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BrainWaves: The Neuroscience Graduate Program Newsletter

Meet Some of the New MiNDS Of the Neuroscience Graduate Program

Author: Leanne Monteiro

September is always a time to welcome new scholars to our program, school, and community, as well as to catch up with old friends and colleagues after the summer term. Please join me in greeting this year’s new cohort of graduate students. We look forward to working alongside each one of you!

Almila Bahar

Hello everyone! My name is Almila and I am a first year MSc Neuroscience student under the supervision of Dr. Bhagwati Gupta and Dr. Parminder Raina. I am interested in geriatric research, especially related to neurological conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkison's, and dementia. I'm eager to explore ways to delay these conditions and improve the quality of life for older adults. I’m particularly interested in investigating the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and want to look into how lifestyle factors and interventions can impact the progression of these diseases. I graduated from McMaster University with an Honours BSc in Life Sciences and a minor in Business. I’m excited about contributing to research that can make a real difference in managing these conditions and improving the quality of life for the aging population. When I’m not studying, I love running, swimming, hiking, and reading. I’m especially into psychological thrillers and romantic dramas. I also love travelling and I have travelled to 15 countries so far and hope to explore more in the future.  I’m excited to meet everyone and make new connections!

Nita Chan

Hello, nice to meet everyone! My name is Nita Chan, and I recently completed my BSc with an Honours Specialization in Neuroscience at Western University. I am thrilled to begin my graduate career here at McMaster, under the supervision of Dr. Katrina Choe, where I will investigate social behaviour and the associated neural circuitry within animal models for autism spectrum disorder. Outside of school, I like to exercise, read, and spend time with friends and family.

Sahir Dhalla

Hello, my name is Sahir and I'm excited to be joining the MiNDS program! I recently completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto with majors in Neuroscience and Philosophy, and I'll be working here with Dr. Jonathan Cannon exploring the neural basis of active inference and predictive processing in the brain, a topic that comes at a really intriguing intersection of my two fields of study. Beyond academics, I'm also a close up magician and have been performing for the last couple of years. I also adore reading, usually either fantasy or nonfiction, as well as camping, travelling when I can, and some wildlife photography.

Karley George

My name is Karley George. I did my undergrad degree at the University of Guelph in neuroscience. My graduate supervisor is Dr. Ryan Van Lieshout, and we will be focusing on postpartum depression. In my spare time I like to play tennis and hockey.

Tasin Karim

Hi everyone! My name is Tasin, and I completed my BSc in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University. I am very thrilled to join the Neuroscience Graduate Program this fall under the supervision of Dr. Margaret McKinnon. Some of my interests outside of research include baking, painting, going on walks, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone this year!

Cameron Leveille

Hello, my name is Cam. I am an incoming MSc student in the neuroscience program under the supervision of Dr. James Bain. I have lived in Hamilton for the past 7 years where I have completed medical school, and I am currently in residency for plastic surgery here at McMaster. My thesis will be assessing peripheral nerve regeneration using electrical stimulation in rodent models. In my spare time I enjoy coffee, gardening and hanging out with my cats.

Alexandra Newbigin

Hi my name is Lexi Newbigin and I’m starting my masters in Dr Gillespie’s Lab. Before this I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto with a double major in psychology and human biology. Outside of academics I love to bake (literally anything), hike, ski, and read. I love watching sports and am currently watching The Boys. 

Esha Patel

Hi! My name is Esha and I am going into my first year of my MSc. Neuroscience, working under the supervision of Dr. P. Ravi Selvaganapathy. My master's research is focused on engineering 3D models of neural tissue that can be used for in vitro disease and pain modelling, I completed my bachelor's degree right here at Mac, in psychology, neuroscience & behaviour (PNB) with a minor in Biology. I'm thrilled to apply my science background to the field of neuro-engineering, with hopes to research brain cancer treatments as a neurosurgeon! Outside of neuroscience, I enjoy a good walk in nature, reading a good book, and spending time with my family. I'm super extroverted so please feel free to hit me up!

Mehak Rajani

Hi! My name is Mehak Rajani and I am thrilled to begin my MSc in Neuroscience at McMaster University under the supervision of Dr. Dante Duarte. Being a Doctor of Medicine, I am excited to integrate my clinical knowledge with neuroscience research with the goal of improving patient’s quality of life. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy being in nature – walking by the beach and exploring trails are among my favorites – reading inspirational books, singing, meditating, petting dogs (free therapy!)  and pursuing my newfound passion for chasing the beautiful auroras. I can’t wait to meet everyone!

Likitha Shashidhara

Hi everyone, my name is Likitha Shashidhara and I completed my undergraduate degree in Honours Life Sciences- Origins of Disease here at McMaster University. I'm very excited to be joining of Dr. Aftab Taiyab's lab doing an Msc in neuroscience. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors, working out and painting. I look forward to meeting all of you!

Alyssa Swiderski

My name is Alyssa Swiderski, and I am a recent graduate of the Life Sciences program at Queen’s university. Here at McMaster University, I will be working under the supervision of Dr. Van Ameringen. My research interests lie in the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders and exploring novel psychopharmacological therapeutics. I am passionate about mental health and wellness practices and in my free time I enjoy yoga, hiking, and other outdoor activities!

Nicole Twum-Ampofo

Hi everyone :). My name is Nicole Twum-Ampofo, and I am a recent University of Toronto graduate. I’ve obtained an Honours Bachelor of Science degree with a specialist in neuroscience and a major in psychology. I have a strong passion for clinical and cognitive neuroscience, specifically in the areas of mental health, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as neuroimaging. It gives me great pleasure to announce that my supervisor is Dr. Ryan Van Lieshout from the EPOCH Laboratory. I like to travel and learn various healing techniques, such as sound healing, yoga, meditation, and reiki. I also like to read, cook, and do anything artistic. Fun fact: I'm a published makeup artist with publications in Forbes, Vogue Italia, and other magazines. I'm delighted to pursue my master’s degree at McMaster University and be a part of a vibrant, scholarly community.