Laura Leonard

I am a recent Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology graduate with experience in research, project coordination, administrative support, and community engagement. My background spans academic research, student services, and community-focused initiatives, where I have developed skills in coordinating activities, supporting project implementation, facilitating communication, and engaging diverse stakeholders. Through my honours thesis and involvement in research initiatives, including the WellNS Nova Scotia Mental Wellness Survey, I have developed an appreciation for rigorous, ethical research and the importance of translating findings into meaningful insights that inform practice and benefit communities. I bring a strong foundation in qualitative research, data analysis, information management, and research communication, alongside a collaborative and detail-oriented approach to my work. I am interested in opportunities across research coordination, project and program administration, community engagement, and knowledge mobilization, particularly within health, education, and community-focused organizations. I am motivated by work that brings people, evidence, and practical action together to support effective programs, strengthen partnerships, and create meaningful outcomes.

• Administrative Support
• analysis
• Attention to detail
• Client Relationship Management
• Communication
• Communication Skills
• coordination
• Critical Thinking
• CRM
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Data entry
• Detail-oriented
• Documentation
• English
• interpersonal communication
• interpersonal skills
• Leadership
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Microsoft Word
• MS-Office
• Multitasking
• Organization
• Problem solving
• Project Coordination
• Project management
• Quality Control
• Relationship Building
• Stakeholder Management
• Team Leadership
• Teamwork
• Technical Documentation
• Time management
• written communication

1. Research Engagement specialist

   Saint Mary's University

   Oct 2026 to Present

   Halifax NS

   • Build relationships with community partners to support outreach, participant recruitment, and engagement for a research project examining mental health and resilience among newcomer survivors of gender-based violence. • Communicate research and project information to community members and partners using a culturally responsive approach. • Support participant engagement and research activities, including interviews, while remaining attentive to participant needs and the sensitive nature of the research. • Contribute to community-informed research by supporting relationship-building and communication between the project and community stakeholders.

1. Cape Breton University

   Psychology

   Sydney NS

   2022 to 2026