Shining Student Keiran Bodner

After completing his diploma at Lethbridge College, Keiran Bodner chose the University of Lethbridge's renowned psychology program. During Keiran's time at ULethbridge, he has taken advantage of every opportunity to engage in research.

Working on the research design for a study in the Barrett/Henzi lab alongside psychology master’s student, Dylan LaValley, has been one of my favourite aspects of my time at ULethbridge so far.

Meet Keiran | Dedicated. Determined. Daft.
Program: Bachelor of Science | Major: Psychology

Please tell us a bit about your experiential or work-integrated learning at ULethbridge. What were your three biggest takeaways from participating?

Getting involved in research is possibly the best decision I have made in my education. My first big takeaway is the value of implementing the content we learn in class in a way that makes it more concrete. Viewing the material as relevant to the real world is important and not just a collection of thought experiments. The second takeaway is the value and importance of surrounding oneself with the 'right' people. Finding other students or mentors that are highly motivated and eager to help can also help with the impostor syndrome that sometimes plagues students. My final takeaway is the value of WIL projects that interest me, especially where I have free reign to shape my learning and education.

What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience so far?

Working on the research design for a study in the Barrett/Henzi lab alongside psychology master’s student, Dylan LaValley, has been one of my favourite aspects of my time at ULethbridge so far. We have spent far too much time together developing and building the apparatus and research design. The most memorable aspect of this project was how it quickly outpaced our skills and expectations.

How have your professors impacted your education?

Psychology professor Dr. Louise Barrett has likely been the most important mover in my education. Her vast knowledge and experience in the field, as well as a highly nuanced approach to psychology, were influential in developing my perspective.

When Keiran hits on something that inspires him, he works extremely hard, combining a high level of inventiveness with an impressive attention to detail. As a result, he inspires others around him, generating a feeling of interest and excitement about what it is possible to achieve. – Dr. Louise Barrett, Department of Psychology, nominated Keiran as a Shining Student.

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

Dylan LaValley has been hugely influential in my education. He and I worked side-by-side and independently to solve problems and design a psychological research apparatus. He let me feel like I was a part of the project instead of a mere assistant, which was essential to my approach.

Also, Lukas Neamtu in Applied Studies has been fantastic to work with. He was incredibly helpful and enthusiastic about my project and allowed me to be as independent as I liked.

What is the most important lesson you have learned during your time at ULethbridge?

The most important lesson I have learned is that while I might be able to coast in my education, doing the bare minimum needed to get by, it's far more satisfying to apply myself entirely, to see what I can do.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

I hope to get into a master's program in clinical psychology, complete it, and settle down to start a family (ideally in that order).

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

The romantic view of education that you must do what you are passionate about is unnecessary and can put undue stress on yourself. While it is terrific for people with a passion for their studies, a lack of passion is not inherently bad. The pressure and expectation of finding this passion made choosing my path far more difficult. So, I think it is essential for new students to have realistic expectations for what they choose to study.

Quick Answers

Top things to do in or around Lethbridge:

Hiking/backpacking with Corinne (my fiancé) and our two dogs is one of my favourite things. Other than that, I am not opposed to an afternoon of gaming with the boys or listening to an audiobook while going for a drive.

Favourite class: Cultural Evolution and Human Social Life

Favourite social activity at ULethbridge: Billiards at the Zoo

Favourite place to study: At the Banzi Lab

About Shining Students

Shining Students engage inside and outside of the classroom. What makes a student shine may differ from person to person, but they all share a passion for learning. They may be top students, involved in an innovative project, participating in ground-breaking research, playing Pronghorn athletics, fighting for social issues or all of the above! When students find something they enjoy and combine it with what they are good at, they shine.

Each year, the Faculty of Arts & Science's faculty and staff nominate students who exemplify the ULethbridge student spirit. Congratulations Keiran!