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Faculty of Social Sciences

Researcher profile, Cathy Costigan

July 14, 2026

person
Dr. Catherine (Cathy) Costigan, Chair of the Department of Psychology

By Anne MacLaurin

Q/A: Dr. Cathy Costigan, the new chair of the Department of Psychology

What sparked your interest in psychology?

I began my university studies in engineering but soon realized that my true passion was working with people. Like many psychologists, I have long been interested in the factors that shape how individuals engage with the world around them. What I love about clinical psychology is its blend of art and science, combining evidence-based practice with human connection to create meaningful change. In both my research and clinical work, I particularly enjoy collaborating with families to create supportive environments that promote the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents.

What do you enjoy most abut working at UVic?

What I enjoy most about working at UVic is the people, both my colleagues and my students. I have been at UVic for many years, and despite the many changes that have occurred over time, there has been a consistent thread of engagement, collaboration, meaningful connections, and learning in my interactions with others. I also appreciate the importance placed at UVic on community-engaged research and its ongoing efforts to understand, respect, and learn from the Indigenous Peoples on whose lands the university stands.

Leadership

In your role as chair of the department, what do you feel is your strength as a leader?

It is still early in my role as chair, but I hope that my colleagues see me as accessible, fair, inclusive, and transparent. Psychology is a strong department, and my goal is to advocate effectively for our faculty, staff, and students. I want to support my colleagues in their teaching and research while maintaining a collaborative environment. I am also eager to ensure that we continue to deliver high quality instruction and an excellent educational experience for our students.

Is there one particular goal you hope to achieve during your time as chair?

One of my immediate goals is to successfully lead the department through its upcoming departmental review next year. In addition, Psychology is a unique hybrid department, with faculty appointments in both the Social Sciences and Health. I plan to continue refining our processes and workflows so that this arrangement maximizes the benefits of being connected to both faculties while minimizing administrative challenges. I also hope to effectively guide the department through the evaluation of the current three-year hybrid pilot and help shape a path forward that best supports our faculty, staff, and students.

Work-life balance

How do you balance work-life, do you have any extra-curricular activities that you enjoy?

Work-life balance can be a challenge in a role that is complex and meaningful. What helps keep me grounded is my family. I have a partner, three teenagers, and two dogs at home, and it is important to me to be present for them. The years when kids are at home pass remarkably quickly, and I don’t want to look back with regrets about not spending enough time together. Keeping that perspective helps me set boundaries around work.