Vaidehi Patel is a fourth-year Psychology major at the University of Alberta, with a growing passion for understanding human behaviour through both academic study and hands-on experience. Her journey in the field began as a Child Care Educator, where she worked closely with children to support their daily development, observe behavioral patterns, and foster a safe and engaging learning environment. This early experience sparked her interest in how cognitive and emotional development shapes individuals from a young age.
Building on this foundation, Vaidehi transitioned into a role as a Developmental Support Assistant, where she worked more directly with children requiring individualized support. In this position, she implemented tailored programming, collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, and contributed to helping children achieve their developmental and behavioral goals. These experiences strengthened her understanding of person-centered care and deepened her appreciation for the complexity of human development.
Through both her academic training and practical experience, Vaidehi has developed a strong interest in the field of psychology and is particularly motivated to explore how research can be applied to improve real-world outcomes. She is committed to continuous learning and aims to contribute meaningfully to the field by supporting individuals in ways that are empathetic, informed, and impactful.