About

It is well established that certain subsets of cognitive function, especially those related to dopaminergic transmission are sensitive to changes in ovarian hormone levels. Fluctuations in hormone levels across the female menstrual cycle (or estrous cycle in rodents) have shown to account for a large degree of variation in cognitive function, neurotransmitter activity, and in the function of a variety of pharmaceutical drugs. Work in the Brake lab is primarily focused on analyzing how ovarian hormones such as estrogen and progesterone affect cognition, neurobiology, and neuropharmacology.

Past work in the lab has shown that when estrogen levels fluctuate in female rats there are a variety of changes in learning and memory, as well as in the brain. The Brake lab has used a variety of cutting edge neuroscientific techniques (e.g. electron microscopy, immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, in vivo micro-dialysis, high performance liquid chromatography, and animal fMRI) to examine the effects of hormones on the brain. The Brake lab also pursues research examining the interactive effects of ovarian hormones and a variety pharmaceutical drugs such as: anti-psychotics (e.g. haloperidol), anti-depressants (e.g. ketamine), and stimulants (e.g. amphetamine) on cognitive, behavioural, and neurobiological outcomes. The Brake lab is currently working on a variety of projects all which involve developing a better understanding of the effects of ovarian hormones in the brain.

Current Students:

• Czarina Evangelista
• Conall Mac Cionnaith
• Jesse Lacasse
• Collin Gagné
• Smita Patel

Lab Alumni:

• Matt Quinlan (Professor at California State University at San Bernadino)
• Nicole Gervais (Post Doc at University of Toronto)
• Dan Madularu (Business Development Specialist at Mitacs, Ottawa)
• Dema Hussain (Psychologist at Montreal Therapy Center)
• Anne Almey (Post Doc at University of Toronto)
• Waqqas Shams (Project Analyst at MaRS Innovation, Toronto)

At the Brake lab we are always looking for talented students to join the team. If you are interested in joining the lab please use the contact form at the bottom of the page to get in touch.

Unfortunately, we are currently only recruiting students who have external funding, and we do not accept students who wish to enter the clinical psychology training stream. Potential applicants are expected to have applied to Tri-Council agencenies or local agencies for funding (see links below).

1: http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PG-CS/index_eng.asp

2: http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/50513.html

3: http://www.frqnt.gouv.qc.ca/en/accueil