Sophia Hue Nghi Tran

Email: sophiahtran@uwaterloo.ca

EDUCATION

    Western University

    Visiting Student 2024 – Present

    • Supervisor: Dr. Penny Pexman
    University of Calgary

    BA, Honours, First Class, Psychology2012 – 2017

    • Thesis: The Effects of Socioeconomic Status Crime Congruency on Mock Juror Judgments
    • Supervisor: Dr. Melissa Boyce

    BA, Sociology, with Distinction 2012 – 2017

    • Specialization: Criminology, Deviance, and Social Control

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

(supervised students underlined)

Articles in Peer-Reviewed Journals (10; 7 first author):

1. Roberts, B.R.T., Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A.(2025). Symbolism itself does not improve memory for elements on the periodic table. Scientific Reports. 15(4278), 1-9. doi:s41598-025-87612-5
2. Tran, S.H.N., Fletcher, J.M., McSweeney, B., Saunders-Smith, T., Manns, B.J., Campbell, D.J.T. (2024). Exploring patient perspectives on the impact of losing a copayment elimination benefit: A qualitative analysis. TRIALS. 25(749). doi:10.1186/s13063-024-08593.
3. Kim. B., Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A.(2024). Comparing the effectiveness of encoding techniques on memory for vocabulary in a second language. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology / Revue canadienne de psychologie expérimentale. Advance online publication.doi: 10.1037/cep0000362
4. Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A.(2024). Effectiveness of encoding techniques on memory for concrete and abstract words. Memory. 33(1), 1-18. doi:10.1080/09658211.2024.2399116.
5. Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A.(2024). Which encoding techniques facilitate comprehension? Experimental Psychology. 71(2), 111-121. doi: 10.1027/1618-3169/a000620.
6. Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A.(2023) Drawing enhances memory for emotional words. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology / Revue canadienne de psychologie expérimentale. 77(4), 296-307. doi:10.1037/cep0000319.
7. Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A.(2023). Age differences in effectiveness of encoding techniques on memory. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition. 31(30), 479-495. doi: 10.1080/13825585.2023.2202377.
8. Tran, S.H.N., Manns, B., Saunders-Smith, T. Campbell, T., Ivers, N., Hemmelgarn, B., Tonelli, M., Pannu, R., Campbell, D. (2022). Factors affecting the reception of self-management health education: A cross-sectional survey assessing perspectives of lower-income seniors. Patient Preference and Adherence, 2022(16). 971—981.doi:10.2147/PPA.S351459.
9. Tran, S.H.N., Beech, I., & Fernandes, M. A. (2022). Drawing compared to writing in a diary enhances recall of autobiographical memories. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition. 30(3), 1-17. doi:10.1080/13825585.2022.2047594.
10. Kakumanu, S., Manns, B.J., Tran, S.H.N., Saunders-Smith, T., Hemmelgarn, B.R., Tonelli, M., Tsuyuki, R., Ivers, N; Southern, D., Bakal, J., Campbell, D.J.T. (2019). Cost analysis and efficacy of recruitment strategies used in a large pragmatic community-based clinical trial targeting low-income seniors: A comparative descriptive analysis. Trials, 20(577), 1-12. doi:10.1186/s13063-019-3652-5

Articles Submitted:

Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A.(Under review, 2024). Can students learn effectively by observation alone? Applied Cognitive Psychology. ACP-24-0432.
Parezanovic, C., Manns, B.J., Fletcher, J., Tran, S.H.N., Au, F., Wilson, T., Tonelli1, M., Hemmelgarn, B.R., Pannu, R., Campbell, D.J.T. (submitted, 2024). Evaluating the effectiveness of patient-directed facilitated relay letters for initiating guideline-indicated medical therapies. Scientific Reports.

