Raina Rusconi

Experience with qualitative research methods, including participant recruitment, semi-structured interviewing, ethnographic observation, transcription, data cleaning and organization, thematic coding, and qualitative analysis.

Knowledge of statistical software: STATA and SPSS; comfortable learning new research software, databases, and data-management systems. Knowledge of ethical conduct of research involving human participants, including TCPS 2 requirements related to informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, voluntary participation, participant withdrawal, and secure handling of research data. Strong interpersonal and written communication skills developed through collaborative research teams and academic environments.

Experience conducting literature reviews, academic literature searches, citation management, and translating research findings; proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zotero, Trello, Canva, Zoom, and Dropbox. Interdisciplinary academic knowledge of mental health and well-being through psychology, criminology, and sociology, including psychopathology, social determinants of health, structural inequality, intersectionality, and social and psychological influences on mental health.

Research Assistant - University of Toronto - Toronto, ON

(2025-08)

• Assist with a qualitative study of the global Effective Altruism (EA) community by conducting and transcribing semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis, in-person ethnographic fieldwork at EA events, leading global participant recruitment and outreach, and contributing to research team discussions of emerging findings.
• Assisted senior researchers on a qualitative study examining gender, persistence, and experiences of rejection among Canadian researchers through participant recruitment, organizing and cleaning qualitative data, thematic coding, managing citations and references, and maintaining research records.

Student Researcher - Canada Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP)

(2025-06 - 2025-08)

Selected for an eight-week intensive research and professional development program combining faculty-mentored research with preparation for research careers and graduate school

• Applied foundational research methods in a faculty-mentored research environment, gaining hands-on experience in participant outreach, research ethics, data organization, documentation, and qualitative research procedures.
• Developed collaborative research skills through team meetings, shared research documents, and maintaining clear and replicable documentation of research processes.

Crisis Responder - Kids Help Phone

(2026-08)

• Provide confidential, real-time crisis support using active listening, empathy, and validation to support individuals experiencing emotional distress and crisis.
• Assess risk of suicide and self-harm, collaborate with individuals to develop personalized safety plans, identify protective factors and coping strategies, and escalate imminent-risk situations according to established protocols.
• Support individuals in identifying practical next steps, coping strategies, social supports, and appropriate community or mental-health resources while maintaining a person-centred approach that respects individual autonomy and privacy.

Volunteer - University of Toronto Food Bank - Toronto, ON

(2024-06 - 2024-09)

• Supported operations by organizing and distributing food to students experiencing food insecurity while contributing to a respectful and welcoming environment.

Kid Coach - Future Possibilities for Kids - Toronto, ON

(2022-01 - 2022-06)

• Supported the child in developing and working toward a community contribution goal, using a relationship-based approach that encouraged autonomy and active participation in goal setting.

Volunteer - Calgary Drop-in Centre

(2017 - 2019)

• Supported daily meal service at a downtown emergency shelter, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner to individuals experiencing housing insecurity and diverse circumstances.

Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc) - Criminology & Sociolegal Studies, Psychology - University of Toronto (2022 - 2026)