Mentor: Dr. Soo Min Toh

Project Description
How does the work and non-work domains of your life interact to influence how well you perform in each domain? How can one domain enhance the other in a mutually supporting and sustainable way? Different researchers have approached these questions from different perspectives and on different populations. With the ubiquity of digital devices in our work and non-work lives, understanding how they influence our ability to be effective and healthy is imperative. The proposed project will focus these questions on young adults and how the uses of digital devices support or detract young adults from managing their school/work responsibilities and non-work roles. It focuses on how technology affects efficacy and well-being of young adults and seeks to understand the underlying social and psychological mechanisms. The project may focus on a specific technology, whether it is device, application, or social media, and how its use affects various work- and health-related outcomes of young people. The project will be conducted using online surveys and focus group interviews. The student will learn how to develop questionnaires, set up surveys and interviews, collect and analyze data, and report findings in an effective way. Training and support will be available from fellow lab group members and me.
Mentorship Statement
Mentoring is one way to pay-forward the incredible mentorship I have received as a woman of colour. As such, I value any opportunity to support young scholars with diverse backgrounds and interests in developing the needed skills and confidence to pursue research. Students will participate in weekly lab group (Culture, Relationships, and Well-being Lab: CRAWL) meetings with fellow students and senior researchers, e.g., postdocs, graduate students, and receive training on research methods, theory development, and statistical analysis. Our meetings are supportive and collaborative. Students in the lab group are encouraged to explore and contribute their own ideas and pursue lines of research that interests them.
A key value of CRAWL is inclusion. Our group is intentional in creating a welcoming and safe space conducive for learning and creativity. The SROP objectives are well-aligned with ours.