The Psychology, Health, and Sexuality (Phase) Laboratory is accepting new graduate student(s) for the 2024-25 academic year. Dr. Bouchard will supervise MSc and PhD students in the Women+ and Children’s Health Sciences (WACH) program in the UBC Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Interested students should (1) review the information below, then (2) contact Dr. Bouchard by email to express their interest in applying to the WACH program. Please describe your academic background, research experience, and research interests in the body of the email and attach a copy of your CV and unofficial transcript (katrina.bouchard@ubc.ca).
The WACH program is ideal for students from health-related disciplines (e.g., biology, medicine, nursing, psychology, science) who are passionate about women+ health research. This thesis-based interdisciplinary program is unique in BC and Canada. Students can obtain a terminal MSc or continue their graduate studies in the PhD program. All students are expected to apply for external scholarships to partially fund their minimum stipend of $30,000 (e.g., Canada Graduate Scholarships). Please note that the WACH program is geared to training health researchers, not regulated health professionals (e.g., registered psychologist). If you are interested in learning more about the program, please visit:
- https://wach.med.ubc.ca/
- https://wach.med.ubc.ca/prospective-students/
- https://wach.med.ubc.ca/prospective-students/tuition-funding/
The WACH program has three admission cycles per year, in September, January, and May. For September 2024 admission, Dr. Bouchard will begin reviewing student emails in December 2023. From there, Dr. Bouchard will offer interviews and agree to supervise 1-2 graduate students. Then, prospective students can submit their application to the WACH program by the March 31, 2023 deadline. For more information, please visit:
The Phase Lab is excited to grow our interdisciplinary team of sexual health researchers. Graduate students will collaboratively develop thesis projects related to the sexual and relational health implications of vulvar health concerns (e.g., vulvar pain, vulvar lichen sclerosus, persistent genital arousal disorder). Students will have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience with clinical research in collaboration with clinicians at the BC Centre for Vulvar Health (https://bcvulvarhealth.ca/).
Dr. Bouchard is committed to prioritizing mentorship of graduate students, which includes weekly individual meetings, regular lab meetings, and ongoing communication (e.g., email, Slack channel) as well as financial support (e.g., research stipend, conference travel). The Phase Lab is committed to building an environment of respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our team reflects a diversity of backgrounds, lived experiences, and academic training.
Successful applicants will have a keen interest in women’s sexual health research. Previous experience working in a research laboratory is required (e.g., honours thesis or equivalent). Our team values excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills (written and oral) as well as strong interpersonal skills that support teamwork, collaboration, and professional interactions with patients.