About the PTSS Lab
The Psychological Trauma and Stress Systems (PTSS) Lab is dedicated to advancing mental health research, support, and solutions for trauma-exposed professionals, including first responders and other public safety personnel (PSP), healthcare workers, military members, and Veterans.
Led by Dr. R. Nicholas Carleton, a recognized leader in clinical research and trauma psychology, the PTSS Lab informs, develops, and evaluates evidence-informed and evidence-based efforts to mitigate the impact of trauma exposure on all those who serve.
Our Purpose
Strengthening
Mental Resilience
We strive to ensure that trauma-exposed professionals enjoy the same or better mental health as the populations they serve. Through cutting-edge research, clinical expertise, and strategic partnerships, we work to reduce the incidence, prevalence, and impact of trauma-related harms experienced by trauma-exposed professionals, their leaders, and their families.
Breaking Barriers in PSP Mental Health Research
With a team of dedicated researchers, clinicians, and operational experts, we support more than a
million trauma-exposed professionals and their communities. Our work includes:
Transdiagnostic Biopsychosocial Research
Advancing knowledge on psychological trauma responses and mental health interventions.
Mental Health Monitoring Systems
Developing tools to track and improve psychological well-being.
Emotional Skills Resiliency Training
Equipping PSP with essential skills to manage operational stress.
Collaborative Partnerships
Working with national and international organizations to create impactful solutions.
Meet the People
Behind the Mission
The PTSS Lab is powered by a multidisciplinary team of experts committed to transforming mental health outcomes for PSP. Our team members bring diverse backgrounds in psychology, clinical research, data science, and policy, facilitating a comprehensive approach to trauma-informed care.
Dr. R. Nicholas Carleton
Professor and Lead Researcher
Globally recognized expert in trauma-related psychology and PSP mental health.
Shimona Sekhar
Senior Project Director
Expertise in business analysis, project management, and strategic execution
Jonathan Burry
Program Manager
Expert in project management, business analytics and system integration. He leads the Operations team that deliver the MHM systems.
Dr. Katie Andrews
Research Associate
Specializing in PSP mental health, stigma reduction, and service accessibility.
Autumn Brambell
Masters Student
Autumn is a research assistant and master’s student in the PTSS lab at the University of Regina
Aiman Al-koli
Programmer Analyst
is passionate about designing scalable and efficient systems that support the PTSS Lab.
Curtis Ficor
Programmer Analyst
with a background in Electronic Systems Engineering, driving innovation in data analysis and system integration
Kennedy Flegel
Research Assistant
Kennedy is a research associate in the Psychological Trauma and Stress Systems (PTSS) lab. She holds a Bachelor of Science…
Maxim Ivanov
Lead Software Developer and Architect
Extensive experience in web application design, virtualized infrastructure, and tech leadership.
Vasanth Kanneri
Azure Specialist
Vasanth Kumar is an seasoned senior information technology professional with 23+ years of experience in delivering solutions(Data, Web, Mobile) utilizing Microsoft…
Aryan Khanna
Help Desk Analyst
Help Desk Analyst with the PTSS Lab at the University of Regina
Juliana M. B. Khoury
Doctoral Student
Focused on police perceptions of violence and mental health.
Kirby Q. Maguire
Research Associate
Specializing in PSP mental health and research methods
Akiff Maredia
IT Specialist
Ensuring robust network administration, system optimization, and digital support for academic research
Dr. Jolan Nisbet
Research Associate
Expertise in PSP mental health, suicide prevention, and social support.
Holden J. Norrie
Research assistant
Doctoral student in clinical psychology at the University of Regina
Zeinab Ramadan
Doctoral Student
Zeinab received her Bachelor of Arts with High Honours in Psychology in 2014 from the University of Regina. Her honours…
Robyn E. Shields
Doctoral Candidate & Former Paramedic
Specializing in operational stress injuries
Taylor A. Teckchandani
Research Associate & Biostatistician
Specializing in mental health data analysis and AI applications.
Dennis Tenchavez
Help Desk Analyst
Customer-focused and technically adept Help Desk Technician with 3 years experience providing efficient IT support to end-users. Proficient in diagnosing…
Our Vision
A Future Where Trauma-Exposed Professionals Thrive
We work to be a trusted leader and sought-after collaborator for mental health solutions, nationally and internationally. Through innovation, research, and advocacy, we envision a future where trauma-exposed professionals receive the evidence-based supports they need to thrive professionally and personally.
Making Differences Together
One Person and One Solution at a Time
We welcome collaboration with researchers, trauma-exposed professionals, policymakers, and mental health professionals. If you’re interested in collaborating with us or learning more about our work, please reach out to the PTSS Lab team today.
Let’s Connect