About Me
Hello! My name is Krischanda (Krissy) Bemister. I am a SSHRC Vanier-funded PhD candidate in the Psychological Science program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), specializing in developmental psychology. I received both my BA and MA in Psychology from TMU and have worked in research labs at TMU, the University of Toronto, and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Throughout my academic and professional career, I have explored diverse areas of research, including investigating strategies to enhance educational outcomes for children with learning difficulties, leading community-engaged projects to promote equity in education and care for marginalized communities, and examining the role of group membership in social judgments.
My current research focuses on the emotional and social development impact of companion animals on children and adolescents. I am passionate about advancing our understanding of human-animal interactions and the ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare.
I am also a strong advocate for causes close to my heart, including animal rights, mental health awareness, and racial justice. In 2022, I was awarded a Mitacs Accelerate research grant to investigate the impact of compassion fatigue on Toronto Zoo staff caring for sick, injured, or dying animals using a participatory qualitative methodology. Through my work, I strive to use my knowledge, lived experiences, and research to improve the lives of those without a voice—whether they are children, animals, or members of underserved communities.
Thank you for visiting, and I hope you enjoy exploring my website!
