Principal Investigator
Asaf Gilboa, Ph.D.
I completed my undergraduate studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, majoring in Psychology and the Amirim inter-disciplinary program. I received my M.A. degree in Clinical Neuropsychology from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem where I studied the neurocognitive effects of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). I received my Ph.D. in Psychology and Neuroscience from the University of Toronto, where I studied the cognitive neuroscience of remote memory. I then pursued postdoctoral studies at the Rotman Research Institute in Toronto focusing on prefrontal contributions to memory monitoring and control. I was a Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at Haifa University in Israel where I also served as co-director of the Clinical Neuropsychology program. I am currently a Senior Scientist at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest as well as an Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Toronto and Affiliate Scientist at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Together with my lab members I investigate neurological and neuropsychiatric aspects of memory disorders. Our research focuses on memory disorders such as amnesia, dementia and confabulation, employing various methodologies (lesion analysis, fMRI, Skin conductance, ERP and MEG) to investigate of the mechanisms underlying these disorders. I have co-authored over 50 articles and book chapters, and have received several awards including the Dusty and Ettie Miller Fellowship for Outstanding Young Scholars and the Donald T. Stuss Award for Research Excellence.
I completed my undergraduate studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, majoring in Psychology and the Amirim inter-disciplinary program. I received my M.A. degree in Clinical Neuropsychology from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem where I studied the neurocognitive effects of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). I received my Ph.D. in Psychology and Neuroscience from the University of Toronto, where I studied the cognitive neuroscience of remote memory. I then pursued postdoctoral studies at the Rotman Research Institute in Toronto focusing on prefrontal contributions to memory monitoring and control. I was a Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at Haifa University in Israel where I also served as co-director of the Clinical Neuropsychology program. I am currently a Senior Scientist at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest as well as an Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Toronto and Affiliate Scientist at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Together with my lab members I investigate neurological and neuropsychiatric aspects of memory disorders. Our research focuses on memory disorders such as amnesia, dementia and confabulation, employing various methodologies (lesion analysis, fMRI, Skin conductance, ERP and MEG) to investigate of the mechanisms underlying these disorders. I have co-authored over 50 articles and book chapters, and have received several awards including the Dusty and Ettie Miller Fellowship for Outstanding Young Scholars and the Donald T. Stuss Award for Research Excellence.
Post-Doc
Erik Wing, Ph.D.
I moved to Toronto to do postdoctoral research with Asaf Gilboa and Jennifer Ryan after completing my PhD in cognitive neuroscience at Duke University, where I worked with Roberto Cabeza. My doctoral research explored the relationship between initial memory formation and subsequent retrieval, including how initial sensory representations are recapitulated in the brain during recollection. One recurring theme in this work, and in the field more broadly, is that memories are not faithful reproductions of past experience but are instead shaped by numerous factors that can cause certain content to be differentially prioritized, distorted, or schematized. From the very outset, information that makes its way into memory is influenced by our expectations, biases, and correspondence to prior knowledge. My current research focuses on how having organized knowledge about a particular domain (anything from art history to cars) influences learning and memory for related material. This process is familiar to anyone who initially struggles to learn unfamiliar information but finds that subsequent learning is easier once new material can be integrated into an emerging knowledge framework. With respect to brain function, I am interested in exploring how the acquisition of visosemantic expertise leads to schematic reshaping of related neural representations, with corresponding consequences for different forms of memory.
Erik Wing, Ph.D.
I moved to Toronto to do postdoctoral research with Asaf Gilboa and Jennifer Ryan after completing my PhD in cognitive neuroscience at Duke University, where I worked with Roberto Cabeza. My doctoral research explored the relationship between initial memory formation and subsequent retrieval, including how initial sensory representations are recapitulated in the brain during recollection. One recurring theme in this work, and in the field more broadly, is that memories are not faithful reproductions of past experience but are instead shaped by numerous factors that can cause certain content to be differentially prioritized, distorted, or schematized. From the very outset, information that makes its way into memory is influenced by our expectations, biases, and correspondence to prior knowledge. My current research focuses on how having organized knowledge about a particular domain (anything from art history to cars) influences learning and memory for related material. This process is familiar to anyone who initially struggles to learn unfamiliar information but finds that subsequent learning is easier once new material can be integrated into an emerging knowledge framework. With respect to brain function, I am interested in exploring how the acquisition of visosemantic expertise leads to schematic reshaping of related neural representations, with corresponding consequences for different forms of memory.
