Created in 2013, the Canada Graduate Scholarships to Honour Nelson Mandela celebrate Nelson Mandela’s legacy, and his tireless pursuit of peace, democracy, justice and freedom through learning, understanding and education. The awards recognize outstanding graduate students pursuing research in national unity; democracy, freedom and human rights; leadership; children’s participation in society; and children’s health. Ten awards are granted annually to the highest-ranked SSHRC applicants pursuing research in the five areas championed by Nelson Mandela during his lifetime. We are thrilled to announce that Amané Halicki-Asakawa, Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology student, is the first student at UBC Okanagan to win this distinction. Amané’s research focuses on improving treatment accessibility for individuals with eating disorders through digital interventions, community-based advocacy, and neuropsychological research. Amané is also developing a psycho-educational workshop for queer youth that focuses on body image, self-advocacy, and emotion regulation. Amané’s goal is to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, ensuring that mental health interventions are inclusive, evidence-based, and accessible to diverse populations. Learn more about Amané’s graduate student journey below.
Program
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology
Research Supervisor
Dr. Maya Libben
Hometown
Vancouver, Canada
Awards
Canada Graduate Scholarship to Honour Nelson Mandela
Lashley & Mary Haggman Memorial Research Award
What inspires you about your research?
My research focuses on improving treatment accessibility for individuals with eating disorders through digital interventions, community-based advocacy, and neuropsychological research. My dissertation builds on my master’s thesis research, during which my supervisor and I developed MI-Coach: ED, a mobile app designed to enhance motivation and treatment readiness for individuals on waitlists in British Columbia. I am currently testing its effectiveness through a randomized controlled trial, assessing changes in motivation, symptoms, and treatment engagement. In addition to this work, I am leading the development of BEYOND, a psycho-educational workshop for queer youth that focuses on body image, self-advocacy, and emotion regulation. I am also investigating how eating disorders impact cognitive function in older adults, particularly how restrictive behaviours affect memory, decision-making, and overall brain health. My goal is to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, ensuring that mental health interventions are inclusive, evidence-based, and accessible to diverse populations.
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
During my undergraduate studies at McGill University, I became interested in understanding the many factors that contribute to eating disorders, beyond just the pressure to be thin, including biological, psychological, and social influences. At the same time, as a queer individual, I saw how difficult it can be for people to access mental healthcare that meets their needs. While volunteering at an inpatient psychiatric ward in Montreal, I ran weekly activities for patients and saw firsthand how many lacked access to long-term psychological services, with the ward being one of the only places they could receive support. Seeing these challenges from different angles—through my academic studies, personal experiences, and volunteer work—deepened my commitment to mental health advocacy and led me to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology.
Why did you choose to come to UBC Okanagan and study?
I was drawn to UBC Okanagan largely because of Dr. Maya Libben’s expertise in eating disorders and
neuropsychology, which aligns with my goal of applying evidence-based methods in both research and clinical practice. Being in British Columbia also allows me to stay closer to my family while enjoying the province’s beautiful scenery. I was especially excited and drawn to the in-house Psychology Clinic, which serves the broader Okanagan community by offering therapy and assessments and acts as a major service hub, providing hands-on training opportunities and a chance to directly support local populations.
Where do you hope your degree/research will take you next?
I am currently in my second year of my PhD program in Clinical Psychology and plan to apply for a pre-doctoral internship in Clinical Neuropsychology in the coming years. My goal is to work as a neuropsychologist in a community mental health setting, supporting individuals with complex conditions such as eating disorders, substance use, personality disorders, and mood disorders. I also hope to continue researching the intersection of neuropsychology and mental health, including how long-term eating disorder symptoms interact with cognitive aging, how motivation and readiness impact treatment outcomes, and how eating disorders and psychiatric comorbidities influence cognitive function. My aim is to apply this knowledge in clinical practice while contributing to research that improves accessibility and effectiveness of mental health care.
Please share a little bit about yourself.
Outside of my academic work, I spend a lot of time with my daughters, Bella (my dog) and Kitsey (my cat). I also enjoy being part of Kelowna’s queer community, whether it’s attending drag shows or organizing events through the Queer Students Association. Thrifting at the SHARE Society is another favourite pastime, especially when I come across vintage books and unique knickknacks. When the weather is warm, I take advantage of Kelowna’s beaches—either relaxing with friends or playing intramural beach volleyball.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
A great analogy for work-life balance is thinking of it as cooking a meal, rather than juggling balls. Certain projects need focused prep work, while others can simmer, allowing you to switch your attention as needed and prevent burnout. It’s also crucial to stay flexible, seek help from peers and mentors, and remember that success doesn’t mean doing everything at once—it involves knowing how to prioritize and pacing yourself for the long run.
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