Undergrad student, research assistant, cited author.
Phil Aucoin is completing his Honours Degree in Psychology, and will be working on his honours thesis in the upcoming academic year at the Mount. He has worked as a research assistant and supplemental Psychology instructor, and has been active as the president of the Mount Psychology Society and as the student representative of the Canadian Psychological Association.
What is the “Mount Experience” to you?
My time at the Mount has been characterized by great relationships with professors and terrific experience in my field working as a research assistant. Seeking out mentors during your undergrad is arguably one of the most important things to do, and this is so much easier to accomplish at the Mount.
What has been your proudest moment at the Mount?
This past year, I had the opportunity to complete a Directed Study that was part of a new program initiated by the Association of Psychological Science (APS), called Registered Replication Reports (RRR). Overall findings will be published in an article in Perspectives on Psychological Science. I am going to be one of the cited authors on the article—something I never thought I would have had the chance to accomplish as an undergraduate.
If you could tell someone one thing about the Mount, what would it be?
The professors I have been in contact with are able to provide excellent mentorship and guidance. If you could use some clarification on class material, or simply advice for your academic life, seek out help from your professor and reap the rewards of attending a small university!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
My main interests lie in Cognitive and Forensic psychology, so ending up somewhere doing research that falls into those domains would be very fulfilling.
How have you changed since you first arrived at the Mount?
I’ve changed in more ways than one, but the biggest change has been the way I mentally approach university. I’ve learned that it is important to keep pushing myself and to always focus on my next goal or milestone.