Graduate Students
Victoria (Tong) Liu, B.A.
I received my bachelor degree in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science from the University of Toronto. Throughout my undergraduate years, I received a wide range of training from computational neuroscience to social cognitive neuroscience. My interdiscinplary experience collectively contributed to my current research interest as a graduate student of the lab, which is to computationally model the semantic and episodic memory networks. I am currently working on a project to map out the temporal evolution of cortical semantic networks during incidental learning. The photo was taken in December 2020, in front of my bookcase with all the books I read in 2020!
I received my bachelor degree in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science from the University of Toronto. Throughout my undergraduate years, I received a wide range of training from computational neuroscience to social cognitive neuroscience. My interdiscinplary experience collectively contributed to my current research interest as a graduate student of the lab, which is to computationally model the semantic and episodic memory networks. I am currently working on a project to map out the temporal evolution of cortical semantic networks during incidental learning. The photo was taken in December 2020, in front of my bookcase with all the books I read in 2020!
Hannah Marlatte, M.A.
I am interested in understanding how our past experiences shape how we perceive and remember the present. During my MA, I developed a model of learning based on principles of Bayesian statistics. This noted different learning styles that vary in next-day memory performance based on one’s use of relevant prior knowledge.
For my PhD, I am trying to understand how trauma impacts what people encode and remember in scene-based memories. It’s been noted that folks with PTSD have fragmented memories, where individual items in a scene can be recalled but not necessarily their relationships with each other. I want to examine how the oculomotor system could help support (re)-consolidation processes of these item relationships by influencing oscillatory dynamics. Outside of research, I like to crochet, cook, go for walks, and (attempt to) cuddle my cat.
I am interested in understanding how our past experiences shape how we perceive and remember the present. During my MA, I developed a model of learning based on principles of Bayesian statistics. This noted different learning styles that vary in next-day memory performance based on one’s use of relevant prior knowledge.
For my PhD, I am trying to understand how trauma impacts what people encode and remember in scene-based memories. It’s been noted that folks with PTSD have fragmented memories, where individual items in a scene can be recalled but not necessarily their relationships with each other. I want to examine how the oculomotor system could help support (re)-consolidation processes of these item relationships by influencing oscillatory dynamics. Outside of research, I like to crochet, cook, go for walks, and (attempt to) cuddle my cat.
Prateek Dhamija, M.Sc.
My interest in neuroscience comes from a background in biology and behavioral neuroscience. I first became involved in neuroscience in my third year at Queen's university where I conducted electrophysiological field recordings in the hippocampus. From there, I became interested in all areas of neuroscience research, but in particular: how behaviours are adaptive and are shaped by their context.
For my undergraduate and masters theses' at Queen's University, this theme resonated throughout my work as I investigated the effects of stress during adolescence on the emergence of maladaptive adult emotive behaviours related to anxiety, depression, and aggression with Dr. Janet Menard. Throughout my research, I developed a deeper interest in framing behaviour in terms of how adaptive it is for a given context. Questions of interest include: What kind of environment leads to certain behaviours becoming maladaptive compared to others? What factors accelerate or prevent the development of maladaptive behaviours? Can maladaptive behaviours become adaptive ones in different contexts?
For my PhD, I have been interested in applying these ideas to develop translational models of research for how we learn associations between our behaviour and stimuli in our environment. In particular, I hope to examine these questions with regards to higher order Pavlovian conditioning. Outside of academia, I enjoy team sports as well as traveling, hiking and photography.
My interest in neuroscience comes from a background in biology and behavioral neuroscience. I first became involved in neuroscience in my third year at Queen's university where I conducted electrophysiological field recordings in the hippocampus. From there, I became interested in all areas of neuroscience research, but in particular: how behaviours are adaptive and are shaped by their context.
