Neuroscience Trainee Association

Eliana is a second-year MSc student in the neuroscience program under the supervision of Brett Hilton. She completed her BSc in Biology at the University of Prince Edward Island, where she investigated the evolution of the myoglobin protein with Dr. Stevan Springer. Her current research focuses on integrating proteomics and transcriptomics to identify novel mechanisms of axon regeneration. As President of the NTA, Eliana is excited to work with other NTA members to create an engaging and supportive environment for trainees to connect with each other in both scientific and non-scientific activities.

Neilan Tan is a first-year MSc in Neuroscience student under the supervision of Dr. Jason Snyder. He completed his BSc in Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience at UBC. Currently, his research is centered around investigating the effects of early life adversity and stress on adult behavioural phenotypes in mice. He is serving as the NTA VP Academic to improve research initiatives in the graduate program.

Rob Cloke is a second year neuroscience MSc. student in the Cresswell Lab at the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre. He completed his BSc. in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia. He’s currently working on a clinical trial looking at the feasibility of a 6-month intervention involving exercise, mindfulness and nutrition on brain structure, connectivity and cognition. He’s very excited to continue working with the NTA as VP of Finance and looks forward to helping the NTA continue to connect Neuroscience students and help them have the best possible experience at UBC.

Anjana Rajendran is a neuroscience PhD student in the Brain Behaviour Lab directed by Dr.Lara Boyd. Anjana has completed her BSc in Behavioural Neuroscience and English Literature followed by a MSc in Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia. Seeing Dr. Lara Boyd’s work investigating how individual, neurobiological differences affect recovery after stroke, specifically using imaging, drew her to the lab where she completed her masters degree. Anjana’s interests lie in using non-invasive brain stimulation to better understand interneuronal circuits in the motor cortex after stroke aims to tailor stroke recovery to match an individual’s neurological profile through her doctoral degree. As part of the NTA, Anjana focuses on trainee wellness and advocacy.  She hopes to make the GPN at UBC a fun and supportive learning environment, and strengthen NTA efforts by collaboration with other GPN and graduate student networks.

Isabella is a second-year MSc Neuroscience student under the supervision of Dr. Cheryl Wellington. She earned her BSc in Psychology from Algoma University in her hometown, Sault Ste. Marie, ON. She previously worked as an undergraduate student research assistant in neurophysiological imaging and public health at Algoma University, which sparked her passion to pursue graduate studies. Her current research involves in-depth analysis of blood-based biomarkers linked to traumatic brain injury and neurodegeneration, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease. As Co-VP Outreach, Isabella is responsible for organizing and facilitating the annual CIHR Brain Bee Competition for high school students in Vancouver hosted at UBC. Her passion for helping others and fostering meaningful relationships is what influenced her to join the NTA and the Outreach Committee, and she is looking forward to what the next year has in store!

Ciara is a first-year neuroscience M.Sc. Student under the supervision of Dr. Thiviya Selvanathan and Dr. Thalia Field. She completed her Hons. B.Sc. In Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour from McMaster University, where she used EEG to investigate infant neural responses to rhythm. Her current research focuses on brain development in children born with congenital heart disease, a structural defect of the heart. Using MRI, she looks at the relationship between white matter injury (WMI), thalamic volumes, thalamic connectivity, and neurocognitive outcomes. As a member of the outreach committee, Ciara is excited to share her passion for neuroscience with high school students in an engaging and welcoming environment!

Jacqueline Palik is a first-year master’s student in the ALS & Related Disorders Lab directed by Dr. Erik Pioro. She completed her BSc in Neuroscience at Western University, where she investigated the pathological correlations between traumatic brain injury and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis under the supervision of Dr. Michael Strong. Her current research integrates ultra-high field MRI with histopathology to better interpret ALS neuroimaging findings and link them to underlying pathology disease processes in post-mortem tissue. The long-term goal of this work is to advance the development of magnetic resonance-based techniques for diagnosing ALS. As part of the Outreach Committee, she is dedicated to engaging the public by organizing neuroscience-related initiatives that raise awareness and highlight the research being conducted here at UBC. 

Emma is a first year neuroscience graduate student in Dr. Shernaz Bamji’s lab. She earned her undergraduate degree in neuroscience from the University of Minnesota in the twin cities. There she worked as a undergraduate researcher under the supervision of Dr. Yasushi Nakagawa before moving to Seattle where she worked at a biotech startup founded by Dr. Valerie Daggett of the University of Washington. She is excited to join the NTA as a outreach committee member and co-first year rep!

Hello! My name is Lana. I come from Victoria BC, and I am at UBC doing my masters in neuroscience. I am studying Alzheimer’s in the context of the eye. In my free time, I like to hike, gym, hang out with friends, and sleep!

Hanna Elford is a first-year Master of Science student in Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia, supervised by Dr. Jacqueline Quandt. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Integrated Science at UBC, specializing in neurobiology and genetics.Her passion for neuroscience research developed through her work as a laboratory manager, where she investigated how pseudohypoxia influences regeneration following peripheral nerve and spinal cord injury. Currently, her research focuses on understanding the role of the transcription factor neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (NPAS4) in mediating neuronal injury and protection in neuroinflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Hanna is a member of the NTA Outreach Committee, helping organize community initiatives that engage Vancouver youth in neuroscience, including the Brain Bee Competition and Neurocircles. She looks forward to connecting with others who share her enthusiasm for neuroscience and contributing to meaningful learning experiences throughout the year.

