Alumni Digest / U of T / Ideas /
An email opens the laboratory door
Kaynaat Abrar joined a first-year research program, studied concussion-like symptoms and is returning to UTSC for a clinical psychology doctorate.
Kaynaat Abrar is returning to U of T Scarborough to study clinical psychology.Photo: Don Campbell
The context
Where the work begins
A first-year email about the Budding Scholars Program led Kaynaat Abrar to psychologist Konstantine Zakzanis and her first research opportunities. He later supervised her honours thesis on interpreting symptoms that resemble concussion but may have other causes. She graduated with majors in population health and psychology.
The takeaway
What follows
Abrar worked across several labs, including a study of how young children match their walking pace to a metronome. Paid research roles and awards helped her fit that work around her studies. She also founded a student initiative focused on child and youth mental health. This fall, she returns to UTSC as her family's first PhD student.
Source reporting
An email opens the laboratory door
Original summary by Alumni Digest, based on public source reporting. This independent publication is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Toronto. Source image retained for editorial review; rights clearance is still required before any broader reuse.