For my undergraduate and masters theses' at Queen's University, this theme resonated throughout my work as I investigated the effects of stress during adolescence on the emergence of maladaptive adult emotive behaviours related to anxiety, depression, and aggression with Dr. Janet Menard. Throughout my research, I developed a deeper interest in framing behaviour in terms of how adaptive it is for a given context. Questions of interest include: What kind of environment leads to certain behaviours becoming maladaptive compared to others? What factors accelerate or prevent the development of maladaptive behaviours? Can maladaptive behaviours become adaptive ones in different contexts?
For my PhD, I have been interested in applying these ideas to develop translational models of research for how we learn associations between our behaviour and stimuli in our environment. In particular, I hope to examine these questions with regards to higher order Pavlovian conditioning. Outside of academia, I enjoy team sports as well as traveling, hiking and photography.
Ariana Giuliano, M.A.
I have always been curious about the complex underpinnings of memory and cognition. Having completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at McGill University, I became thoroughly interested in the research of Brenda Milner and her work with patient H.M., which fuelled my interest in the neuropsychological facets of memory. Memories represent the fundamentals for how we conceive of ourselves, others, and everything in our environment. I believe that researching how memory disorders impact functioning is key in understanding how memory is represented on multiple levels in the brain such as cellular, circuitry, and systems levels. My previous undergraduate research involved investigating the behavioural implications of pain in both mice and humans in addition to some clinical research on spinal cord injury. For my Masters thesis I am interested in the neural oscillations underlying schema instantiation and perception and how damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex may impair both neural schema representations and schema instantiation and interpretation. Outside of the lab I am an avid rock-climber, yogi, dancer, hiker, and dog mom.
I have always been curious about the complex underpinnings of memory and cognition. Having completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at McGill University, I became thoroughly interested in the research of Brenda Milner and her work with patient H.M., which fuelled my interest in the neuropsychological facets of memory. Memories represent the fundamentals for how we conceive of ourselves, others, and everything in our environment. I believe that researching how memory disorders impact functioning is key in understanding how memory is represented on multiple levels in the brain such as cellular, circuitry, and systems levels. My previous undergraduate research involved investigating the behavioural implications of pain in both mice and humans in addition to some clinical research on spinal cord injury. For my Masters thesis I am interested in the neural oscillations underlying schema instantiation and perception and how damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex may impair both neural schema representations and schema instantiation and interpretation. Outside of the lab I am an avid rock-climber, yogi, dancer, hiker, and dog mom.
Adina Levi, B.Sc., M.A.
I began my undergraduate degree studying biology at York University. Early on in my studies, I was introduced to the fascinating interface between biology and psychology, and the notion that human behaviour can be explained by neural underpinnings. This motivated me to study cognitive neuroscience, and I enrolled in a Specialized Honours Bachelors of Science in Psychology degree.
I started volunteering at the Gilboa Lab in 2016 and contributed to the lab by developing stimuli for a cognitive neurointervention study aiming to offset chronic hippocampal degeneration in traumatic brain injury patients. I completed my undergraduate thesis under the supervision of Dr. Gilboa and Dr. Gary Turner at York University and examined the relationship between hippocampal-dependent abilities: spatial navigation and pattern completion and separation.
I am currently an MA student at York University's Clinical Neuropsychology program. My MA thesis aims to study the similarities and differences in rest and reactivation memory tasks in medial temporal lobe and ventromedial prefrontal cortex patients. Outside of the lab, I love to travel, hike and paint.
I began my undergraduate degree studying biology at York University. Early on in my studies, I was introduced to the fascinating interface between biology and psychology, and the notion that human behaviour can be explained by neural underpinnings. This motivated me to study cognitive neuroscience, and I enrolled in a Specialized Honours Bachelors of Science in Psychology degree.
