All of us at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the Graduate Program in Neuroscience class of fall 2021! Six trainees are graduating this week and to celebrate, we compiled some of their favourite memories as grad students.
Ariana Cahn (MSc)
Supervisors: Drs. Lakshmi Yatham and Trisha Chakrabarty
Thesis Title: Quantification of grey matter changes following first episode mania in bipolar I disorder: a systematic review and prospective study.
Favourite GPN memory: My favourite memory is going for sunny lunch hour walks with my coworkers down to Wreck Beach.
Emily Clark (MSc)
Supervisors: Drs. Tim Oberlander and Liisa Galea
Thesis Title: Examining impact of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist on fluoxetine efficacy in a preclinical rodent model of postpartum depression.
Favourite GPN memory: Some of my favourite memories from my time with the GPN include the numerous times spent at Koerner’s Pub following exams, presentations or just regular class with my classmates. All of our labs and projects were so different but the communal sense of support was always present. Miss you all!
Tristan Hynes (PhD)
Supervisor: Dr. Catharine Winstanley
Thesis Title: Probing the role of dopamine at the intersection of addiction, decision making, and sex.
Favourite GPN memory: My favourite memories from my time in the GPN were travelling to Portugal, Poland, and San Diego, and Whistler to share my discoveries and network leading minds in neuroscience. I also fondly remember the outstanding mentorship I received from Dr. Winstanley. She fostered both professional and personal growth.
Poljanka Johnson (MSc)
Supervisor: Dr. Shannon Kolind
Thesis Title: Investigating how demyelination is reflected using advanced magnetic resonance imaging in Susac syndrome and multiple sclerosis.
Favourite GPN memory: My favourite memory during my MSc degree was attending the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine conference in 2019. It was very interesting to learn about all the research happening around the globe and meeting like minded individuals that were passionate about their research. I also would like to mention all the wonderful friends I have made in this program.
Christopher Lee (MSc)
Supervisors: Drs. Haakon Nygaard and Stephanie Willerth
Thesis Title: IPSC-derived GRN-mutant astrocytes delay excitatory electrical development of neurons in a non-cell autonomous manner.
Favourite GPN memory: Late nights in the lab imaging was always really enjoyable to me as I loved the peace, the process, and the satisfaction in getting stunning fluorescent images. Working with the new bioprinter has been challenging to say the least, but really rewarding to get to demonstrate to donors and media. But I think the best memories for me have been all the time spent with other members of the lab, and with Dr. Nygaard in particular who has been the best mentor I could have asked for as I finished my MSc and now start my journey to becoming a clinical scientist in UBCs MD/PhD program!
Ella Weik (PhD)
Supervisors: Drs. Christine Tipper and Tim Oberlander
Thesis Title: Cognitive processes and brain dynamics associated with social and physical pain in youth and young adults.
Favourite GPN memory: There are so many happy memories – the ones that stick out most: travelling to Singapore for the Organization of Human Brain Mapping Conference, testing out the new EEG brain stimulation system with Jessica Luk and beach BBQs with my Neuroscience friends.
