The Department of Psychology was established in Loreto College in the year 2007. The department believes that in the fast changing world, a scientific study of behaviour and associated biological, cognitive and social processes is important to develop the tools necessary for the overall well-being of humankind. This discipline is a rapidly developing field, touching on all aspects of human life. Hence, we train our students to think independently and critically about psychological issues, to become knowledgeable about the key methods, important findings and major advancements in Psychology and also to understand new modern scientific research in the discipline.
The faculty members are enthusiastic to sow the thought of research and guide motivated and capable students in conducting research projects which are presented under the Research Cell Programme at Loreto College. Students are encouraged to publish their papers in reputed journals and present the same at conferences.
The department had the official book launch of their first publication in the year 2017, titled “Socialization and Psychopathology-Reviews and Empirical Studies”, with ISBN No. 81-85861-60-9. It is a collection of enriching and informative research papers authored by students of the Department of Psychology under the guidance of their professors, research papers of resource persons and paper presenters of the State Level Seminar ‘Self-Love, Socialisation and Development of Personality in Today’s Ever-Advancing Technological World’ held on 26th and 27th of November, 2015 at Loreto College, in collaboration with Antara Psychiatric Centre.
Taking an experiential step ahead, the department organizes the annual event ‘Kalakriti’ that provides a platform to the differently-abled children to express their talents and be integrated into society and their participation is reinforced with certificates to merit their achievements. This is a two-day event in which differently-abled children of special schools are invited to Loreto College to participate in both on-stage and off-stage events. This increases awareness and sensitivity amongst the students of the Department of Psychology. Additionally, seminars are held lighting upon the varied avenues/aspects across the verticals of Psychology keeping our students as well as teachers up-to-date with recent researches and developments in the stream. Our students engage in active participation in organizing the events generating magnum awareness about the larger society amongst others and within themselves as budding psychologists of the country.
The students of the Department continue higher studies in renowned institutions like TISS, Delhi University, Benaras Hindu University, Jamia Milia Islamia University, Sampurna Montfort College, Manipal University, Indian Institute of Psychometric Research, IISWBM and many more. They successfully receive placements across the country.
Department: Faculty
Dr. Jhelum Podder
Qualifications: PhD
Dr. Jhelum Podder has done her doctorate in the field of Psychoanalysis. She has been teaching in Loreto College since 2015. Her research interests lie in the area of psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, mental illnesses, personality, child psychology, among others. She also possesses a strong passion for psychoanalytic researches. Besides being an Assistant Professor, Dr. Podder is also a Psychoanalyst. Dr. Podder is an avid reader, writer, travel enthusiast and an amateur animal photographer. She believes in utilising the knowledge gathered from these activities in her classroom teaching and research practices. In her spare time, she also indulges in pottery and painting.
Dr. Ms. Sayantani Chatterjee
Qualifications: M.Sc., Ph.D.
Dr. Sayantani Chatterjee joined Loreto College, Department of Psychology, in November, 2008. She served as Head of Department from December 2014-June 2020. She is currently serving as Assistant Professor (Stage II) and Former Head since July 2020. Her area of specialization is Clinical Psychology, though she finds deep interest in Statistics,Research Methodology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology,Human Resource Management and Cognitive Psychology.She was awarded her Ph.D Degree in the year 2010 and have also successfully completed a UGC Sponsored Minor Research Project in the year 2013. She takes initiatives in guiding and pursuing research and prefers to work in new areas in the field of Psychology. She encourages students to participate in co-curricular and extracurricular activities in addition to the regular curriculum for their all round growth and prospect. She has guided a good number of student’s research projects and review papers.She has completed a number of publications, served as Chairperson and Resource Person in Seminars and Workshops and also acted as a Peer Reviewer.
Dr. Dinaz R. Jeejeebhoy
Qualifications: B. Sc., M.Sc., M.Phil, Ph. D.
Dinaz R. Jeejeebhoy, has been a meritorious student. She was awarded the National Scholarship for achievement at the B.Sc level by the University of Calcutta to pursue M. Sc in Psychology for the batch of 2003 - 2005. She was the recipient of the Debarpita Mukhopadhyay Book Prize for 2003 (for topping B.Sc examination) and the G. Bose Memorial Prize for 2002 (for topping B. Sc Part I examination), awarded by the Department of Psychology, University of Calcutta. She has presented a number of scientific papers at seminars and conferences and was awarded the S. C. Gupta Best Paper Award in 2015 by the Indian Association of Clinical Psychology for her work on Borderline Personality Disorder. She is currently interested in Narrative ideas and practices and its application in clinical settings. She is actively involved with an NGO - Samobeto, that works for the upliftment of women and children. An avid sportswoman, she continues to play basketball at the club level. She also trains Bulbuls - a section of the Bharat Scouts and Guides movement.
Ms. Somali Mukherjee
Qualifications: M.Sc.
Ms. Somali Mukherjee is serving as a Guest Lecturer in the department since August, 2024. She holds a Masters of Science Degree in Psychology with specialization in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. She has experience in teaching at the Undergraduate level. She has training in Narrative Ideas and Practices. Ms. Somali has done independent research using qualitative methods. Her research interests include psychology of women, war/migration/social conflict, social memory, narrative psychology, and mythology. She has been a professional Mohiniyattam dancer and theatre-worker.
Ms. Nayanika Saha
Qualifications: M.Sc., B.Ed
Ms. Nayanika Saha joined Loreto College Kolkata as an Assistant Professor in 2023. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Psychology with Clinical Psychology as her special paper. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.Ed). She is currently pursuing PhD in Psychology at University of Calcutta. Her research interests lie in the areas of Clinical psychology, Neurodevelopmental disorders, Neuropsychology, Cognitive psychology and Narrative Ideas and practices. She has experience of teaching school, college as well as postgraduate students. She has been a research scholar of CPEPA (Centre with Potential for Excellence in a Particular area) Scheme under UGC. She is a dancer and specializes in Bharatnatyam and Indian Contemporary styles.
Qualifications: PhD
Qualifications: M.Sc., Ph.D.
Qualifications: B. Sc., M.Sc., M.Phil, Ph. D.
Qualifications: M.Sc.
Qualifications: M.Sc., B.Ed