I started volunteering at the Gilboa Lab in 2016 and contributed to the lab by developing stimuli for a cognitive neurointervention study aiming to offset chronic hippocampal degeneration in traumatic brain injury patients. I completed my undergraduate thesis under the supervision of Dr. Gilboa and Dr. Gary Turner at York University and examined the relationship between hippocampal-dependent abilities: spatial navigation and pattern completion and separation.
I am currently an MA student at York University's Clinical Neuropsychology program. My MA thesis aims to study the similarities and differences in rest and reactivation memory tasks in medial temporal lobe and ventromedial prefrontal cortex patients. Outside of the lab, I love to travel, hike and paint.
Benjamin Alsbyry-Nealy, B.Sc., M.A
Virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the way we interact with the world around us and provide exciting new ways to study human behaviour. My research leverages these emerging technologies to investigate how we learn and form memories while navigating real world environments.
Before joining the Gilboa lab, I received my BSc in Psychology, Economics and Mathematics from the University of Toronto. Subsequently I earned my M.A. in Psychology at eh University of Toronto, under the direction of Katherine Duncan, where I developed virtual environment tasks analogous to tasks performed by mice, enabling robust comparative analyses. These efforts also resulted in an open-source toolbox - OpenMaze - that enables researchers to quickly create 3D environment tasks. If I'm not in the lab, you can find me training for my next triathlon, or hiking the Ontario wilderness.
Virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the way we interact with the world around us and provide exciting new ways to study human behaviour. My research leverages these emerging technologies to investigate how we learn and form memories while navigating real world environments.
Before joining the Gilboa lab, I received my BSc in Psychology, Economics and Mathematics from the University of Toronto. Subsequently I earned my M.A. in Psychology at eh University of Toronto, under the direction of Katherine Duncan, where I developed virtual environment tasks analogous to tasks performed by mice, enabling robust comparative analyses. These efforts also resulted in an open-source toolbox - OpenMaze - that enables researchers to quickly create 3D environment tasks. If I'm not in the lab, you can find me training for my next triathlon, or hiking the Ontario wilderness.
Research Assistant
Karen Joseph, BSc.
I am a research assistant with the Kunin-Lunenfeld Centre for Applied Research and Evaluation (KL-CARE) at Baycrest, and I am currently providing research and administrative support to the Gilboa Lab team. I graduated from McMaster University with an Honours BSc. degree in Life Sciences, as well as double minors in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, and Health, Aging & Society. I completed my undergraduate thesis with Dr. Margaret McKinnon at St Joseph’s Healthcare, Mood Disorders Lab. My research experience includes working with the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Participant Database Management team, and supporting healthcare professionals, researchers, students, and commercial partners with various clinical, applied, and evaluative research at KL-CARE. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, listening to podcasts, and teaching Bollywood dance.
Karen Joseph, BSc.
I am a research assistant with the Kunin-Lunenfeld Centre for Applied Research and Evaluation (KL-CARE) at Baycrest, and I am currently providing research and administrative support to the Gilboa Lab team. I graduated from McMaster University with an Honours BSc. degree in Life Sciences, as well as double minors in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, and Health, Aging & Society. I completed my undergraduate thesis with Dr. Margaret McKinnon at St Joseph’s Healthcare, Mood Disorders Lab. My research experience includes working with the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Participant Database Management team, and supporting healthcare professionals, researchers, students, and commercial partners with various clinical, applied, and evaluative research at KL-CARE. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, listening to podcasts, and teaching Bollywood dance.
Undergraduate Students and Volunteers
Faith Balshin
I have an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology from York University, with focus on molecular genetics and psychology. During my undergraduate I completed a research practicum in a human molecular genetics laboratory at York, working with polytene chromosomal mapping in Drosophila melanogaster models. I also worked at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, conducting research focused on the early onset schizophrenic population and how cannabis use affected memory, cognition, and hormone levels. I continued research at St. Michael’s hospital in a neurosurgery lab, focusing on injury prevention. I plan on pursuing psychology in the graduate level, and am now enjoying working in Dr. Gilboa’s laboratory, learning so many new things about cognitive neuroscience.
