Fraser Willsey

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2020)

After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2020, Fraser pursued certification as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT). He now works as a Sleep Lab Technologist at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, supporting patient care through sleep science.

Brief description of what I do!

I perform diagnostic and therapeutic sleep studies looking at EEG, ECG, respiratory data and other biological signals to help assess the sleep quality of our patients. We are often setting patients up on CPAP to correct their sleep apnea and help them achieve life changing improvements in the physical and mental health.

What inspired your career path after graduation?

To be able to work closely with patients while under the tutelage of psychiatrists, neurologists and respirologists in the sleep lab has been incredibly rewarding and has helped me continue in my study of the human brain and behaviour.

How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?

Many of my psychology courses touched on sleep in varying degrees. From the neurobiological aspect, the social, developmental and health psychology perspectives sleep cannot be ignored. There’s actually a heck of a lot going in sleep that we maybe don’t first realize.

What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?

Communication skills, the ability to understand what’s going on behind the outward behaviour and manifestation of their sleep impairments have been critical.

Are there specific Psychology courses, professors, or experiences that stood out during your time at Carleton?

Sleep and Dreams, Fundamentals of Neuropsychology, Developmental Psychology, and Health Psychology.

What has been a highlight or proud moment in your career so far?

Recently being invited to the Philadelphia Sleep Conference as speaker on the mental health side of sleep. It truly felt like my Hero’s Journey.