Other Peer-Reviewed Contributions:

Tran, S.H.N., Weaver, R. G., Manns, B. J., Saunders-Smith, T., Ivers, N., Pannu, R., & Campbell, D. J. (2020). Self-management health education programs for the prevention of cardiovascular disease: Perspectives of lower-income seniors. Canadian Journal of Diabetes, 44(7), 10‐S11. doi:10.1016/j.jcjd.2020.08.028.S

CONFERENCES (25; * presenting author)

1. Gionet, S.*, Tran, S.H.N., Guitard, D., Fernandes, M.A. & Saint-Aubin, J. (2024). The drawing effect in memory interacts with serial Position: Evidence from a multi-lingual multi-site replication. CSBBCS, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
2. Roberts, B.R.T.*, Tran, S.H.N.*, & Fernandes, M.A. (2024). Symbolism itself does not boost memory, Poster presented at CSBBCS, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
3. Tran, S.H.N.* & Fernandes, M.A. (2024). Can students effectively apply encoding techniques to support learning in person and online? Poster presented at 31st Annual Cognitive Neuroscience Society Meeting, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
4. Tran, S.H.N*. & Fernandes, M.A. (2024). The mnemonic effects of observing versus performing encoding techniques. Poster presented at the Psychology Discovery Conference, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
5. Kim, B*., Tran, S.H.N. & Fernandes, M.A. (2024). "Copy this down " or "repeat after me" – Comparing effective encoding techniques for memory of Korean characters. Poster presented at the 51st Annual Lake Ontario Visionary Establishment (L.O.V.E) Conference, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
6. Gionet, S*., Tran, S.H.N. & Fernandes, M.A. (2023). The production effect and second language learning: The role of proficiency. Poster presented at the CSBBCS, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
7. Kim, B*., Tran, S.H.N. & Fernandes, M.A. (2023). "Copy this down " or "repeat after me" – Comparing effective encoding techniques for memory of Korean characters. Poster presented at the CSBBCS, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
8. Tran, S.H.N.* & Fernandes, M.A. (2023). Can encoding techniques facilitate comprehension? Talk presented at the CPA Convention, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
9. Kim, B*., Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A. (2023). Comparing encoding techniques to maximize memory for Korean characters. Talk presented at the CPA Convention, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
10. Tran, S.H.N.* & Fernandes, M.A. (2023). Drawing compared to writing in a diary enhances autobiographical memory in younger and older adults. Talk presented at the 7th Meeting of Toronto Area Memory Group, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
11. Tran, S.H.N.* & Fernandes, M.A. (2023). Aging and the Effectiveness of Encoding Techniques. Poster presented at the 30th Annual Cognitive Neuroscience Society Meeting, San Francisco, California, USA.
12. Tran, S.H.N.* & Fernandes, M.A. (2023). Drawing as an encoding tool to enhance memory for emotional words. Poster presented at the 50th Annual Lake Ontario Visionary Establishment (L.O.V.E) Conference, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
13. Kim, B.*,Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A. (2023). Comparing encoding techniques to maximize memory for Korean characters. Talk presented at the Psychology Discovery Conference, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
14. Tran, S.H.N.* & Fernandes, M.A. (2022). The interplay between concreteness effects and encoding strategies. Talk presented at the annual meeting of the CSBBCS, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
15. Tran, S.H.N.* & Fernandes, M.A. (2022). Drawing compared to writing in a diary enhances recall of autobiographical Memories. Talk presented at the CPA Convention, Calgary, Alberta.
*Recipient of Peter Graf Award for Excellence in Bran and Cognitive Science Research - Presentation
16. Tran, S.H.N.*, Beech I., & Fernandes, M.A. (2021). Drawing in a diary to enhance recall of younger and older Adults. Talk presented at the annual meeting of the CSBBCS, virtual online conference.
17. Tran, S.H.N.* & Fernandes, M.A. (2021). Drawing as an encoding tool: Generalizing to emotional and more complex stimuli. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the CSBBCS, virtual online conference.
18. Tran, S.H.N.*, Fletcher, J.M., Saunders-Smith, T., Manns, B., & Campbell, D. Exploring patient perspectives on the impact of losing a copayment elimination benefit: A qualitative analysis. Poster presented at IDF, Lisbon, Portugal.
19. Tran, S.H.N.*, Beech I., & Fernandes, M.A. (2021). Drawing to reminisce: A method to enhance recall of autobiographical Memories. Poster presented at the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, virtual online conference.
20. Tran, S.H.N.*, Manns, B., Saunders-Smith, T. Campbell, T., Ivers, N., Hemmelgarn, B, Tonelli, M., Pannu, R., Campbell, D. (2021). Designing self-management education support programs for lower-income seniors. Poster presented at CAHSPR, virtual online conference.
21. Beech, I*., Tran, S.H.N., & Fernandes, M.A. (2021). Comparing methods of reminiscing to maximize autobiographical memory recall. Poster presented at Psychology Discovery Conference, virtual online conference.
22. Tran, S.H.N.*, Beech, I., & Fernandes, M.A. (2020). Reminiscing with drawings. Poster presented at the Psychology Discovery Conference, virtual online conference.
23. Tran, S.H.N.*, Manns, B., Saunders-Smith, T. Campbell, T., Ivers, N., Hemmelgarn, B., Tonelli, M., Pannu, R., Campbell, D. (2020). Self-management health education programs for the prevention of cardiovascular disease: Perspectives of lower-income seniors. Poster presented at CSEM, virtual online conference.
24. Kakumanu, S*., Manns, B.J., Tran, S.H.N., Saunders-Smith, T., Hemmelgarn, B.R., Tonelli, M., Tsuyuki, R., Ivers, N; Southern, D., Bakal, J., & Campbell, D.J.T. (2019, May). Cost analysis and efficacy of recruitment strategies used in a large pragmatic community-based clinical trial targeting low-income seniors: A comparative descriptive analysis. Poster presented at CAHSPR – Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
25. Tran, S.H.N.*, & Boyce, M.A. (2017, April). The effects of socioeconomic status crime congruency on mock juror judgments. Poster presented at the 21st Annual Psychology Research Conference, Calgary, AB. Department of Psychology - 21st Annual Research Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

