Ph.D. Candidate
Kathryn Bolton is a doctoral student entering her fourth year in the Clinical Psychology program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her research centers on understanding neurocognition in advanced age, focusing on how various factors impact cognitive and emotional well-being in older adults. As such, Kathryn’s dissertation explores the psychosocial and cognitive benefits of a novel music program, developed in collaboration with her research partners funded through a Mitacs Accelerate grant. With a strong foundation in research and a passion for improving lives, Kathryn is committed to pursuing a career as a Clinical Neuropsychologist, where she aims to integrate her research insights with clinical practice.
Selected Awards
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) – 09/2024-08/2025
Mitacs Accelerate Internship – 12/2024-8/2026
Canadian Psychological Association’s Clinical Section Student Research Grant – 06/2024
Selected Publications
Bolton, K., & Yang, L. (2025). Risk Predictors and Cognitive Outcomes of the Psychosocial Functioning of North American Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare, 13(7), 792. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13070792
Shaikh, K. T., Bolton, K., Shaikh, U., Troyer, A. K., Rich, J. B., & Vandermorris, S. (2023). Evaluating functional abilities within the context of memory assessment: A practice survey of neuropsychologists. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 0(0), 1–31. https://doi.org/10.1080/13854046.2023.2249178
Na, L., Yang, L., Yu, L., Bolton, K., Zhang, W., & Wang, P. P. (2021). The Appraisal and Endorsement of Individual and Public Preventive Measures to Combat COVID-19 and the Associated Psychological Predictors among Chinese Living in Canada. The Open Public Health Journal, 14(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874944502114010592
Ahsan, T., Bolton, K., Wilcox, L. M., & Freud, E. (2021). Perceived depth modulates perceptual resolution. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-021-02006-8
Selected Presentations
Academic Presentations:
Bolton, K., Yang, L., Zhang, L., Yan, P. (2025, July 11). The immediate benefits of an adaptive music program on the psychosocial and cognitive functions of older adults [Presentation]. The Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science’s 2025 Annual Meeting. Dundee, Scotland.
Bolton, K. (2024, August 24). Embracing Growth on an Uncertain Path: My Journey Through Academia. [Keynote address]. Centre for New Immigrant Well-being Research Summer Camp Defence and Graduation Ceremony, Scarborough, ON.
• Invited as keynote speaker.
Bolton, K. (2024, August 20). The effects of an adaptive music program on psychosocial and cognitive functions of older adults: A pilot and validation study [Symposium Presentation]. Aging in Community Symposium, Toronto, ON.
• Invited presentation.
Community Engagement:
Bolton., K., Ghauri, Y. (2024, May 11). Mind Games: Use the Force [Interactive presentation]. Science Rendezvous at Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Skrotzki, C., Lecompte, M., Kandasamy, Bolton, K., Yang, L. (2023, June 22). Active Aging Workshop. [PowerPoint presentation]. 50+ Active Aging Event, Toronto Ontario, Canada.
• Invited presentation.
Skrotzki, C., Givetash, S., Bolton, K., Kandasamy, Yang, L. (2022, December 1). Active Aging Workshop. [PowerPoint presentation]. 50+ Active Aging Event, Toronto Ontario, Canada.
Contact Information
Email: kathryn.bolton@torontomu.ca