Shining Graduate Nicole Van Rootselaar

During her time at the University of Lethbridge, Nicole Van Rootselaar (PhD '24) focused her PhD studies on preschool children's neural organization and its effects on behaviour, speech and social competence. Along the way, she made an unexpected romantic discovery with another PhD student in a seminar class, transforming a shared academic experience into a meaningful partnership. Learn more about Nicole's journey and her commitment to advancing research in child development in the Q&A below.

Meet Nicole: Ambitious. Passionate. Curious.
Hometown: Claresholm, AB
Program: Doctor of Science | Major: Neuroscience

Keep your mind open to keep your future open!

Why did you choose to pursue graduate studies at ULethbridge?

Great opportunities! After completing my master's, a committee member and long time mentor, Dr. Fangfang Li discussed an exciting opportunity with ultrasound technology to study child speech development. I was also able to continue working with my My MSc supervisor, who first sparked my interest in research, Dr. Claudia Gonzalez and extend the research from my master's thesis.

What does your research focus on? What do you hope your research achievement will accomplish?

During my doctorate degree, I studied preschool children to learn how neural organization impacts behaviour and development. The areas I measured included hand preference, fine motor skills, speech, language, executive function and social competence. I believe my thesis set the groundwork for future studies to comprehensively measure child behaviour with tasks (not just questionnaires) that capture the child's skill. From my results, I believe that social skills are at the heart of preschool development.

What advice would you like to give those who are about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?

Keep your mind open to keep your future open! I started my bachelor's in kinesiology wanting to become a physiotherapist, like 80% of first year kinesiology students. When I started my MSc, I had no idea it would lead me here. I am so happy to have experienced this journey.

Is there someone specific who had an important influence on your ULethbridge experience?

During a seminar class at the start of my PhD, I met someone special. Here is a photo of us four years later getting engaged while on a work trip to Italy! His support and encouragement means the world to me. Thanks, Lukas!

Did you receive scholarships and awards? If so, please tell us a bit about how they helped you throughout your studies.

I was honoured to receive a doctoral Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) award. I also worked with projects funded by the University through the Community of Research Excellence Development Opportunities (CREDO) grant and the City of Lethbridge. I would not have finished my PhD without these financial supports.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

I am currently working as a postdoctoral fellow at the University. Once my husband is finished his doctorate, we will see where we go! My hope is to find a job where I get to continue learning something new everyday.