Meet Our Past Research Assistants and where they are now!
Over the years, the McMaster Decision Science Laboratory has thrived thanks to the dedication and curiosity of our Undergraduate Research Assistants. These students, drawn from diverse academic disciplines across McMaster University, have played a vital role in McMaster’s Decision Science Labratory, assiting in countless experiments, advancing PhD and faculty behavioural research.
After their time in the lab, many of our assistants go on to pursue graduate studies, conduct independent research, contributing to the academic and professional communities across Canada and beyond. Their experiences in the lab often serve as a springboard for exciting careers in psychology, economics, data science, public policy, and more.
Explore their stories below to learn how hands-on research at McMaster helped shape their academic journeys, and how they’re making an impact today.
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Tofunmi Ayegbusi
I graduated from McMaster University with a degree in Economics, where I developed a strong interest in behavioral economics and decision-making research through my work at McDSL. I loved exploring why people make the choices they do and how research can reveal patterns that aren’t always obvious.
Collaborating with the team on experiments and analyzing decision-making data gave me a deeper appreciation for the human side of economics and for how small behavioral insights can have meaningful real-world impacts.
Post-graduation, I’m excited to continue applying these skills in opportunities that combine analytical thinking with practical problem-solving.
Hsiang Jien Naik
The beautiful simplicity of behavioural economics deeply intrigues me! With the world’s increasingly dynamic and complex issues, this field offers evidence for cost-efficient impact while reducing friction. My interests lie in bridging research and policy — applying behavioural insights to development and humanitarian contexts where urgency and cost considerations necessitate creative interventions.
My working paper with the UN RCO KSA presents a comprehensive, evidence-based resource designed to help countries integrate behavioural insights into their policies and programmes for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Aidan Montgomery
As a graduate from McMaster’s Honours B.A in Economics, I am eager to apply my understanding of Behavioural Economics to real-world finance. My interest in Behavioural Economics stems from its ability to apply human thought to economic theory.
Since graduating, I am furthering my education by pursuing my CFA certification. Once I obtain my CFA, I plan to pursue a career in the private sector, specifically in capital markets.
Maham Afzaal
Having completed my undergrad in Honours Economics (Specialist), working at McDSL gave me the opportunity to stay connected with the discipline. Broadly speaking, I enjoy learning about experiments that navigate (dis)honest and/or deviant behaviour. I have a keen interest in all matters relating to research ethics, lab management, community outreach, and the pedagogy of experimental design.
I am currently pursuing a PhD in Political Studies at Queen’s University where I study the use and evolution of surveillance technologies (including digital and AI technologies) in schools.
Rei Kitagawa
While completing my undergraduate in Economics at McMaster University, I developed an interest in the human side of economic decision making. This led me to behavioural economics and McDSL which enriched my understanding of human behaviour.
I am currently pursuing a Master of Urban Studies at SFU, focusing my thesis on sustainable mobility and incorporating insights from behavioural economics on cognitive biases.
William Zhang
I’m a PhD student in Finance at UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business. My research interests include Behavioural Finance & Economics, Asset Pricing, Household Finance, and Experimental Economics. I received my Honours Bachelor’s summa cum laude in Arts & Science and Computer Science from McMaster University.
During my time at McDSL I worked as a research assistant, programming and helping to run experiments. I also completed my undergraduate thesis at McDSL, investigating whether and how individuals lie when they’re part of a group and sharing a limited resource budget together.
Chahat Garg
I’m currently pursuing an Honours degree in Economics, with a strong interest in behavioral science and how research can inform real-world policy and decision-making. My time at McDSL has deepened this curiosity, particularly in understanding human behavior through experimental methods and data-driven approaches.
I’m excited to continue exploring how economic research can help shape more effective and evidence-based policies.
Yiwei Zhao
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Data Science and Big Data Technology from Renmin University of China and recently completed a Master’s degree in Data Science at the University of Michigan. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Mitacs program, which not only strengthened my academic foundation but also helped me adapt quickly to graduate studies.
My research interests include statistics, machine learning, and NLP algorithms. Currently, I am working at Kuaishou Technology as a Machine Learning Engineer, focusing on advertising algorithms and their applications.