Lab Director
Dr. Sheila N. Garland, PhD, R Psych
Education
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of Calgary, AB
MSc, Clinical Psychology, University of Calgary, AB
BA, (Honours), Psychology, University of Calgary, AB
Dr. Sheila Garland is a Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Psychology and Oncology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Dr. Garland conducts psycho-oncology and behavioural sleep medicine research with an increasing emphasis on examining the mechanisms and effectiveness of interventions to improve sleep and other symptoms in cancer survivors.
Doctoral Students
Marissa Maheu, BSc (Hons), PhD
Marissa Maheu, BSc (Hons), PhD
Marissa Maheu, BSc (Hons), PhD
(2019 - Present)
I received my Bachelor of Science (honours) in Psychology from the University of Toronto, and subsequently completed my PhD in Neuroscience at McGill University (Douglas Hospital) and my post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical School (McLean Hospital). My research has centered on the regulation of cellular plasticity in depression, suicide, and following trauma, with a focus on the utility of neuroplasticity-associated genes as biomarkers of individual differences in trauma response and affective learning. I am currently enrolled in the PsyD program at MUN, during which time I will be working under the supervision of Dr. Sheila Garland and in collaboration with Young Adult Cancer Canada to investigate coping and trauma response in young adults with cancer.
Ryan Collins, BA (Hons), MSc
Marissa Maheu, BSc (Hons), PhD
Marissa Maheu, BSc (Hons), PhD
(2019 - Present)
I received my Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology and Master of Science (Kinesiology) in Psychology of Sport, Exercise, and Recreation from Memorial University. My dissertation will be focused on investigating physical activity levels, circadian rhythm, and cognitive functioning in breast cancer patients in a longitudinal study.
Katherine-Ann Piedalue, BA
Marissa Maheu, BSc (Hons), PhD
Rachel Lee Dauz, BA (Hons), MSc
(2022 - Present)
Katherine-Ann Piedalue is a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) student under the supervision of Dr. Sheila Garland. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies from the University of Calgary. Following her undergraduate studies, she worked as a Research Assistant in Psychosocial Oncology at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, where she co-authored several published papers evaluating integrative oncology approaches. Katherine-Ann’s dissertation focuses on examining the feasibility and acceptability of the iCANSleep App, which is designed to address insomnia in cancer survivors
Rachel Lee Dauz, BA (Hons), MSc
Rachel Lee Dauz, BA (Hons), MSc
Rachel Lee Dauz, BA (Hons), MSc
(2024 - Present)
I received my Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology from Memorial University in 2021 and my Master’s degree in Experimental Psychology (Health and Wellness) from Memorial in 2023. Under the supervision of Dr. Garland, my Master's thesis focused on Canadian cancer survivors’ use of cannabis as a sleep aid. I was the Research Coordinator in the Sleep, Health, & Wellness lab for the 2023-24 academic year. In my future career, I hope to focus on the areas of sleep and women's health.
Krystal Bursey, BSc (Hons), MSc
Rachel Lee Dauz, BA (Hons), MSc
Krystal Bursey, BSc (Hons), MSc
(2024 - Present)
I received my Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology and Master’s in Experimental Psychology (Health and Wellness) from Memorial University (MUN). While completing my MSc in Psychology, I began working as a Research Assistant at the Primary Healthcare Research Unit and subsequently pursued a Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology at MUN. I am excited to be a part of the PsyD program under the supervision of Dr. Garland.
Medical Students
Rachel Pearcey, BSc(Hons)
(2025-Present)
I received my Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2025. As part of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, I am completing my curriculum research project under the supervision of Dr. Sheila Garland. I am excited to apply what I learn from the Sleep, Health, and Wellness lab to help my future patients improve their everyday lives in the midst of challenging diagnoses.
Master's Students
Reanna George, BSc (Hons)
(2024-Present)
I completed my Bachelors of Science (Honors) with a psychology major at Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2024. Under the supervision of Dr.Sheila Garland, I am working on completing a Masters in Experimental Psychology. After completion of my Masters, I hope to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. I am excited to take on the role of lab coordinator for 2025-2026
Honours Students
Anna Feehan
Ethan Brushett
Ethan Brushett
(Honours, 2025-Present)
I am completing my Bachelor of Science (Honours and co-op) in Psychology and this will be my first year volunteering in the Sleep, Health and Wellness Lab. I am completing my honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Garland and Reanna George. I volunteer on the MUN Relay for Life committee as cancer care and research are of great importance and interest to me. My future goals are to pursue my masters and doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology. I am very excited to to gain research experience in the Sleep, Health and Wellness Lab and complete my honours project on a topic that is so important to our knowledge of healthcare.
Ethan Brushett
Ethan Brushett
Ethan Brushett
(Honours, 2025-Present)
I am currently working toward a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology and am completing my honours thesis under the supervision of Krystal Bursey and Dr. Garland. I plan to complete my masters in psychology, and subsequently pursue a doctorate program, with the goal of becoming a practicing clinical psychologist. Being an individual who has lived for the majority of my life with a chronic illness, the field of health and wellness psychology is one that is of utmost importance to me. I look forward to completing my thesis, and gaining research experience in an area so pertinent to my goals and interests!
MUCEP Students
Kamso Nzewi
(2025-Present)
I am a fourth year student at Memorial University, currently
completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I have a strong interest
in health and psychology and how both influence overall well-being. In
the future, I hope to further my studies in nursing and
psychology, focusing on leadership, policy, and health systems to
improve access to equitable and culturally safe care.
Research Assistants
Chloe Hussey
Chloe Hussey
Chloe Hussey
(2025-Present)
I am a first year nursing student at MUNFON. I’m interested in the relationship between psychology and the adverse effects on young adult cancer patients, and plan on pursuing a medical doctorate with the dream of becoming an oncology researcher.
Floris Lloyd
Chloe Hussey
Chloe Hussey
(2025-Present)
I am a third-year BSc majoring in Behavioural Neuroscience here at Memorial. I hope to complete an honours project in the following year before continuing my education by applying to medical school or to a master's program in the Atlantic. As a bilingual student from New Brunswick, I look forward to assisting the SHW lab with any French language-related tasks.
Steven Power
Jesse Donovan
Jesse Donovan
(2025-Present)
I am a forth-year BSc student majoring in Psychology at Memorial University who is beginning their honours project this Fall. My future goals involve either obtaining a Doctor of Medicine or becoming a Clinical Psychologist. I look forward to gaining research experience in the SHW Lab, especially as it involves research in an area I have a strong interest in and care deeply about!
Jesse Donovan
Jesse Donovan
Jesse Donovan
(2025-Present)
I am a third-year BSc student majoring in Human Biosciences and Behavioural Neuroscience with the aim of completing an honours project next year. After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to apply to medical school. I am excited to continue working and gaining research experience in the Sleep, Health, & Wellness Lab!
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