Shae Sackman

Psychology master's student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I am a Master's student who worked in programming and data science for many years before coming to academia. The trends I was seeing in marketing utilizing big data made me wonder if there was something I could use my skills for that would make more of an impact in the world.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

SFU has the unique combination of quantitative psychological training and philosophical rigor that I feel my work requires.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

The research I do looks at how psychological researchers talk about their scientific findings - and if the things they and the ways they say it affect what we can know about that work.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Meta-science, Psychological methods, Philosophy of science

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

I had the opportunity to work as a research assistant in a wide variety of labs - not just in my specific area of psychology. These wide-ranging experiences helped me figure out what skills I lacked, and more importantly - what skills I adore using. The work I did as a teaching assistant in philosophy has helped forge my writing and communication skills overall. Not limiting myself to only seek out opportunities that seemed related to my interests has made me an incredibly niche, uniquely skilled researcher.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

I was awarded a 2025 Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master's, allowing me to focus more on honing my research skills rather than constantly worrying about how to pay all of my expenses.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

Do not get ahead of yourself and decide what your life or your work will look like, or you will miss out on so many opportunities and experiences because they don't seem to be the right shape.

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

By stating very loudly and clearly that I am out of my usual element and being upfront and honest about where I am situated. By demonstrating that I am very eager to learn and connect with new communities and individuals through consistency and curiosity.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

Understanding that boundaries that you set are for you to protect and build what is important to you and that they are not useful when just a mechanism to deter others makes a balance of academia and a personal life more possible.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am very grateful to be a student at SFU, and delighted to get to contribute to a body of collective knowledge.

Contact Shae:sls22@sfu.ca

Additional Links

• LinkedIn