Zach Bailey, PhD Student 

Zach is a fourth year PhD student in the lab of Dr. Shalina Ousman. His research seeks to better understand progression in multiple sclerosis; specifically, the relationship between mechanisms of biological aging and those contributing to disease severity. Before joining the HBI for his graduate degree, Zach completed his BHSc with a major in Biomedical Sciences at U of C. Now serving his second term as HBITO president, Zach believes in strong advocacy for HBI trainees and is “privileged to continue to push for the wellbeing of those who pursue graduate training in the HBI.”

Any general questions about the HBI/TO, awards, program (including courses), the trainee experience (or really anything) can be sent to Zach at zachary.bailey@ucalgary.ca or HBITO@ucalgary.ca.

Kelsey Harkness PhD Student 

Emily Wuerch, PhD Student

Emily is a PhD student in Dr. Wee Yong's lab, where she works to identify therapeutics strategies that promote beneficial aspects of inflammation in the context of multiple sclerosis. As Communications Director, Emily maintains the HBITO website. She also works to keep HBI trainees informed about relevant events and highlight trainees via social media. 

Please contact Emily if you have anything you would like posted on the website (e.g. news, accomplishments, photos & images, opportunities, special events, etc.), suggestions for website content, or general HBITO media inquiries.

Jessica Scheufen, MSc Student

Jessica is a second-year Master’s student studying the impacts of cannabis exposure on neurodevelopment in Dr. Matthew Hill’s lab. As education co-director, she is responsible for planning and overseeing academic events. These events include the HBI summer-student symposium, Research in Progress seminars, and many other professional development events happening throughout the school year. Please reach out to Jessica if you have any ideas for events or seminars that you would like to see happen this year!

Daniella Vellone, PhD Student

Daniella is a graduate student in Dr. Zahinoor Ismail's lab. Her research is focused on combining emergent and persistent apathy with Alzheimer's disease-related biomarkers as a means of predicting dementia onset in non-dementia samples.

In her role as Education Co-Director, Daniella actively engages in a variety of endeavors aimed at enhancing and advocating educational opportunities for HBI graduate trainees. These endeavors encompass diverse initiatives such as Research-In-Progress, REALISE modules, industry panels, and summer student events, all of which play a crucial role in reinforcing student learning and fostering professional growth beyond traditional academic settings. 

Donovan Smith, PhD Student 

Donovan is a PhD student in Dr. Aaron Phillips' lab, and the focus of his project is to find and manipulate the neurons responsible for blood pressure control in the spinal cord. As Orientation Director for the HBITO, Donovan will help to welcome in new students to the HBI, ensuring they are set up with the tools needed to succeed in grad school. Donovan and his team will also teach the Neuro 0 modules to new students, providing introductory neuroscience information to those who may not have an academic background in the field. Donovan also serves as a representative for the HBI in the Graduate Student Association, acting as a relay between graduate students and university leadership.Please contact Donovan if you would like to help put together our orientation events, as these are a great opportunity to meet the new students joining our faculty!

Sarah Jacob, MSc Student

Sarah is a master’s student working on ALS research in Dr. Gerald Pfeffer’s lab. As an Outreach director, Sarah will be involved with organizing and coordinating outreach events. Some of these events will include IndigeSTEAM, Beakerhead school programs, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, Brain Bee and HBI Brain Awareness week activities.  

Please contact Sarah if you have ideas for other community outreach activities or would like to volunteer for any of the outreach events. 

Seong Eon Ha, MSc Student

Seong Eon Ha is a graduate of the BHSc program and a current graduate student in Medical Science focusing on neurodevelopmental disorder research. He has also worked with providing intervention services to children with developmental disorders for over five years and has co-founded grassroots public health advocacy organizations in Calgary. As HBITO’s outreach co-director, Seong will be involved in planning and organizing public outreach events, hoping to share his passion for neuroscience with the wider community. Students interested in volunteering for outreach events can contact Seong at seongeon.ha@ucalgary.ca

Racheal Steele, MSc Student 

Racheal recently moved to Calgary from Summerside, Prince Edward Island to begin her master's project in the lab of Dr. Dunn and is excited to explore what the west coast has to offer. Being the Social Director of the HBITO, Racheal will be planning and organizing fun and inclusive events for the HBI trainees this upcoming year such as movie nights, BBQ lunches, and seasonal socials. If you have any ideas for future social events, please reach out to Racheal 

Em Gordon, MSc Student

Em (she/her) is a master’s student in Dr. Cam Teskey’s Lab studying the effects and mechanisms of hyperoxia in febrile seizures.

As the EDI director Em, is involved with advocating for and supporting students in the HBI when it comes to matters of equity, diversity, and inclusivity. EDI aims to support students across various groups including multicultural, BIPOC, neurodivergent, disabled, queer, and feminine/non-binary identities. She works on hosting events such as the mentorship program, tea talks, and the EDI journal club.
If you are interested in volunteering, attending these events, or have questions, concerns, or ideas about EDI in the HBITO please reach out to Em!