WORK EXPERIENCE

    Waterloo Research in Aging Pool Coordinator 2023 – Present

    • Organizing a database of older adult participants in the Waterloo region
    • Coordinating with various research studies at uWaterloo
    • Recruiting older adults

    Special Advisor - University of Calgary 2019 – Present

    • ACCESS Trial
    • Conducted structured interviews with 22 participants
    • Oversaw NVivo coding of interviews
    • Wrote original research articles

    Research Coordinator - University of Calgary 2017 – 2019

    • ACCESS Trial
    • Coordinated with the clinical research unit (CRU) to identify errors in script programming and manage the database
    • Scheduled, trained, and delegated tasks to research assistants and summer research students
    • Contributed to the recruitment of over 4750 participants using pharmacies, medical clinics, media, and word of mouth
    • Ran analyses using STATA and wrote and published a manuscript based on intervention surveys
    • EMPATHY Trial
    • Managed ethics submissions, revisions, and annual renewals

    Research Assistant - Addictive Behaviours Lab 2015 – 2017

    • Conducted data entry – First and second inputs
    • Managed the scheduling of interviews with participants and conducted interviews for various projects
    • Managed participant contact information for longitudinal studies

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

    Instructor 2023 – Present

    University of Waterloo
    • Physiological Psychology (PSYCH261)

    Teaching Assistant 2019 – Present

    University of Waterloo
    • Facilitated Open Sesame, PsychoPy, E-Prime, and R labs
    • Guest lecturer, How to conduct literature reviews
    • Conducted reports on Academic Integrity
    • Monitored and marked discussion board participation
    • Proctored exams
    • Facilitated content review sessions and study tip sessions
    • Facilitated exam review sessions
    • Marked exams and assignments
    • Created final exam questions
    • Held office hours

