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Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories – Angelina Stefanovici

By Diana Corredor
In our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series, we proudly highlight the remarkable journeys of students who embody the spirit of curiosity, dedication, and growth at Western University. This edition features Angelina Stefanovici, an Honours Specialization student in Psychology (B.A.), whose passion for understanding children, development, and the human mind has shaped her academic and personal journey.

Stefanovici has always known that she wanted to work with children and pursue a career in the sciences. Initially drawn to pediatrics, she discovered a growing fascination with psychology and neuroscience as she learned more about behaviour, the brain, and genetics. This interest ultimately guided her decision to study Psychology at Western University, a program that stood out for its academic depth, research excellence, and flexibility.

“What drew me most to Western’s Psychology program was how it blends scientific rigour with meaningful application,” Stefanovici explains. “The program encourages exploration across clusters of research excellence, from clinical science to developmental and brain sciences, giving students the freedom to discover their path while staying grounded in their passions.”

A pivotal moment in Stefanovici’s academic journey came through the course Research Methods (PSYCH 2801G). She recalls how the material and teaching style opened her eyes to the possibilities of research. “Professor Samantha Joel’s supportive approach made a huge difference. She created an environment where I felt encouraged to grow, and that led me to join her lab,” Stefanovici shares. This experience not only sharpened her research skills but also marked the beginning of her deeper commitment to psychological research.

Her curiosity has led her to explore opportunities across disciplines, complementing psychology with courses in philosophy, computer science, and data science. Classes such as Reasoning and Critical Thinking (PHIL 1230B) enhanced her ability to write, analyze, and think with clarity—skills she applies directly in her research. “Western makes it possible to step outside your discipline and connect with students and ideas from across campus,” she reflects.

Stefanovici’s research experiences have been especially meaningful. In the Research on Addiction and Disparities (RoAD) Lab, under the supervision of Dr. Jesus Chavarria, she works on projects examining alcohol hangovers—an area both common and understudied, with significant public health implications. At the Relationship Decisions Lab, supervised by Dr. Samantha Joel, she contributes to studies on non-monogamous couples, helping to broaden understanding and reduce stigma around diverse relationship structures. “Being part of these labs has given me confidence as a researcher and reminded me that the work we do can truly impact people’s lives,” she says.

Beyond academics, Stefanovici credits Western’s support systems, such as the Writing Support Centre and the library, with helping her grow as a student. “They transformed how I write, research, and present myself professionally. These resources aren’t just a safety net—they’re a launch pad,” she emphasizes.

Community has also played a central role in her Western experience. Through the Western Psychology Association (WPA), Stefanovici found a sense of belonging that turned classmates into friends. As a former Vice President of Marketing and the incoming Vice President of Events, she has worked to create welcoming spaces for psychology students, from designing merchandise that builds pride to planning events that bring people together. “It’s about helping every student feel part of something bigger,” she notes.

Looking ahead, Stefanovici encourages her peers to take chances and remain open to growth. “Work steadily toward your goals, but give yourself space to change as you discover new interests. Western offers so many opportunities—join clubs, take challenging courses, and step outside your comfort zone. You might surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it and how much you grow.”

Angelina Stefanovici’s story reflects the transformative power of curiosity, exploration, and community. Her journey reminds us that education is not just about following a path—it’s about discovering new ones along the way.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series, and follow our channels to learn how students across the Faculty of Social Science are shaping their futures.

If you want to share your own story or know someone who should be featured, please reach out to us!