Ann-Sophie Otis - 2021 Winning Essay
I’ve always known that I wanted to work in a helping profession. Through experience I’ve discovered an interest in those with intellectual handicaps or autism spectrum disorders. I began with a technical certificate in special education, then I chose to broaden my understanding of human behaviour by continuing on to university. During my Bachelor of Psychology I worked as a special educator in a rehabilitation centre for the intellectually handicapped, and this gave me a chance to expand my knowledge and gain clinical skills. I want to pursue an academic career as a university professor while working as a neuropsychologist with this population.
I’m currently completing my Doctor of Psychology, majoring in research/intervention (4/4.3) at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. My thesis project will deal with mentalization among those working with the intellectually handicapped and its role in their psychological function. I have received five awards during my academic career, including the Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. I’ve also done three research internships, I’ve presented two scientific papers at an international conference in Scotland and I’ve submitted a scientific article as first author. As well, I coordinate the Research Chair in Self-Determination and Handicaps at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and I am a research assistant on various projects. These achievements have allowed me to develop as a professional and I hope to continue in this vein.