Bachelor's Degree, Psychology
The University of British Columbia · Vancouver, BC
Dean's List
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, 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
Bachelor's Degree, Family Studies Minor
The University of British Columbia · Vancouver, BC
Experience
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
Marketing Coordinator
UBC Mental Health Awareness Club · Vancouver, BC
- Head of the marketing team for UBC's Mental Health Awareness Club
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
Childcare Teacher
The Shyne School & Kiddie Academy · Redmond, WA
- Led daily activities for children aged 6 months – 7 years, supporting early development and routines
- Worked with children with diverse developmental needs
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
Research
Research Assistant
UBC Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Lab · Vancouver, BC
- Administer psychophysiological assessments (ECG, galvanic skin conductance) using MindWare equipment, ensuring accurate sensor placement and clean data acquisition
- Collect and process biological samples, including passive drool and cheek swabs
Research Assistant
UBC Centre for Infant Cognition Lab · Vancouver, BC
- Conduct family-focused research on infant cognitive development using behavioural coding techniques (jHab, ObserverXT)
- Lead an independent research project under the supervision of Dr. J. Kiley Hamlin examining pre- and post-COVID differences in infant responses within the Helper-Hinderer paradigm
Research Assistant
UBC Centre for Cognitive Development Lab · Vancouver, BC
- Supported developmental psychology research exploring how children ages 3-10 think and learn in early mathematics
- Maintained participant logs, uploaded study data, prepared study materials, and responded to parent inquiries
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