Roger J. Thompson, PhD

Associate Professor

Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary

Andrew Boyce, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Research interests:

My current research interests are in understanding the molecular mechanisms that the brain, and more specifically neurons, employ to protect themselves in response to a stroke. I explore this at the cellular and molecular level using biochemical techniques in conjunction with multiphoton/confocal microscopy of novel light-based biosensors and actuators expressed in neurons (some of which are designed and modified in house!). I also explore this phenomena in vivo using a combined photometry and photothrombosis stroke model.

Allison Werner, PhD

Postdoctoral fellow

I’m Allie – A diehard cheesehead from Wisconsin who moved to Calgary a few years ago to pursue my interest in neuroscience.

Research Interests:

My current focus is on how the large pore channel, Pannexin-1 (Panx1), regulates long-term plastic changes at the synapse, specifically during long-term depression (LTD). My research is ultimately in determining the role of Panx1 during hippocampal LTD induction, exploring alternative roles of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) during LTD, and finding the primary source of calcium driving its induction. I hope to provide potential missing links between various, and slightly controversial, LTD induction methods currently described.

Connor Anderson

PhD Candidate

Research Interests:

Interests of mine stem from ion channel structure/function relationships which incorporate novel ways of small molecule permeation through large pore channels, such as Pannexin-1 (Panx1) . Panx1 is permeable to ions and small molecules (ATP, metabolites, fluorescent dyes), but it is largely unknown how these molecules interact with the channel and permeate. Other large pore channels (connexins, innexins, VRAC, CALHM2) incorporate diverse rosters of small molecule permeabilities, each with varying structures and pore architecture, owing to the importance of these channels in cellular physiology.

My project focuses on dissecting structural aspects of Panx1 that govern how the channel selects molecule permeability, in addition with how these functions would influence cellular patho/physiology.

Cherie Brown, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

My name is Cherie and I love hot summer days, donuts, and studying neuroscience with an approach from cells-to-systems-to-behavior. I was introduced to gap junctions during my graduate studies in Toronto and moved to Calgary to deepen my interest in the field of electrical plasticity.

Research Interests:

My current research interests are in understanding the molecular machinery and pathways involved in ischemic stroke, with a particular focus on the mechanisms behind the suppression of excitotoxicity. With my previous experience, I also hope to identify novel interaction candidates in this interactome to build upon our knowledge to-date.

Priyanshi Isapure

Masters Student

Research interests:

I am Priyanshi. I am from India, moved to Calgary to unfold my interest in Neuroscience and now working with unfolding proteins. My current research interest focuses on identifying the endogenous molecule that suppress the anoxic depolarization. I am using a novel technique to find the size exclusive bioactive range of this molecule. I am hoping to visualize and unveil the neuroprotective assembly of the protein specifically identifying the sequence suppressing anoxic depolarization.

Samantha McCluskey

Masters Student

I am originally from Toronto, and after my undergraduate degree at McGill, I’ve moved to Calgary to continue my studies in neuroscience. As a former hockey player, I am interested in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), more commonly known as concussions. My work will focus on a juvenile non-head fixed controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of mTBI that allows for head rotation and heterogeneity in injury modality. I will then use patch-clamping electrophysiology to analyze the acute and longitudinal effects of mTBI on neuronal pathophysiology throughout lifetime in the pediatric population.

Yannick Fouad

Masters Student

I’m Yannick, I was born in Switzerland and raised in Edmonton. My research is focused on investigating mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons. Using optogenetics and live cell confocal imaging, I will explore how these mitochondrial dysfunctions relate to neurological conditions such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.

Adam Institoris, PhD MD

Research Analyst

Research interests:

My scientific interest is to understand the cellular control of neurovascular coupling in health and disease. Using 2-photon fluorescent microscopy, optogenetics, chemogenetics and cell-type specific genetic manipulations, I study how astrocytes and neurons signal to contractile blood vessels in the brain to fuel brain function and how these mechanisms change with dementia or following stroke.

Adam Institoris CV 2020

Cheryl  Breiteneder

Lab Manager

Cheryl is an integral part of our research team, managing supply and animal orders, providing expertise in immunocytochemistry and maintaining an overall positive working environment.

Carina Ens

Laboratory Technician

Research interests:

My current research focus is on mechanisms of cell death in stroke, using patch-clamp techniques.