New state-of-the-art psychology lab at NU
A new lab at Nipissing University will help researchers working to unlock the links between aggressive behaviour and testosterone.
Dr. Justin Carré, assistant professor of psychology, and his team, will utilize the state-of-the-art Social Neuro Endocrinology Lab for their research into the complex interplay between personality, hormones, and social context and how they can be used to predict human aggression. Dr. Carré’s work has the potential to transform our basic understanding of the risk factors for aggression, which could help in developing more effective intervention and treatment strategies.
The new lab will allow for much faster and more efficient data collection. Researchers can now collect data from 300-400 people in 4-6 months, a process that would have required years in the former lab. It features 12 new computers, with fixed focus cameras that allow researchers to unobtrusively assess facial affects like anger, fear, happiness, or surprise.
The 1,500 square-foot, $350,000 lab was funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and the Ministry of Research Innovation and Science, who each contributed $128,811. Nipissing University provided the remainder of the funding.
“I am very pleased to be able to announce this funding, which has allowed Nipissing University to expand this research space,” said Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming. “I am confident the laboratory facility led by Dr. Justin Carré will continue to contribute breakthrough research in the growing field of social neuro endocrinology. The efforts of Dr. Carré and his team are a prime example of the world-class scholarly work being carried out here at Nipissing.”
"Thank you to the CFI, and the federal and provincial government, for this investment in my research,” said Dr. Carré. “The new Social Neuro Endocrinology Lab is a world-class research facility that will enable us to effectively study the complex psychological, situational, and hormonal mechanisms that give rise to human aggression. This investment also provides a great opportunity for our undergraduate and graduate students to receive extensive high quality training in this growing field. The work conducted in our lab has the potential to inform our basic understanding of the mechanisms of aggression. This knowledge may translate into the development of preventative and/or treatment programs designed to curtail aggression, ultimately promoting a safer environment for Canadians.”
Thank you to the federal government and the Canada Foundation for Innovation for this investment in Nipissing University. I’d also like to thank the provincial government for matching the investment,” said Dr. Mike DeGagné, president and vice-chancellor, of Nipissing University. “Nipissing is dedicated to supporting and nurturing research and scholarship, and as Canadians and Ontarians, we should all be proud that our government shares that dedication. This funding enhances the university’s capacity to conduct research that significantly benefits the lives of all Canadians.