Bishop’s University

Undergraduate Student Emma Prost: the RECAPER Project

Emma Prost chose Bishop’s University for her undergraduate studies because of its liberal arts philosophy. During her time in CEGEP, she developed a passion for multiple disciplines and felt that committing to a single major would be too limiting. Bishop’s University offered her the opportunity to pursue a cross-disciplinary education, allowing her to explore her interests more fully. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology with a minor in Philosophy. Her academic journey at Bishop’s has been enriched by a strong sense of community. Through her participation in the Bishop’s Undergraduate Research Journal (BURJ) and the Bishop’s University Undergraduate Psychology Society (BUUPS), Emma has found opportunities to connect with fellow students, exchange ideas, and engage deeply in campus life beyond the classroom.

Her interest in psychology began in a course on positive psychology, where she was introduced to the practical applications of psychological principles in educational settings. This sparked a broader curiosity about how research can enhance learning, motivation, and well-being. Her current research involvement in the RECAPER project reflects these interests and aligns closely with the kind of research she hopes to pursue in the future.

The significance of RECAPER lies in its potential to support student success, particularly among community college students who often face complex challenges—studying in a second language, working full-time, supporting families, and dealing with financial pressures. For those in allied health programs, courses in Anatomy and Physiology can be particularly difficult. RECAPER aims to understand how students in these programs learn most effectively, with the goal of reducing barriers and improving academic outcomes. Through this work, Emma is contributing to research that not only advances educational theory but also has a meaningful, real-world impact.

Emma’s involvement in RECAPER has also given her hands-on experience with qualitative research methods, particularly in coding and data interpretation. These are essential skills for her long-term goal of pursuing a research career in psychology.

Throughout her studies, Emma has developed essential academic skills, especially in constructing clear, well-reasoned arguments and honing her critical thinking—thanks to the rigorous philosophy and psychology seminar classes she has taken. She credits several of her professors for inspiring her with their passion for their disciplines, and she draws daily motivation from her peers, whose determination and drive push her to excel.

Balancing academic, research, and personal life is no small feat, but Emma finds that her background in psychology has helped. With an understanding of effective study techniques, she’s able to manage her time well, maintaining strong academic performance while remaining actively involved in research and student life.

Looking ahead, she plans to apply to graduate programs, with her top choice being the Master’s program at the Center for Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Her ultimate goal is to work in academia.

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Joannie St-Germain B.Sc. ’16, M.Sc. (she/her/elle)
RESEARCH OFFICER
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES
819-822-9600 x 2242

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