AƬ×ÊÔ´°É

Dr. Angelina Polsinelli has joined the Department of Psychology at AƬ×ÊÔ´°É as an assistant professor.

Originally from Toronto, she completed most of her graduate training in the USA, including a clinical neuropsychology post-doctoral fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Prior to joining SFU, she was a faculty member at the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. In this role, she worked as a board-certified (ABPP-CN) clinical neuropsychologist, dementia researcher, and clinical supervisor for doctoral and post-doctoral trainees in neuropsychology. She studies neuropsychiatric symptom presentations in Alzheimer’s disease, interventions for care partners of people living with dementia, and accessibility of dementia care in underserved communities.

When she is not in the office, Polsinelli is most likely spending time with her family (especially her adorable twin nephews), checking out local restaurants, or trying to survive a hike or some other equally physical activity that’s supposedly good for her.

Polsinelli is thrilled to be joining SFU’s Department of Psychology and will be teaching PSYC 241 - Introduction to Psychological Disorders and Neurodiversity this Fall 2025 term!

1.     What brought you to AƬ×ÊÔ´°É?

The reputation for serving a diverse student body and being socially-accountable to our community was the foundation for my enthusiasm for joining SFU. I’m inspired by SFU’s internationally recognized clinical neuropsychology graduate program, innovative aging and brain resiliency research, and opportunities to collaborate with students, community members, and researchers to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people in our community.

2.     How did your research interests in psychology get started?

I was fortunate to do a co-op placement at Baycrest hospital in Toronto during my undergrad studies where I conducted neuropsychological evaluations with older adults and co-lead interventions for people with cognitive impairment. This experience solidified my desire to pursue a doctorate in clinical neuropsychology and conduct research on improving quality of life for older adults experiencing cognitive impairment and their families.

3.     What is the most important issue that your research work addresses? And why/how is it important to you in particular?

Dementia is a life-altering diagnosis for individuals and families. Lack of access to a timely diagnosis and adequate follow-up care, especially in historically marginalized communities, often leads to high burden and distress for families and health inequities. My research addresses access in dementia care for underserved communities. I think the most important part of this work is partnering with communities and organizations who are the most knowledgeable about the needs, barriers, and opportunities for improving care.

4.     What are you most looking forward to in working at SFU and also in the Department of Psychology?

I’m eager to share the practical knowledge I’ve gained from working as a clinician for the past 8 years with students at SFU. One of the most enjoyable parts of my previous positions was working with students and psychology trainees and I’m looking forward to making this a more prominent part of my position in the Department of Psychology.

5.     Do you have any advice to students who may want to consider graduate school or a career in Psychology?

Talk to as many people at different stages as you can – students applying, master’s students, PhD students who are close to graduating, interns, postdocs, faculty, clinicians, etc. Grad school is unlike anything you’re likely to experience – the highs are high and the lows can be low. I think getting a more realistic picture of what this path looks like is important for figuring out if grad school and/or a career in psych is something you want. If you can do some job shadowing or experience, even better (see my response to #2).