I have an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology from York University, with focus on molecular genetics and psychology. During my undergraduate I completed a research practicum in a human molecular genetics laboratory at York, working with polytene chromosomal mapping in Drosophila melanogaster models. I also worked at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, conducting research focused on the early onset schizophrenic population and how cannabis use affected memory, cognition, and hormone levels. I continued research at St. Michael’s hospital in a neurosurgery lab, focusing on injury prevention. I plan on pursuing psychology in the graduate level, and am now enjoying working in Dr. Gilboa’s laboratory, learning so many new things about cognitive neuroscience.
Eva Di Nallo
I am a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Physiology. Between the ages of 12 and 17, I sustained eight concussions, which resulted in lasting physical and cognitive consequences. As a result of my injuries, I have become interested in learning about human cognition, specifically, how brain injuries affect memory. Working at the Gilboa Lab allows me to participate in research that aligns with my passion for understanding the cognitive effects of brain injuries and aging. Outside of the classroom and the lab, you can find me on a long walk, watching documentaries, or reading a good book.
I am a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Physiology. Between the ages of 12 and 17, I sustained eight concussions, which resulted in lasting physical and cognitive consequences. As a result of my injuries, I have become interested in learning about human cognition, specifically, how brain injuries affect memory. Working at the Gilboa Lab allows me to participate in research that aligns with my passion for understanding the cognitive effects of brain injuries and aging. Outside of the classroom and the lab, you can find me on a long walk, watching documentaries, or reading a good book.
Simran Rehal
I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, pursuing a BSc in psychology and a major in biology. I’ve always been fascinated by humans, specifically the neurological underpinnings of learning and memory. Furthermore, individuals who have undergone traumatic brain injuries has been an interest of mine. I’ve had the honour of volunteering in the Gilboa lab since 2019. I am currently working with Prateek in creating and conducting an IAT task regarding individuals with alcohol use and how that may affect executive functionality. Also, I have been conducting an undergraduate thesis at the Martin Pain Lab where I am looking at the somatosensory thalamic connectivity in conditioned analgesia. Ultimately, I’d like to be a researcher and professor in developmental psychology, with an interest in children. Outside of academia, I love creative arts (music and visual art), building things, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, pursuing a BSc in psychology and a major in biology. I’ve always been fascinated by humans, specifically the neurological underpinnings of learning and memory. Furthermore, individuals who have undergone traumatic brain injuries has been an interest of mine. I’ve had the honour of volunteering in the Gilboa lab since 2019. I am currently working with Prateek in creating and conducting an IAT task regarding individuals with alcohol use and how that may affect executive functionality. Also, I have been conducting an undergraduate thesis at the Martin Pain Lab where I am looking at the somatosensory thalamic connectivity in conditioned analgesia. Ultimately, I’d like to be a researcher and professor in developmental psychology, with an interest in children. Outside of academia, I love creative arts (music and visual art), building things, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Vaishaalie Nimalan
I am a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Western Ontario, pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Sciences and an Honors Specialization in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences. My passion for neuroscience is solely fueled by my profound interest in memory disorders. It is difficult to imagine one’s life without the ability to recall or retain specific memories. Whether it be how we perceive ourselves, build relationships or develop skills, memory plays a significant role. I have helped provide care for children and adults with memory impairment and have seen first-hand, the consequential effects it has on their daily lives. In order to develop efficient modes of treatment for such individuals, it is critical to understand the underlying mechanisms of memory encoding, storage and retrieval. I have the privilege of working in Dr. Gilboa’s lab with Ariana to investigate the influence of memory schemas on the encoding of new information. Outside of volunteering in the Gilboa lab, I spend my time learning and teaching dance, reading, and taking long road trips with family or friends!
I am a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Western Ontario, pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Sciences and an Honors Specialization in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences. My passion for neuroscience is solely fueled by my profound interest in memory disorders. It is difficult to imagine one’s life without the ability to recall or retain specific memories. Whether it be how we perceive ourselves, build relationships or develop skills, memory plays a significant role. I have helped provide care for children and adults with memory impairment and have seen first-hand, the consequential effects it has on their daily lives. In order to develop efficient modes of treatment for such individuals, it is critical to understand the underlying mechanisms of memory encoding, storage and retrieval. I have the privilege of working in Dr. Gilboa’s lab with Ariana to investigate the influence of memory schemas on the encoding of new information. Outside of volunteering in the Gilboa lab, I spend my time learning and teaching dance, reading, and taking long road trips with family or friends!
