Prior to coming to SFU to study in the Faculty of Education, Dr. Dominic Trevisan studied Psychology at Humboldt State University in California. Trevisan’s research examines how people with autism perceive, understand, and communicate emotions; helping to provide insight into supporting the unique needs of adults with autism in postsecondary and vocational settings.

Throughout his PhD studies, Dr. Trevisan’s drive for excellence is apparent. He developed a program of research using cutting-edge facial expression analysis software that helps to illustrate why some individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulties using facial expressions and how this is related to the processing of emotions. He also received numerous scholarships and awards since he began his studies, including being admitted into the highly competitive Autism Research Training (ART) program in Canada (CIHR) and he also has an impressive record of publications, conference presentations and invited talks.

Dr. Elina Birmingham, Dr. Trevisan's supervisor calls his dissertation research "truly ground-breaking. What impresses me most about Dominic is his motivation to continually improve as a scholar; he takes on new challenges with maturity and an eye towards growth." 

“I am grateful for the mentorship and training I received from my outstanding committee and other faculty members in my department, the constant support I received from the Faculty of Education staff, and all the unforgettable experiences I had during my time at SFU. It is an honor to be awarded a Convocation Medal,” says Trevisan.

Dr. Dominic Trevisan is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Yale University's School of Medicine where he investigates the neural and physiological bases of atypical emotion processing in autism.