Cassandra Starosta
- Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology (2021)
Cassandra earned her Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology in 2021. She is currently working as a Trial Consultant and Research Analyst at Focus Litigation Consulting, where she applies her expertise to support legal strategy and evidence-based decision-making.
“My advice for students who are unsure about their next steps is not to be afraid of exploring opportunities outside the exact niche area they are studying within psychology. Many of the skills you develop throughout your degree, particularly research, communication, and analytical skills, are highly transferable across fields and careers.
For example, during my master’s degree, I applied for a research position with the READ initiative at Carleton University, a program designed to help prepare students with disabilities for employment. While it was outside my primary area of focus, the experience showed me how broadly applicable psychological research skills are and ultimately opened doors to opportunities within the Government of Canada. I would also highly recommend programs like the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), as they provide valuable professional experience and help students determine whether government work is a good fit for them.
Additionally, networking was incredibly important in shaping my career path. I reached out to professionals I met at conferences and cold emailed individuals whose work interested me, not only to explore job opportunities but also to better understand the different career paths available. Those conversations helped expand my network, build my confidence, and expose me to opportunities I may not have otherwise considered.“
Brief description of what I do!
As a trial consultant and research analyst, I specialize in civil and commercial litigation and securities law. I contribute to pre-trial research projects for both plaintiffs and defendants involved in federal and state court proceedings. My work focuses on conducting quantitative and qualitative jury research analyses, including assessing witness credibility, evaluating case strengths and vulnerabilities, identifying potential juror biases, supporting voir dire and jury selection strategies, and applying psycho-legal research to better understand juror decision-making and inform litigation strategy.
What inspired your career path after graduation?
I was fortunate enough to present my master’s thesis as part of a symposium at the American Psychology-Law Society Conference while completing my graduate degree. I had always been fascinated by juror decision-making and the ways psychology can inform and influence the legal system, so attending the conference felt like a natural fit for my interests. While there, I came across Focus Litigation Consulting at a conference booth and was immediately inspired by the work they were doing and its connection to my research interests. I reached out after the conference, interviewed with the company, and was flown to Nashville to assist with a case. By the end of the experience, they hired me on the spot, and it has been an incredible experience ever since.
How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?
My experience in the psychology program at Carleton University shaped my journey in countless ways. Beyond the invaluable psychology courses, particularly Psychology and Law, the program helped me develop strong research and analytical skills through advanced statistics and research methodology training. It also provided me with practicum opportunities within the Government of Canada, which gave me valuable hands-on experience in professional research settings.
Most importantly, the program taught me how to conduct rigorous, ethical, and evidence-based research that meets professional standards. Those skills are essential in my current work, where I conduct both qualitative and quantitative research, design jury questionnaires and consent forms, and analyze the psychological factors that influence juror decision-making.
What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?
The most valuable skills and experiences I gained after graduation were my research, communication, and analytical skills. Through advanced statistics and research methodology courses at Carleton University, I learned how to conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative research, analyze complex data, and communicate findings clearly and concisely. Those skills are essential in my current work conducting jury research, developing questionnaires, and publishing concise research articles and analyses for clients.
Presenting my research at academic conferences was also incredibly valuable, as it strengthened my confidence in public speaking, communicating complex ideas with brevity, and engaging with professionals in the psychology and legal fields. In addition, practicum opportunities and collaborative research experiences helped me develop strong interpersonal skills and taught me how to work effectively with individuals from diverse professional backgrounds. Together, these experiences gave me a strong foundation for applying psychology in real-world legal settings.
Do you have a favourite memory from your program at Carleton?
Dr. Janet Mantler was instrumental during my time at Carleton University. She truly opened my eyes to the wide range of career paths possible with a master’s degree in forensic psychology and emphasized the importance of networking, coffee chats, and being open to opportunities outside the path you initially envision for yourself. Her mentorship encouraged me to diversify my interests and explore experiences that ultimately shaped my career journey. Additionally, Dr. Craig Leth-Steensen played a significant role in my academic development. His support and guidance greatly strengthened my statistical knowledge and research abilities throughout my degree. The impact of his mentorship has extended well beyond graduate school, and I am now fortunate to co-author research with him.
What has been a highlight or proud moment in your career so far?
One of the proudest moments during my time at Carleton University was publishing my master’s thesis in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence. Seeing my research contribute to the field was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my passion for applying psychology in meaningful, real-world settings. One of the proudest aspects of my career so far has been the opportunity to support cases involving victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault, while using my psychology background to help identify and address potential juror biases. Through my work, I conduct research on extra-legal factors that may influence juror decision-making and help legal teams better understand and mitigate those dynamics throughout litigation strategy. More broadly, I am incredibly proud to work in a field that directly aligns with what I studied and to genuinely love what I do every day.