Shreeyaa Ramana
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, specializing in Neuroscience and majoring in Psychology. Working at the Einstein Lab for Cognitive Neuroscience, I developed an interest in studying the effects of aging on cognition and how that has different implications depending on sex and gender identities. I reached out to Dr. Gilboa for a volunteer opportunity since I wanted to learn more about how to apply knowledge gained from existing research to create interventions for improved cognitive health outcomes. I worked with Zorry to study the efficacy of a remote intervention training for individuals with traumatic brain injury. I am currently working with Erik to study how prior knowledge influences new learning. Outside of school and research, I spend my time promoting mental health awareness and running a social media science literacy campaign. In my free time, I like to read fiction and play Basketball whenever I can!
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, specializing in Neuroscience and majoring in Psychology. Working at the Einstein Lab for Cognitive Neuroscience, I developed an interest in studying the effects of aging on cognition and how that has different implications depending on sex and gender identities. I reached out to Dr. Gilboa for a volunteer opportunity since I wanted to learn more about how to apply knowledge gained from existing research to create interventions for improved cognitive health outcomes. I worked with Zorry to study the efficacy of a remote intervention training for individuals with traumatic brain injury. I am currently working with Erik to study how prior knowledge influences new learning. Outside of school and research, I spend my time promoting mental health awareness and running a social media science literacy campaign. In my free time, I like to read fiction and play Basketball whenever I can!
Xuan (Sophia) Zhang
I am a fourth-year student at UofT, who is specialized in psychology. My undergraduate research has mainly focused on sematic knowledge, memory, and learning. I am always fascinated by the complex brain systems supporting different cognitive processes. Especially, I’m interested in exploring how other brain regions (e.g., PFC, angular gyrus) interact with the hippocampus to give rise to knowledge integration and consolidation. In line with this initiative, I joined the Gilboa lab as a research student to study how people integrate knowledge by applying non-invasive brain stimulation on their angular gyrus. When I am not doing research, I like to read books and hunt for good movies. You may also find me on my way to hiking.
I am a fourth-year student at UofT, who is specialized in psychology. My undergraduate research has mainly focused on sematic knowledge, memory, and learning. I am always fascinated by the complex brain systems supporting different cognitive processes. Especially, I’m interested in exploring how other brain regions (e.g., PFC, angular gyrus) interact with the hippocampus to give rise to knowledge integration and consolidation. In line with this initiative, I joined the Gilboa lab as a research student to study how people integrate knowledge by applying non-invasive brain stimulation on their angular gyrus. When I am not doing research, I like to read books and hunt for good movies. You may also find me on my way to hiking.
Shuran (Rayna) Tang
I am a fourth-year student specializing in psychology and major in cognitive science at the University of Toronto. I have a long-lasting enthusiasm for the neurological perspective of human cognition, especially in memory and consciousness. In the Gilboa Lab, I am working with Dr. Gilboa and Hannah to explore human memory in terms of PTSD, which is a novel and exciting combination for me. I plan on pursuing cognitive neuroscience in graduate school to help me enrich better skills and capacities. Outside of the lab, I am a tyro ballet "dancer" and love film photography and reading.
I am a fourth-year student specializing in psychology and major in cognitive science at the University of Toronto. I have a long-lasting enthusiasm for the neurological perspective of human cognition, especially in memory and consciousness. In the Gilboa Lab, I am working with Dr. Gilboa and Hannah to explore human memory in terms of PTSD, which is a novel and exciting combination for me. I plan on pursuing cognitive neuroscience in graduate school to help me enrich better skills and capacities. Outside of the lab, I am a tyro ballet "dancer" and love film photography and reading.
