Research in the Psychology, Law, and Culture Lab is directed by Dr. Alicia Nijdam-Jones, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Manitoba, transitioning to Simon Fraser University in January 2026.
Areas of Focus
Culturally Safe & Responsive Forensic Practice
We work to transform forensic mental health services so they are culturally safe, accessible, and responsive to diverse populations. Our research examines how culture, language, and intersecting identities shape client experiences and outcomes, and how services can better address inequities. Partnering with people with lived experience, Indigenous communities, and interdisciplinary stakeholders, we co-design and evaluate services, policies, and training that drive systemic change.
Forensic Assessment & Decision-Making
We investigate how forensic assessment measures are applied in legal, review board, and clinical contexts. This includes testing their validity, fairness, and predictive utility with culturally and linguistically diverse groups, and auditing how decisions align with (or diverge from) best practice guidelines and empirical evidence. Our work spans court case reviews, applied studies in hospitals and prisons, and analysis of large datasets to identify patterns, gaps, and opportunities for more equitable decision-making.
Consumer-Centred Service Evaluation
We study how people engage with forensic mental health services and how those services meet their needs. Prioritizing the perspectives of clients, families, and communities, we assess barriers, facilitators, and outcomes that matter to service users. In collaboration with individuals with lived experience, Indigenous partners, and interdisciplinary teams, we develop evaluations that inform policy, program design, and service delivery, ensuring systems reflect the voices of those most affected.
Land Acknowledgement
We respectively acknowledge that members of the PLC Lab and the University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininewuk, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate and Denesuline, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of Reconciliation and collaboration.
About Us
The Psychology, Law, and Culture lab uses quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine cross-cultural issues in forensic assessment and justice-involved consumer-centered outcomes.
News
Address
Department of Psychology
190 Dysart Road
University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada R3T 2N2
PLC Lab 