
Laboratory
Mackenzie (Kenzie) McQueen -
Research Coordinator
Kenzie (she/her) started as lab/research coordinator in April 2025 after completing her Specialized HBA with in Psychology, Minor in Philosophy. She began as a volunteer research assistant in 2023 and completed her undergraduate honours thesis with Dr. Aislin Mushquash in 2024/2025.
Her research interests include interpersonal relationships, intimate partner and domestic violence, intimate relationships, trauma, and coping. Outside of work, Kenzie enjoys reading, spending time with her dog, making jewelry, watching Critical Role, and listening to Taylor Swift.
Dr. Jocelyn Bel - Manager, Research Portfolio
Working closely with Dr. Mushquash, Dr. Bel supports both the operational and administrative sides of the research program to help keep our research running smoothly and ensure that it continues to support community wellness. Dr. Bel is a dedicated four-time Lakehead University alumna, holding an HBSc in Applied Bio-Molecular Science, an MBA, an MSc in Biology, and a PhD in Medical Biotechnology.
With extensive experience in the research field, Dr. Bel is eager to support the vital work of Dr. Mushquash and his entire team. Dr. Bel assists with overseeing research team operations including assisting with hiring, onboarding, training, long-term planning, managing project logistics, and coordinating research activities. She also supports the team with assisting with the preparation of applications and reports, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, creating visual summaries, and effectively sharing the group's findings through reports, articles, presentations, and knowledge translation events.
In her free time, Jocelyn cherishes moments with her family and her two dogs, Apollo and Annie.
#SURGLAB

Featured
Join Our Team
Dr. Mushquash is seeking undergraduate and graduate students with a broad interest in qualitative and quantitative Indigenous health research on topics including, but not limited to, mental health and substance use. For a summary of his past research, please see the “Publications” sections of this website.
Students interested in being supervised at the undergraduate or graduate level by Dr. Mushquash should email him (chris.mushquash@lakeheadu.ca) with their CV, unofficial transcripts, and a summary briefly indicating the ways in which they believe their research interests align. Students interested in volunteering as research assistants in the SURG laboratory should email the Laboratory Coordinator (surg@lakeheadu.ca).