Xinyi (Lisa) Chen
I am a third-year student majoring in Statistics and specializing in Computer Science at the University of Toronto. I became interested in psychology research after taking my first psychology course at UofT. Utilizing my technology skills, I worked with Kyle Alsbyry-Nealy in Dr.Duncan’s memory lab to develop a 3D experiment building toolbox called OpenMaze that enables researchers to build any 3D experiment using Unity. By joining Dr. Gilboa’s Lab, I will continue to work on projects like OpenMaze that integrate technology and statistical analysis into research. At the same time, I will be experimenting on how these toolboxes could possibly bring different conclusions or visualizations to current studies. This year, I aim to explore some topics about cognitive psychology together with the lab members and eventually find what I am interested in and contribute my knowledge towards it! Lastly, I love everything related to Music. If I am not working on my studies, I am usually having a little music sing-off party with my friends and my guitar
I am a third-year student majoring in Statistics and specializing in Computer Science at the University of Toronto. I became interested in psychology research after taking my first psychology course at UofT. Utilizing my technology skills, I worked with Kyle Alsbyry-Nealy in Dr.Duncan’s memory lab to develop a 3D experiment building toolbox called OpenMaze that enables researchers to build any 3D experiment using Unity. By joining Dr. Gilboa’s Lab, I will continue to work on projects like OpenMaze that integrate technology and statistical analysis into research. At the same time, I will be experimenting on how these toolboxes could possibly bring different conclusions or visualizations to current studies. This year, I aim to explore some topics about cognitive psychology together with the lab members and eventually find what I am interested in and contribute my knowledge towards it! Lastly, I love everything related to Music. If I am not working on my studies, I am usually having a little music sing-off party with my friends and my guitar
Pratyush Menon
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto, with a minor in Artificial Intelligence Engineering. I worked with Kyle on a software tool to enable researchers to easily run psychology and machine learning experiments on custom environments, and this work sparked an interest in modeling human cognitive mechanisms through deep learning - specifically, reinforcement learning. At the Gilboa Lab, I am working on an undergraduate thesis with Professor Gilboa and Kyle, focusing on exploring the effect of prior knowledge on the learning (training) of reinforcement learning agents. My other interests include traveling around the world and playing sports such as basketball, cricket, and tennis.
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto, with a minor in Artificial Intelligence Engineering. I worked with Kyle on a software tool to enable researchers to easily run psychology and machine learning experiments on custom environments, and this work sparked an interest in modeling human cognitive mechanisms through deep learning - specifically, reinforcement learning. At the Gilboa Lab, I am working on an undergraduate thesis with Professor Gilboa and Kyle, focusing on exploring the effect of prior knowledge on the learning (training) of reinforcement learning agents. My other interests include traveling around the world and playing sports such as basketball, cricket, and tennis.
Talha Anwar Chaudhry
I am a third-year undergraduate student specialising in neuroscience and majoring in physiology at the University of Toronto. I have been extensively involved in various journal reading and writing works, having been an associate editor at JULS — U of T and McMaster’s joint collaboration on an undergraduate life science journal. I have also worked as a research assistant under Dr. Roger McIntyre, drafting up a protocol to conduct a meta-analysis looking at impact of age of onset on severity, prognosis and clinical features in bipolar disorders. I came to U of T hoping to pursue medicine, but got captivated by the vastness of the available research in the neuroscience field. I have joined the Gilboa lab for two reasons — one is to work on my independent thesis project for my specialist, while the other being exploration of the field, so I can make an educated decision on my future plans. I currently work with Karen Joseph studying the nature of one-trial visual learning of the Mooney figures, and whether this type of hippocampal independent learning produces flexible or inflexible knowledge. When I am not working, you can find me exercising, divulged in anime, and/or watching re-runs of The Office.
