Katelyn Shewchuk, PhD Student 

Katelyn is a fourth year PhD student working under the supervision of Dr. Sarah McFarlane. Her research focuses on genes and pathways that regulate progenitor behaviour in the developing and regenerating zebrafish retina. As the HBITO president, Katelyn focuses on supporting the other directors in their work, as well as advocating for the trainee experience at multiple levels in the university. This year, Katelyn hopes to continue to develop opportunities for HBI trainees and promote student wellness within the HBI. Outside of the lab, you can find Katelyn exploring the Rockies or kickboxing!

For any general inquiries, questions about the MDNS program, HBI opportunities, or anything at all, feel free to email Katelyn at HBITO@ucalgary.ca or Katelyn.shewchuk1@ucalgary.ca. 

Julia Gonzales, MSc Student 

Julia is a graduate student in Dr. Sarah McFarlane’s lab working on understanding retinal regeneration in the zebrafish. As the VP/Treasurer, she wants to foster strong, positive relationships between HBI members! In her free time, Julia likes to watch reality game shows for a laugh.  

Bianca Perry, MSc Student

Bianca is a second year master's student supervised by Dr. Chantel Debert, evaluating clinical predictors of return-to-work following concussion. As Communications Director, Bianca makes sure HBI trainees are kept up to date on various events, opportunities, and social gatherings. In her free time, Bianca loves to be outside, on a spin bike, and on her way to grab a sweet treat. 

Please contact Bianca should you have anything you want to see posted on the website, social media or if you are interested in joining the Communications subcommittee. 

Andy Cho, MSc Student

Andy is a Master’s student under the supervision of Dr. Alex Lohman. His research focuses on how microglial morphology and activity changes in response to repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. As HBITO Education Co-Director, Andy aims to organize events that foster learning and connection among students at all stages of their graduate journey. Outside the lab, Andy enjoys rock climbing, playing tennis, golf, and chess.

Stephanie Rha, MSc Student

Steph is a master's student in Dr. Cam Teskey's lab. Her research focuses on the effects of acute and chronic CBD, THC, and caffeine on oxygen dynamics in the hippocampus following a seizure. As the HBITO Education Co-Director, Steph works to plan academic events within the HBI to further collaborative learning, showcase research, and aid in professional development. When Steph is not in the lab, she enjoys going to spin classes, pilates, and reading.

Emily Gordon, PhD Student

Em (she/her) is a first year PhD student supervised by Drs. Matt Hill and Alex Lohman studying the bidirectional interactions between stress and mTBI. Em is originally from Calgary and is happy to be back near the mountains. When not in lab, Em enjoys crocheting, traveling, and hanging with her cat. It is her third year on the HBITO executive team and first year in the orientation director position. Em runs the new student orientation for the HBI and the orientation social. She also organizes the Neuro 0 sessions that introduce neuroscience concepts to students who may be new to neuroscience or just want a refresher. Please contact Em if you have any questions regarding orientation or just as a new HBITO student! 

Ana Deutsch, PhD Student

Ana is a second-year PhD student in dr. Leah Mayo’s lab. Her research focuses on elucidating the role of the stress response in facilitating positive outcomes following psilocybin administration in a healthy population. As one of the Outreach co-directors, Ana is excited to share her passion for neuroscience with the larger Calgary community. Please reach out to Ana if you’d like to volunteer with the outreach subcommittee or if you have any ideas for future events.

Abby Lunge, MSc Student

Abby is a second year MSc student under the supervision of Dr. Leah Mayo. Her research focuses on the relationship between childhood maltreatment, endocannabinoid signalling, and social processing in humans. Abby is joining the HBITO as an Outreach Director and will be responsible for the organization and execution of various events both on and off campus, including the Brain Bee, Brain Awareness Week, the T-shirt contest, and volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. Outside of the HBI, Abby can be found exploring new neighbourhoods, new mountain ranges, new countries… or tucked away at home with a stack of books. 

Please reach out to Abby if you would like to join the Outreach Volunteer Subcommittee, if you have any ideas for future Outreach events, or with any questions!

Laura Au, PhD Student 

Laura is a PhD student in Dr. Roger Thompson’s Lab, where she studies the effects of mutations in the Pannexin-1 channel using electrophysiology and imaging techniques. As co-social director, she works closely with Julia to organize fun and engaging social events for trainees to network and blow off steam.

If you have ideas for future social events, feel free to reach out to Laura or Julia. Keep an eye on the HBITO socials for information on upcoming events!
 

Sartaj Sidhu, MSc Student

Sartaj is a Master’s student working under Dr. Paolo Federico and his research is focussed on improving the use of diagnosis tools for patients with epilepsy. Sartaj is motivated to fostering an inclusive environment at the HBI.