The Faculty of Graduate Studies is proud to share that Robert (Bobby) McHardy, a PhD student in the Department of Psychology, has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) to Honour Nelson Mandela. This prestigious recognition is awarded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to outstanding doctoral students whose research aligns with the values championed by Nelson Mandela, including national unity, democracy, freedom and human rights, leadership, and children’s participation in society and children’s health.
McHardy, currently in his first year of doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology under the supervision of Dr. Leslie E. Roos, recently completed his Master’s degree at the University of Manitoba. His research focuses on links between parent mental health and the mental health of young children. Knowing that family supports during the early years can lead to positive outcomes later in life, McHardy aims to identify protective factors both within the family system and in society that can be mobilized. His dissertation work plans to explore how broader systemic factors—including healthcare access—may interact with family well-being to impact mental health outcomes for both parents and their children.
“With increasing stressors in today’s world, it is crucial to understand how important social determinants of health, such as healthcare access, may shape family well-being and child development,” says McHardy. “This award is an incredible honour, and I hope my research contributes to meaningful changes for families.”
The CGS to Honour Nelson Mandela was established in 2013 to commemorate Mandela’s lifelong dedication to peace, democracy, justice, and education. Each year, ten of Canada’s highest-ranked doctoral candidates are selected to receive this honorary distinction. McHardy’s selection reflects his outstanding academic achievements and commitment to advancing knowledge in a field that aligns with Mandela’s legacy of social justice and equity.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies congratulates Bobby on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to the impact of his research on improving mental health supports for families and children regionally, nationally and globally.
Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, praised McHardy’s achievement, stating, “Bobby’s research embodies the spirit of the Nelson Mandela Award by addressing critical issues in mental health that affect both parents and young children while also considering the role of broader systemic factors. His work exemplifies the University of Manitoba’s commitment to creating research that matters. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments.”
The Faculty of Graduate Studies extends its warmest congratulations to Bobby on receiving this remarkable honour. We look forward to witnessing the continued contributions and positive change his work will bring to the field of mental health and child development.
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department of psychology, graduate students
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