Neuroscience Trainee Association

Tatiana MacKeigan is a second-year neuroscience master’s student in the Pouladi lab. She completed her BSc in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary, where she used fluorescence spectroscopy and machine learning analysis techniques to study a putative misfolding protein pathology in a chronic mouse model of multiple sclerosis under the mentorship of Dr. Peter Stys. Her current research investigatessusceptibility to demyelination in an Ermin deficiency-based model of multiple sclerosis. As co-president of the NTA, she is excited to collaborate with and support her peers on the many wonderful initiatives the NTA runs, connecting students within the program and promoting a culture of collegiality and inclusion.

Sarah Ebert is a PhD candidate in the Miller and MacVicar labs. She earned her BSc in Microbiology and Neurobiology from the University of Victoria, where she researched the role of Pannexin-1 in synapse formation and stability under Dr. Leigh-Anne Swayne’s mentorship. Her current research focuses on the meninges and the cortical interface, the boundary between the brain and skull that separates the peripheral environment from the central nervous system. As Co-President of the Neuroscience Trainee Association (NTA), Sarah is passionate about collaborating with the NTA team and fellow trainees to champion ongoing initiatives, strengthen networks of support, and promote inclusivity within the program.

Andrew Thompson is a neuroscience PhD student in the Bamji lab and is the VP Finance of the NTA. He completed his undergraduate studies in Dr. Naweed Syed’s laboratory at the University of Calgary. His current studies focus on the role of the palmitoylating enzyme ZDHHC9 in the development of oligodendrocytes and their regeneration in demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis. As part of the NTA, Andrew is passionate about creating an environment for trainees to socialize, share their science, and make connections that will outlast their time in the program. He is also invested in fostering deeper connections between the Undergraduate and Graduate Programs in Neuroscience at UBC, which will benefit students in the undergraduate program by offering insights into graduate school and provide graduate trainees with mentorship experience.

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.

Giulia Cocco is a second-year master’s student in neuroscience at the Snyder Lab. She completed her BSc in Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Lethbridge (AB), where she researched the effects of 5-HT2A agonists on Alzheimer’s disease pathology under the mentorship of Dr. Sutherland. Her current research focuses on how early-life stress events in infancy impact adulthood behaviour in mice. She is exploring how the hippocampus can shape anxiety and memory of these events. Her main research question is: How can a forgotten memory influence behaviour?
She joined the NTA to connect with fellow neuroscience enthusiasts and immerse herself in the UBC community. As the vice president of Outreach, she collaborates with the NTA team to organize the Neurocircles initiative and the local Brain Bee to create a vibrant educational environment for high school students interested in neuroscience.

Isa Samad is a second-year neuroscience master’s student at the Hilton lab. He completed his BSc in neurosciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied how neuronal circuits adapt to injury and mediate functional recovery in a mouse model of ischemic stroke under the mentorship of Dr. Carlos Portera-Cailliau and Dr. William Zeiger. Now supervised by Dr. Brett Hilton, Isa is investigating the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate axon regeneration in a mouse model of spinal cord injury. As a vice president of outreach, he is excited to help organize both Brain Bee 2025 and Neurocircles: two initiatives that will help spread awareness of and passion for neuroscience education amongst high school students.

Christine Seo is a second-year MSc student in the Aging, Mobility and Cognitive Health Lab directed by Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose. She completed her BSc in Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia and has previously worked as a full-time research assistant her MSc lab and as the clinic coordinator of the VGH Falls Prevention Clinic. She is interested in studying interventions that can promote healthy aging, especially in terms of slowing cognitive decline and dementia prevention, as well as factors that may influence their effectiveness.  As the Co-VP Academics of the NTA, she is aiming to organize academic events that will allow current students of the GPN connect with alumni of the program.

Bella is a Neuroscience PhD candidate in Dr. Jeremy Seamans’ Lab at UBC. Before fast-tracking to the PhD program, she completed her undergraduate degree in Molecular Genetics, Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on the role of the anterior cingulate cortex in opioid withdrawal. Using a technique known as fiber photometry, Bella is currently working with rat models to visualize dopamine responses to conditional stimuli and how morphine withdrawal affects these responses. Her project focuses on mechanisms associated with the state of hyperkatifeia, or the emotional pain caused by opioid withdrawal. Bella is excited to be joining the Neuroscience Trainee Association as VP communications and co-VP of events. 

Hi! I’m Michael, a first-year MSc Neuroscience student in the Fedida Lab. I will be serving as the Vice President of Events for the Neuroscience Trainee Association. I really look forward to connecting with many of you and planning exciting activities for you to enjoy!

Eliana is a first-year neuroscience Master’s student under the supervision of Brett Hilton. She completed her BSc in Biology at the University of Prince Edward Island. Her current research focuses on how neuronal maturation influences axon regeneration after spinal cord injury. As first-year representative, she is excited to be a voice for first-year students and engage and connect with other students in the neuroscience program!

Rob Cloke is a first 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 effects of a 6-month intervention involving exercise, mindfulness and nutrition on brain structure, connectivity and cognition. He’s very excited to be joining the NTA as the Junior 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.

I am currently a second year PhD student in Dr. Brett Hilton’s lab at ICORD, studying neuronal plasticity after spinal cord injury. I will be joining the NTA as a general member this year, and am very excited to meet everyone and get involved!

My name is Saina. I am a first-year Master’s of Neuroscience student at Dr. Tetzlaff’s Lab at ICORD. I am a general member at NTA.

Isabella DiBerardino is a first-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. Isabella is one of the newest members to join the NTA’s Outreach Committee where she will assist the VPs of Outreach in organizing events that connect the neuroscience community at UBC with the Vancouver community. This includes, but is not limited to, the annual CIHR Brain Bee Competition for high school students in Vancouver. 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 few years have in store!

Krysia MacRae is a first-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.