Haya Rebh
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2023) with a Concentration in Forensic Psychology
Haya completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2023, specializing in Forensic Psychology. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Guelph.
“My advice to students who are unsure about their next steps is to keep an open mind and remember that your degree can lead to more opportunities than you might initially expect. While I did not pursue a traditional career in psychology, I use the skills I developed through my psychology degree every day, from critical thinking and research to understanding human behaviour. Exploring related fields allowed me to find a path that aligned with my interests while still building on the knowledge and skills I gained at Carleton.“
Brief description of what I do!
I am a Carleton University Alumna and current Ph.D. Student in Sociology at the University of Guelph. I pursued graduate studies in Sociology to further explore my interests in researching child sexual victimization, reporting practices, and justice system responses, with the goal of conducting research that can inform policy and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
What inspired your career path after graduation?
My career path was largely inspired by my experiences at Carleton University, particularly through my psychology courses and research opportunities. While I initially entered university with a broad interest in criminology and psychology, it was my forensic psychology courses that helped me discover a passion for understanding victimization and offending behaviour from a psychological perspective. In particular, courses taught by Kelly Babchishin introduced me to the research surrounding sexual offending, risk assessment, and rehabilitation. Learning about the complex psychological, social, and developmental factors associated with sexual offending and victimization challenged many of my assumptions and sparked a deep interest in this area of study.
Looking back, the interdisciplinary education I received at Carleton, particularly the opportunity to learn from faculty, played a significant role in shaping both my research interests and my long-term goal of pursuing a career in academia.
How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?
My experience in Carleton’s Psychology program played a significant role in shaping my academic and professional journey. Through coursework and research opportunities, I developed a strong interest in understanding human behaviour and the factors that influence victimization and offending. In particular, forensic psychology courses introduced me to research on sexual offending, rehabilitation, and risk assessment, which sparked my interest in child sexual victimization. The program also helped me develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills that prepared me for graduate studies and continue to guide my work as a researcher today.
What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?
The most valuable skills I gained were research, critical thinking, and data analysis. Through coursework, research assistant positions, and opportunities to engage with faculty research, I learned how to evaluate evidence, analyze complex social issues, and communicate findings effectively. These experiences prepared me for graduate studies and have been essential in my work as a researcher and teaching assistant. Equally important were the mentorship opportunities and hands-on research experiences, which helped me discover my passion for research and gave me the confidence to pursue a career in academia.