MENTORING AND TRAINING

  • Monica Marko - Co-Supervisor, Research Apprenticeship (PSYCH 264) Student 2024

  • Aslan Aydin - Co-Supervisor, Research Apprenticeship (PSYCH 264) Student 2024

  • Alina Wirth - Research Assistant 2023-2024

  • Adissa Ghulami - Research Assistant 2023-2024

  • Madison Gibbs- Research Assistant 2023-2024

  • Sebastian Gionet - Co-Supervisor, Honours Student 2022 - 2023

  • Brian Kim - Co-Supervisor, Honours Student 2022 - 2023

  • Thesis: Comparing encoding techniques to maximize memory for Korean characters
  • Nominated for Honours Thesis Awards
  • Winner of Best Talk by an Undergraduate at the Psychology Discovery Conference

  • Saad Qadeer - Co-Supervisor, Directed Studies (PSYCH 483) Student 2021

  • Ryan Mitchell - Co-Supervisor, Directed Studies (PSYCH 483) Student 2020

  • Phillip He - Co-Supervisor, Co-op Student 2020

  • Isaac Beech - Co-Supervisor, Honours Student 2019 - 2020

  • Thesis: Comparing methods of reminiscing to maximize autobiographical memory recall

  • Aimie Lee - Co-Supervisor, Summer Trainee 2019

  • Sravya Kakumanu - Co-Supervisor, NSERC USRA Student 2018

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Working Board Member - Analyst, Women in Cognitive Science Canada2023

  • Legacy Representative, Graduate Association of Students in Psychology2023

  • Associate Member, CSBBCS Student Hebb Award Committee2023

  • Departmental Representative, Canadian Psychological Association2023

  • Associate Departmental Representative, Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science2023

  • Team Lead, Psychology Discovery Conference Planning Committee2023-2024

    • Secured $1,860 in funding to supplement the conference

  • Abstract Reviewer, Psychology Discovery Conference 2023-2024

  • Abstract Reviewer, Canadian Psychological Association Convention 2023

  • Panel Member, Graduate Studies Information Session2022

  • Vice-president, Graduate Association of Students in Psychology2022

  • Peer Reviewer - Learning & Motivation, Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, Memory

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

    Facilitator – AgeCare Midnapore 2021 – Present

    • Interviewing, training, and scheduling new volunteers
    • Matching residents to a volunteer
    • Organizing volunteer logs

    Facilitator/Mentor – Forensic Adolescent Program 2017 – 2019

    • A weekly court-mandated program that works with young offenders to facilitate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and to instill social skills through recreational therapy
    • Total Volunteer Hours: 76.5

    Animal Carer and Socializer 2017 - 2019

    • Cared for, cleaned, and socialized animals to prepare them for adoption

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS ($194,950)

  • NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS-D; $105,000) 2023 – 2026
  • OGS/QEII-GSST ($15,000; award offer declined) 2023 – 2024
  • UW President’s Graduate Scholarship ($25,000) 2020 – 2025
  • CPA’s Scientific Affairs Committee Student Research Grant ($1,500) 2023
  • Peter Graf Student Research Award ($250) 2022
    • Excellence in Brain and Cognitive Science Research - Presentation
  • Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science & Technology (QEII-GSST; $15,000) 2022 – 2023
  • Provost Doctoral Entrance Award ($5,000) 2021 – 2022
  • NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS-M; $17,500) 2020 – 2021
  • UW Graduate Scholarship ($5,000) 2019 – 2020
  • Dean's List - Faculty of Arts 2013 – 2017
  • Jason Lang Scholarship ($4,000) 2013 – 2017
  • Alexander Rutherford ($1,700) 2013 – 2017

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Interventions for Memory and Aging: Baycrest Train-the-Trainer Workshop
  • University of Waterloo's Student Leadership Program
  • Fundamentals of University Teaching
  • Recognize, Respond, Refer, and Reflect: More Feet on The Ground
  • Centre for Suicide Prevention: SafeTalk
  • Suicide Risk Assessment & Management (SPRAM)
  • Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans TCPS II
  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP)

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH SKILLS

Programming: E-Prime, E-Prime Go, PsychoPy, OpenSesame, Python
Collection and Management: Qualtrics, MS Excel
Data Analysis: R, SPSS, STATA