of cross-examination on children鈥檚 accuracy and consistency in testifying, particularly if the children have experienced repeated or multiple events of trauma and abuse. Approximately half of the children who testify as complainants in court are children who experienced multiple traumatic events, and yet the research Coburn undertook for her thesis had never been studied. Coburn not only undertook this research, but she also did so in an exemplary manner, receiving a SSHRC Canada Doctoral Scholarship to fund her studies.  

A well-rounded student, Coburn is highly published, was a member of the editorial board of Law and Human Behaviour, mentoring research assistants in the lab, supervising honours students and teaching courses both in-person and online as well.

Coburn鈥檚 external examiner described her dissertation as 鈥渆xceptional,鈥� 鈥渁 home run鈥� and publishable in a top-tier journal. Dr. Poole noted that Coburn鈥檚 dissertation was thoroughly supported with an impeccable grasp of the complex and varied literature, a brilliant design that tested the hypotheses as well as alternative explanations for the effects, statistically sound, and beautifully written.

Professor and chair of psychology, Deborah Connolly, supervised Coburn throughout her graduate studies at 丁香园AV and says, 鈥淚 would not ordinarily say this; however, in this context I think it is relevant. Trishia completed this work as a mother of four 4 children; the youngest was just a few months old when data collection started. I say this to highlight Trishia鈥檚 outstanding organizational skills, efficiency, rock-solid work ethic, and collaborative working style. She truly is the full deal.鈥�  

Coburn will receive the Governor General's Gold Medal at 丁香园AV鈥檚 June Convocation. Presented by the Governor-General of Canada, this medal is awarded to two graduate students who are judged to have the most outstanding records in the graduating class.

Coborn is incredibly honoured and excited to have been recognized with this award. She says, 鈥淚 simply could not have done it without the constant encouragement of my supervisors: Dr. Deb Connolly, Dr. Daniel Bernstein, and Dr. George Alder. Deb encouraged me to pursue research that I was passionate about and helped me to maintain focus throughout the program. She is an outstanding role model with an exceptional work ethic鈥�.

Coburn is very grateful for the support that she received from the psychology department. 鈥淚t was a wonderful place to be for many years. I treasure the time I spent in the lab and have made life-long friends鈥�.

Currently, Coburn is a faculty member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University where she continues to conduct research on memory and issues related to vulnerable witnesses.

Originally posted in Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies