Azin Ebrahim Amini
PhD candidate,
Dr. Peter Carlen's lab,
Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience
Research: "I'm studying the contributing factors that regulate and redistribute potassium ion in the brain. Many neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, stroke, migraine, anoxia and cortical spreading depression, are associated with abnormally high levels of potassium ion, so it's critical to identify the underlying processes involved in these dynamics."
Ultimate career goal: To be a pioneer in developing therapeutic approaches for potassium ion-related brain disorders.
Merrick Fallah
PhD candidate,
Dr. James Eubanks' lab,
Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience
Research: "I'm uncovering how genetic mutations lead to CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), which causes a developmental condition and epilepsy. There are no treatments for infants and children with CDD, so we want to develop novel therapeutics that target the pathological mechanisms of this disorder."
Ultimate career goal: To open a laboratory at an academic centre and continue research on pediatric epilepsy.
Cricia Rinchon
PhD candidate,
Dr. Robert Chen's lab,
Division of Brain, Imaging and Behaviour
Research: "I investigate movement disorders using brain stimulation, such as musician's dystonia, which involves involuntary muscle contractions in the hand or mouth while playing music. I'm looking for a biomarker for this condition that affects one per cent of professional musicians and often has career-ending effects."
Ultimate career goal: To continue leveraging data to progress the standard of care for patients.
Camille Fauchon
Postdoctoral fellow,
Dr. Karen D. Davis' lab,
Division of Brain, Imaging and Behaviour
Research: "I am working on chronic pain research, focused on sex differences associated with abnormalities in brain circuit function in chronic pain. I want to understand specific malfunctions in individuals so that personalized pain treatments can be developed and tailored to the condition of each individual."
Ultimate career goal: To establish a research lab that can predict treatment responses in chronic pain.
