Momoka is a postdoctoral fellow at Concordia University. She obtained her Ph.D. in Cultural Psychology as an international student from Japan. 

 

She is interested in studying the extent to which psychological functions and theories are universal across cultural contexts, as we as the ways in which they are relative to and uniquely shaped by specific cultural contexts (e.g., Western/WEIRD vs. Japanese).

 

Her research adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from political science, anthropology, and medicine, alongside mixed-methods approaches that combine quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Through this framework, she seeks to challenge existing theories and methods in mainstream psychology to better understand psychological phenomena.

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Her research activities focus on three key strands of inquiry:

(1) a cross-cultural investigation of beliefs about mental illness in Japan and Canada; (2) an exploration of the relationship between immigration, acculturation, and psychosocial adaptation; and (3) an analysis of belonging among cultural and linguistic minorities and their relationships with majority groups in Quebec. Additionally, she has been actively involved in cross-cultural projects that promote international research collaborations and foster discussions on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).

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Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys culinary experimentation, attempting to replicate authentic Japanese dishes using locally available ingredients in Canada (e.g., making unfiltered sake). She also delights in exploring new recipes and cuisines from around the world.