Psychology Department

The Department of Psychology was inaugurated at Loreto College in 2007. The department is of the opinion that, in the context of a rapidly changing world, a scientific study of behaviour and associated biological, cognitive and social processes is of great importance for the development of the tools necessary for the overall well-being of humankind. This discipline is a rapidly developing field, touching on all aspects of human life. Consequently, our students are trained 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 eager to instil a passion for research and to mentor driven and capable students in the execution of research projects, which are presented under the Research Cell Programme at Loreto College. It is recommended that students publish their papers in reputable journals and present the same at conferences.
In 2017, the department held the official book launch for their debut publication, entitled "Socialization and Psychopathology: Reviews and Empirical Studies" (ISBN 81-85861-60-9). Additionally, the department had the opportunity to publish a second volume in 2020, entitled “Psychopathology and Psychotherapy: A Review of Causes, Consequences and Curative Measures” (ISBN 978-93-88069-40-3). The books comprise collections of valuable and informative research papers authored by students of the Department of Psychology under the guidance of their professors. Additionally, the inaugural publication encompassed the research papers of the resource persons and paper presenters at the state-level seminar, "Self-Love, Socialization and Development of Personality in Today's Ever-Advancing Technological World," held in November 2015 at Loreto College. This event was held in collaboration with Antara Psychiatric Centre.
In order to facilitate experiential learning, the department has initiated an annual event, entitled "Kalakriti," which provides a platform for differently-abled children to express their talents and become integrated into society. Certificates are awarded to acknowledge and celebrate their participations. The one-day event invites children from different schools of the city to participate in both on-stage and off-stage activities at Loreto College. This has the effect of increasing awareness and sensitivity among the students of the department. Moreover, seminars, webinars, and workshops are held to elucidate the diverse avenues and facets of psychology, thereby ensuring that our students and faculty remain apprised of the latest research and advancements within the field. Our students play an active role in the organisation of these events, thereby fostering greater awareness of psychological issues amongst the wider public, as well as amongst themselves and their fellow students, who are at the outset of their careers as psychologists in this country.
The students of the Department proceed to pursue higher studies at esteemed academic institutions, including TISS, Delhi University, Benaras Hindu University, Jamia Milia Islamia University, Sampurna Montfort College, Manipal University, Indian Institute of Psychometric Research, IISWBM, University of Sheffield, University of Bath, Essex University, and numerous others. Additionally, many students have successfully secured placements across the country.

Department: Faculty

Dr. 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.

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.

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.