Vasileia Karasavva
To intervene or not to intervene? Bystander intervention in cyber aggression
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I find great joy and fulfillment in the process of conducting research and seeking answers to complex questions. The opportunity to conduct research and engage in clinical work that has a measurable impact on helping others was too good for me to pass!
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
It was clear to me from my first interview with my supervisor, Dr. Amori Yee Mikami that the Peer lab was the place I wanted to be! Seeing the warm and supportive environment in the lab was really what sold UBC to me.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The clinical psychology program at UBC offers strong training in both clinical practice and research and really strives to push students to become exemplary in both. I was really attracted to the idea that I would be in a program that would challenge me to be better while also providing me with all the tools and support I would need to reach my goals.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I knew that Vancouver was beautiful, but sunny days when you can see the ocean and the mountains surrounding you, still catch me by surprise and make me feel grateful to live here.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
As a first-generation student I was unsure that graduate school would be a good fit for me and the 6+ year-long commitment of a clinical psychology MA/PhD program seemed daunting. Before I joined the clinical psychology program at UBC I completed a Master's in Psychology at Carleton University, to dip my toe in grad school. Turns out I loved it, and I am so happy to be at UBC now!
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Remember to be a person, not just a graduate student! It is important to try and keep some balance to ensure that you avoid burnout and continue to enjoy your graduate studies.
Outside of your academic work, what are the ways that you engage with your local or global community? Are there projects in particular that you are proud of?
As a researcher in technology-facilitated sexual violence, I wanted to better serve the populations my research is focused on, so I started volunteering at the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO). It has been a great joy for me working with like-minded individuals on supporting survivors of sexual violence and making the UBC community safer.