Welcome to the ASPIRE Lab
at TMU!

About us

Welcome to the Adolescent Social Processes and Interpersonal Relationships (ASPIRE) Lab. The ASPIRE Lab is directed by Dr. Ryan Persram and housed in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Our aim is to conduct rigorous, responsible research to understand the correlates and consequences associated with youth social relationships and their subsequent development and well-being.

Announcements & updates

ASPIRE LAB x SRCD Conference 2025

May 28, 2025

Members of the ASPIRE Lab team, Ashley Maharaj, Charlotte Leon, Patricia Forbes, and Ryan Persram, had the opportunity to present...

Undergraduate Poster Day

April 7, 2025

Congratulations to our two undergraduate thesis students, Julia and Jamilah on giving fantastic poster presentations! Julia’s thesis examined the moderating...

Congratulations, Dr. Persram!

April 4, 2025

Congratulations to Dr. Persram on receiving the Canadian Psychological Association’s 2025 New Researcher Award – so well deserved!

View All News

Research Focus

Get Involved

Prospective Graduate Students

Dr. Persram supervises graduate students in both the clinical and psychological science graduate programs.

Dr. Persram is reviewing applications for MA-level students for Fall 2026 admissions to Toronto Metropolitan University’s Psychology Program (Clinical or Psychological Science).

Please note that in order to ensure that all applicants receive equal and fair consideration, Dr. Persram does not respond to inquiries for meeting requests to discuss applying to graduate school under his supervision.

Please have a look at this FAQ page that should answer some of the questions you may have!

Prospective Graduate Student FAQ (2025-2026)

Prospective RAs / Thesis Students

The ASPIRE Lab regularly reviews applications for research assistants for various ongoing research projects and final year thesis projects.

Please note that RA-ships are typically prioritized for current TMU students. Students who have graduated from TMU or are from other universities are welcome to apply; however, available spots are not guaranteed.

Please visit our Contact Us page, fill out the online form, and attach your (a) CV and (b) unofficial transcript if you are interested in getting involved in the lab.

Prospective Postdoctoral Fellows

If you are interested in applying as a Postdoctoral Fellow via one of the external agencies (e.g., SSHRC), please send a cover letter and CV to Dr. Persram (ryan.persram@torontomu.ca).

Please note that prospective Postdoctoral Fellows should hold a PhD in either Psychology or Human Development.

Welcome to the ASPIRE Lab at TMU!