Join the Supporting Youth Development Lab
Graduate Applications
Fall 2025 Admissions
I am open to accepting graduate student applications for September 2025 admission to the CCAP program at the University of Guelph. Applications are typically due the prior December 1st.
Research fit is one of the most important aspects of applying to grad school. I am mindful of being transparent about what I am looking for in applicants. Although I have completed work on COVID-19 and mental health, the majority of my upcoming projects will be focused on the development and treatment of childhood/ adolescent aggression and callous-unemotional (CU) traits, adolescent complex mental health, adverse childhood experiences, and developmental mechanisms of emotion regulation and attachment. Further, there is a preference for candidates interested in youth justice, complex mental health, and/or CU trait research. I am currently partnered with two community based mental health programs: Stop Now And Plan and Syl Apps. A strong quantitative background would be required for much of the work I do, however, I will consider those interested in qualitative research in special cases.
As my work is deeply developmental as well as clinically applied, I highly recommend candidates consider the developmental and clinical implications of your research interests in your application materials. I provide many suggestions on how to improve application materials on my Twitter (@DrStephCraig), please feel free to look back through old tweets to find those suggestions.
Although you are welcome to email me prior to the admission deadline, please note I am unable to review CVs, provide feedback on applications, or meet with students prior to reviewing applications. This is to ensure equity for those who have not received mentorship and advice regarding grad school applications. That being said, if you have specific questions regarding my research or the program, I will respond to those emails when I am able to.
More information about the program can be found here:
Program statistics regarding previously accepted students can be found here:
For those looking to go into clinical psychology, our lab came across an incredible resource made by Dr. Mitch Prinstein to help guide you through the application process, found here:
Undergraduate Opportunities
Students will have the opportunity to work on one of my main research projects (see Research).
Volunteer Research Assistant
There are no openings for Research Assistants at this time.
Honour’s Thesis
Applications for an Honour’s Thesis in 2025/26 are now open.
Next year’s Honours Thesis Student will be involved in a qualitative study with the Child Development Institute (CDI) examining clinicians perceptions of the implementation of EDI initiatives within their programming.
If you are interested in applying for an Honours Thesis in the SYD Lab, please complete the Honours Thesis Application 2025/2026.
You may direct any questions or inquires regarding the application to syd-lab@uoguelph.ca.