I am a third-year undergraduate student specialising in neuroscience and majoring in physiology at the University of Toronto. I have been extensively involved in various journal reading and writing works, having been an associate editor at JULS — U of T and McMaster’s joint collaboration on an undergraduate life science journal. I have also worked as a research assistant under Dr. Roger McIntyre, drafting up a protocol to conduct a meta-analysis looking at impact of age of onset on severity, prognosis and clinical features in bipolar disorders. I came to U of T hoping to pursue medicine, but got captivated by the vastness of the available research in the neuroscience field. I have joined the Gilboa lab for two reasons — one is to work on my independent thesis project for my specialist, while the other being exploration of the field, so I can make an educated decision on my future plans. I currently work with Karen Joseph studying the nature of one-trial visual learning of the Mooney figures, and whether this type of hippocampal independent learning produces flexible or inflexible knowledge. When I am not working, you can find me exercising, divulged in anime, and/or watching re-runs of The Office.
Victoria Hardin
I have an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University, Glendon Campus, with focus on cognitive neuropsychology. During my undergraduate degree, my research focused on how stereotypes and biases affect memory. After graduating, I returned to York to write an undergraduate thesis which led me to Dr. Gilboa’s lab. Currently I am working with Dr. Gilboa and Ariana to study the effect different types of prior knowledge have on memory. Outside of the lab, I work as a clinical assistant at St. Michael’s Hospital. In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, hiking, travelling, competitive skeet shooting, and hanging out with my cat.
I have an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University, Glendon Campus, with focus on cognitive neuropsychology. During my undergraduate degree, my research focused on how stereotypes and biases affect memory. After graduating, I returned to York to write an undergraduate thesis which led me to Dr. Gilboa’s lab. Currently I am working with Dr. Gilboa and Ariana to study the effect different types of prior knowledge have on memory. Outside of the lab, I work as a clinical assistant at St. Michael’s Hospital. In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, hiking, travelling, competitive skeet shooting, and hanging out with my cat.
Alumni
Postdoctoral fellows:
Eve Attali Neuropsychologist, CEMEREM la Timone Hospital, Marseille
Vessela Stamenova Research Lead, implementation and evaluation of virtual healthcare, Women's College Hospital, Toronto
PhD alumni:
Zorry Belchev Policy Analyst, Community Care Support Services, Ministry of Health, Government of British Columbia
Melissa Hebscher Postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University
Maayan Merhav Postdoctoral fellow at German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg
Tali Atir Lecturer at Emek Yezreel College and clinical psychologist at Tamuz Institute, Haifa
Shani Waidergoren Clinical Neuropsychologist, private practice
Eve Attali Neuropsychologist, CEMEREM la Timone Hospital, Marseille
Vessela Stamenova Research Lead, implementation and evaluation of virtual healthcare, Women's College Hospital, Toronto
PhD alumni:
Zorry Belchev Policy Analyst, Community Care Support Services, Ministry of Health, Government of British Columbia
Melissa Hebscher Postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University
Maayan Merhav Postdoctoral fellow at German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg
Tali Atir Lecturer at Emek Yezreel College and clinical psychologist at Tamuz Institute, Haifa
Shani Waidergoren Clinical Neuropsychologist, private practice
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MA alumni:
Grace Gabriel Vanessa Ghosh Shelly Ben Israel Moran Barkan Tehila Guigui Adi Zakay Sarah Adler-Luzon Neta Kvetniy-Ferdman |
Neta Levy Lina Abo-Ahmad Rinat Bar-Eliezer Osnat Mussel Hila Sholomon Roman Rozengrut Judith Segalovicz Raneen Nicola |
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Undergraduate thesis alumni:
Rachel Hickson Madison Fraser Adam Pugsley Lai Wong Shaylyn Joseph Anastasia Kalantarova Saambavy Shan Richard Wang Osnat Peleg Hila Levinzon Itamar Behrman Osnat Harari Maayan Blitz |
Undergraduate students and volunteer alumni:
Jen Siegel Leanne Mendoza Christina Lubinsky Shaheem Alam Niels Erik Nandal Alita Fernandez Kyle Nealy Mubina Butt Brahm Sanger Shaily Oisie Samreen Aziz Mamta Kapoor |
Sharon Chernyak Laxan Premachandran George He Christine Ibrahim Julia Kearly Noa El-Hassid Dana Silberberg Ory Bar-Haim Alina Nikiforov Inbal Goldfrecht |