Psychology student researchers in Dr. Kiran Soma's lab. Photo by Paul Joseph.
UBC Giving Day is a 24-hour celebration of generosity and impact.
On April 8, UBC Psychology will once again take part in UBC Giving Day, bringing together faculty, staff, alumni, students, and friends to support a more inclusive future in psychology through the Psychology Inclusive Excellence (PIE) Student Fund.
The PIE Fund is grounded in a simple goal: to make psychological research training more accessible. It supports psychology students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds by reducing financial barriers and creating opportunities for hands-on academic experiences.
These opportunities play an important role in preparation for graduate study and research careers.
Since launching in 2022, the impact of the PIE Fund has continued to grow. On last year’s Giving Day, donors contributed nearly $40,000. These funds helped attract four outstanding graduate students, provided five paid undergraduate research positions, and covered PSYC 240 tuition for ten students as they began their first lab experiences.
Multiply your impact with these UBC Giving Day challenges on April 8!
- The PIE Student Fund Double Match: The first $10,000 in donations to the Psychology Inclusive Excellence (PIE) Student Fund on April 8 will be double-matched. That means every $25 you give will become $75 for the PIE Student Fund!
- The PIE Student Fund Alumni Challenge: When 15 UBC alumni give to the Psychology Inclusive Excellence (PIE) Student Fund on April 8, a gift of $6,000 will be unlocked.
- The PIE Student Fund Donor Challenge: When 25 donors give to the Psychology Inclusive Excellence (PIE) Student Fund on April 8, a gift of $2,500 from Psychology Faculty will be unlocked.
For students, this support is more than financial—it’s transformative.
For Jasmindeep Kaur, a third-year psychology undergraduate student, research is not just about experiments—it’s about belonging. As a first-generation immigrant and woman of colour who has navigated financial and systemic barriers, Jasmindeep has at times felt like an outsider in academia. Now she views her background as a strength, not a barrier. Through the PIE Fund’s Early Research Award, Jasmindeep is able to dedicate herself to research with both financial support and confidence.
Peter King, a fifth-year psychology undergraduate student, discovered his passion for research through the PIE Fund’s Early Research Award. After an unconventional path into psychology—transitioning from two years of chemistry study and a reflective gap year—Peter now conducts research with Dr. Kristin Laurin, where he explores politics, social class, power, and religion. Peter is also completing his Honours thesis on interoception with Dr. Joan Ongchoco.
Jen Hyslop, a clinical psychology graduate student working with Dr. Amori Mikami, explores the social and emotional influences on mental health and the accessibility of mental health care. She received an Entrance Enhancement Award through the PIE Fund to support her work. As an Indigenous student, Jen emphasizes how critical entrance awards are increasing Indigenous representation in psychology—a vital step in fostering role models for future Indigenous students.
These stories reflect what equitable access can make possible.
Every contribution to the PIE Fund supports talented students in gaining the experience, confidence, and training they need to thrive. With your generosity, we can expand access to research opportunities and build a strong network of emerging scholars.
