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. 

Samantha McIntosh, MSc Student

Sam is a Master's student in Dr. Chantel Debert's Brain Neurorehabilitation Lab. Her research is focused on blood biomarkers and prognostic indicators for concussion in the emergency department. As the HBITO vice president and treasurer, Sam focuses on supporting the HBITO president and managing the HBITO's funds to ensure we can support students in the best way possible. When she's not in the lab, Sam enjoys being outdoors and watching sports.

Lucy Javorcikova, MSc Student

Lucy is a second year MSc student co-supervised by Dr. Matthew Hill and Dr. Alex Lohman investigating the response of the endocannabinoid system in the brain following mild traumatic brain injury in the adolescent population. As Communications Director, Lucy keeps the HBITO website updated, as well as all social media platforms. She strives to keep all HBI trainees up to date on various events, opportunities and social gatherings. In her free time, Lucy loves to travel, sing karaoke and try new restaurants. 

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

Daria Merrikh, MSc Student

Daria is one of the education co-directors this year! She graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences, majoring in Biomedical Sciences, from the University of Calgary and is now completing her MSc in Neuroscience in Dr. Karl Martin Klein’s lab at the same institution. Her research focuses on the genetics of epilepsy and precision medicine in epilepsy. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and attending yoga classes- or even combining the two activities!

Aly Muhammad Salim, MSc Student

Aly is a Master’s student supervised by Dr. Alex Lohman and co-supervised by Dr. Carlos Camara-Lemarroy. His research focuses on exploring non-pharmaceutical treatment options for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to enhance the quality of life for those impacted by TBI. As the Education Co-Director for HBITO, Aly will organize the annual summer student symposium, facilitate the monthly Research In Progress sessions, and host several educational initiatives for HBI trainees throughout the year to help them gain a holistic learning experience during their degree. In his free time, Aly likes to go for hiking, and enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Donovan Smith, PhD Student 

Donovan is a 3rd-year PhD student working in Dr. Aaron Phillips' lab. His research focuses on identifying the subpopulations of sympathetic preganglionic neurons within the spinal cord that are responsible for controlling blood pressure and vasoconstrictor outflow. 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. Please contact Donovan with any questions you may have as a new student in the HBI!

Marybeth Harrod, MSc Student

Marybeth, one of the incoming co-director's for Outreach just completed her first year of her Master's in Neuroscience. She completed her BSc in Neuroscience at UofC. Her research focuses on the impact of pre-pregnancy and prenatal exposures on children's neurodevelopment. Outside of the lab Marybeth loves to watch reality TV and crochet. She has a really strong passion for showing the world how interesting neuroscience can be!

Simran Chahal, MSc Student

Simran is a Master’s student working on exploring experiences of moral distress in complex care coordinators. Simran loves going to the gym and being active. As Outreach Co-Director, Simran will be in charge of organizing and coordinating outreach events, and volunteers for these events. These events include Beakerhead, the Brain Bee, Brain Awareness Week, and the T-Shirt contest, among others!

Please reach out to Simran at simran.chahal@ucalgary.ca 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, MSc Student 

Laura is a MSc 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!
 

Em Gordon, MSc Student

Em (she/her) is a master’s student in Dr. Cam Teskey’s Lab studying the mechanisms behind oxygen dynamics during febrile seizures in neonatal rats. Em is originally from Calgary and is happy to be back near the mountains. When not in lab, Em enjoys crocheting and hanging with her cat. 
It is her second year in the EDI director position. 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!