Matteo is a first-year Neuroscience Master’s student in the Cresswell Laboratory. He completed his Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology at the University of Toronto. At UofT, he investigated the neural correlates of aggressive behaviour in naked mole-rats and completed an honours thesis, conducted in partnership with CAMH and SickKids, that examined cortical and hormonal development in cisgender and transgender adolescents. Currently, Matteo is pursuing his passion for studying Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the Cresswell Laboratory, where he aims to combine his love for neuroimaging and multivariate analysis techniques to better understand the onset and progression of PD in males and females. Ultimately, he hopes to contribute to the development of sex-informed diagnostic and treatment strategies for PD.

Krysia is a second-year MSc student in neuroscience under the supervision of Dr. Rosin. She earned her BSc in neuroscience and psychology from the University of Toronto. Her current research focuses on exploring how maternal sleep disruptions affect fetal neurodevelopment and offspring behavior. Krysia became involved with the NTA to connect with the neuroscience community at UBC and network with other students in the field. As a general member, she’s excited to be involved and hopes to contribute by voicing student concerns and helping to improve the overall student experience within the neuroscience program.

Diba is a first year M.Sc. student in neuroscience at Dr. Robin Hsiung’s lab, studying how genetic factors and brain changes contribute to the onset and progression of frontotemporal dementia. She completed her BSc in Biotechnology in her hometown in Tehran, Iran. She will be joining NTR as a general member.

Vicky is a PhD candidate in Neuroscience in the Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Health Lab directed by Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. Her research examines how lifestyle interventions, particularly exercise training, can enhance brain and cognitive health in aging. Using neuroimaging techniques, she aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that support mobility and cognition in aging. Before beginning her doctoral studies, Vicky completed her BSc in Cognitive Systems at UBC. As Co-VP Events in the Neuroscience Trainee Association, she helps organize activities that connect trainees and foster a supportive community.

Kyler is a first-year master’s student in Neuroscience in the Cresswell Lab. He completed his BSc in Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia, where he studied the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction in Dr. Catherine Winstanley’s lab. He is now conducting research under the supervision of Dr. Silke Cresswell, using a multimethod approach that combines cognitive assessments, neuroimaging, and biomarkers to investigate the factors contributing to cognitive decline in patients with Parkinson’s disease. As Co-VP Events, Kyler is excited to plan creative activities that bring students together and provide a much-needed break from academic stress.

Lauren is a first-year neuroscience master’s student in Dr. Carol Chen’s lab. She completed her BSc in Behavioural Neuroscience at UBC where she worked as a co-op student in the Chen lab researching the effects of disease-associated mutations in a histone modifier on neurodevelopment using stem cell and cerebral organoid models. In her current research, she is investigating mutations in histone H3.3 associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and evaluating the epigenetic dysregulation stemming from these mutations. She joined the outreach committee to help with the Brain Bee and Neurocircles – both events geared towards making neuroscience more accessible and fun!

Brittany Jensen is a third-year neuroscience PhD student in Prof. Kiran Soma’s lab. Her research focuses on the neuroprotective roles of estrogens, and she is currently developing an intranasal administration method for brain-targeted delivery of estrogens in rats. Prior to UBC, Brittany completed her BSc in Biology from Saint Mary’s College of California, where she worked with Prof. Jim Pesavento studying histone methylation in green microalgae. As a member of the Outreach Committee, Brittany looks forward to spreading a passion for neuroscience research by connecting with the local community and high school students at the Vancouver Brain Bee this year.

Joel is a MSc student in the Raymond lab. He first became involved in the lab as an undergraduate at the University of British Columbia, where he earned his BSc in Biology. After graduating, Joel worked as a lab manager under the supervision of Dr Leigh Anne Swayne and Dr Laura Arbour at the University of Victoria. During this period, he used calcium imaging to investigate a mutation in the ANK2 gene and its implications on a high rate of Long-QT Syndrome in the Gitxsan First Nations community of Northern British Columbia. Joel equally completed advanced training in super-resolution microscopy, particularly employing the Stimulated Emission-Depletion technique. In 2024, Joel was invited to present at the Bio Imaging North America Community Congress in Madisson, Wisconsin. Joel’s current work involves exploring developmental deficits in Huntington’s disease, particularly investigating changes in parvalbumin interneuron activity-dependant maturation. As co-first year representative, Joel aims to foster team-building initiatives to bring his cohort closer together and foster collaboration.

Kidus is a PhD student in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UBC, based at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. His research focuses on blood-based biomarkers for sports-related concussion and traumatic brain injury in youth, bridging clinical questions with quantitative, lab-based methods. As VP Communications for the Neuroscience Trainee Association, Kidus helps highlight trainee research, promote events, and build community through clear, accessible science communication across digital platforms.

Skadi Gerkensmeier is a first-year international PhD student in neuroscience under the supervision of Dr. Joan Ongchoco. She completed both her BSc and MSc in Psychology in Germany. Her PhD project is on the emergence of order and chaos in perception, and how this influences cognition. Skadi joins the NTA as a General Member to get involved with the neuroscience program and advocate for student interests.

Violetta is a first-year Neuroscience Master’s student in Dr. Catharin Rankin’s Lab, studying how GPCR-related genes influence locomotor behaviours and habituation in C. elegans. She is thrilled to be joining the NTA as a general member and help foster opportunities for trainees to connect and share their passion for science.