About Me

Hello! My name is Dr. Krischanda (Krissy) Bemister, and I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). I completed my PhD in Psychological Science, specializing in Developmental Psychology, in 2026. My doctoral studies were supported by a prestigious SSHRC Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.

My research explores how relationships, social experiences, and environmental contexts shape psychological development and well-being. My primary research interests lie in human–animal interaction (HAI), with a particular focus on how relationships with companion animals contribute to empathy, emotional experiences, stress, and social connectedness across development.

My doctoral dissertation, Paws, Bonds, and Beyond: Exploring the Developmental Impact of Non-Human Animals on Empathy and Well-being, examined human–animal relationships across childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood. Through longitudinal, daily diary, and mixed-methods research, I investigated how pet ownership, the quality of human–animal relationships, and interactions with therapy dogs relate to social and emotional well-being.

In addition to my work in human–animal interaction, I have extensive experience in community-engaged research examining educational equity, newcomer experiences, and the well-being of underserved communities. My current postdoctoral research extends these interests through projects examining artificial intelligence, newcomer employment experiences, and the social and emotional dimensions of human experience.

I am passionate about conducting research that contributes to our understanding of human and animal well-being while producing meaningful insights for communities, educators, and practitioners.

Beyond Research

I am a strong advocate for animal welfare, mental health awareness, and racial justice. My personal experiences have shaped my commitment to research that centres compassion, equity, and the experiences of individuals and communities whose voices are often underrepresented. I believe research has the greatest impact when it moves beyond academic spaces and contributes to meaningful change in people’s everyday lives.

Thank you for visiting my website! I hope you enjoy exploring my research, publications, and ongoing projects.

Recent News

September 2026 — New Postdoctoral Research Appointments

I am excited to begin new postdoctoral research appointments in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. My current work includes research on human–animal interaction, artificial intelligence and newcomer experiences, and the emotional dimensions of research with living organisms.

August 2026 — PhD Completed!

I successfully defended my doctoral dissertation, Paws, Bonds, and Beyond: Exploring the Developmental Impact of Non-Human Animals on Empathy and Well-being, at Toronto Metropolitan University. My dissertation examined human–animal relationships across childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood, exploring how relationships with companion animals relate to empathy, emotional experiences, stress, and well-being.

July 2026 — International Society for Anthrozoology Conference

I presented research examining the impact of therapy dog interactions on stress and well-being in university students at the International Society for Anthrozoology Conference in Paris, France. It was a wonderful opportunity to share findings from my doctoral research and connect with researchers working across the field of human–animal interaction.

April 2026 — Associate Editor Appointment

I am serving as an Associate Editor for the Translational Issues in Psychological Science special issue, “Social Interactions Across Time.”