Nicholas Gavas

Background

About Nicholas Gavas

I am a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) graduate from the University of Victoria, building upon over a decade of experience in service-oriented fields. For the past two years, I have served as a research assistant in the CORTEX lab under the supervision of Dr. Mauricio Garcia-Barrera. The lab focuses on improving the lives of individuals who face complex challenges: acquired brain injuries alongside mental health and substance use difficulties. My undergraduate thesis examined healthcare access for a particularly vulnerable population: intimate partner violence survivors who have experienced brain injury. This research aimed to identify both barriers and facilitators to their healthcare services, working to bridge critical gaps in understanding and support for those affected by both neurological trauma and healthcare accessibility challenges. Outside of academia, you can find me in the kitchen, in the garden, or in the studio. My vision is to combine these passions into a holistic and human-centred approach to therapy and rehabilitation.