Carissa Augustyn

Dr. Carissa Augustyn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at MacEwan University, with an adjunct scientist appointment at the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR). Her expertise lies in clinical and forensic psychology, focusing on sexual offending behavior, child sexual abuse prevention, and risk assessment. She holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan, completed a doctoral residency at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and a postdoctoral fellowship at IMHR.

Education:

• PhD (Clinical Psychology), University of Saskatchewan
• Doctoral Residency, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR)

Research interests include developing evidence-based resources for preventing child sexual abuse, engaging at-risk populations in research, and addressing societal stigma toward individuals with atypical sexual interests. Her work emphasizes critical thinking about complex issues and evidence-based practices.

Awards and recognition include SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship (2017–2021), Centre for Forensic Behavioral Science Graduate Award (2019), and Joseph Bombardier CGS (2016).

Dr. Augustyn advises senior students on independent studies and is affiliated with the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse. Her research collaborations and adjunct roles highlight her commitment to translational research in mental health and criminal justice.