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Lawrence McCandlessView profile

Professor

• Biostatistics
• Environmental Epidemiology
• Bayesian Statistics
• +2 more

Lawrence McCandless is Professor and Director of MSc & PhD Programs in Simon Fraser University's Faculty of Health Sciences, with joint appointment in Statistics. His research applies statistical methods to environmental epidemiology and health outcomes. Education includes: PhD in Statistics from University of British Columbia MSc in Statistics from University of British Columbia Postdoctoral research at Imperial College London Research focuses on: Bayesian methods for epidemiological studies Chemical mixture exposures during pregnancy Environmental influences on child development Statistical approaches for unmeasured confounding He teaches courses in intermediate epidemiology, exploratory data analysis, and biostatistics, mentoring graduate students in quantitative health research methods. Current projects investigate environmental impacts on pregnancy outcomes and neurodevelopment using advanced statistical modeling approaches.

Gratien PrefontaineView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular biology
• Biochemistry
• Epigenetics
• +5 more

Gratien Prefontaine is an Associate Professor in Simon Fraser University's Faculty of Health Sciences, specializing in molecular mechanisms of gene regulation. He earned his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa and conducted postdoctoral research at UC San Diego, developing BAC manipulation techniques for gene expression studies. His research examines epigenetic control of gene expression: Transcriptional mechanisms of cell-type specific gene programs Role of chromatin modifiers (LSD1, SmcHD1) in epigenetic regulation DNA methylation dynamics in genomic imprinting and disease Key discoveries include identifying SmcHD1 as a regulator of imprinted genes and clustered protocadherins relevant to facioscapulohumoral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and Bosma arhinia micropthalmia syndrome (BAMS). His laboratory employs CRISPR-Cas9, ChIP-seq, and epigenetic editing approaches.

Nadine ProvençalView profile

Assistant Professor

• Epigenomics
• Biological embedding of early life exposures
• Developmental trajectories of health and diseases
• +2 more

Nadine Provençal is an Assistant Professor in Simon Fraser University's Faculty of Health Sciences, where she leads the EpiGenOmics of Developmental Trajectories (EGODT) laboratory. She holds a PhD in Pharmacology and Therapeutics from McGill University and completed postdoctoral training at the Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry. As an Investigator at BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, her research integrates epigenetics, bioinformatics, and clinical studies. Her translational program investigates epigenetic mechanisms linking early life adversity to health outcomes: Molecular processes of stress hormone effects on gene expression Developmental origins of behavioral/psychiatric disorders Multi-omic analyses of cellular/animal models and human cohorts Her laboratory combines molecular biology techniques with longitudinal cohort studies to identify biomarkers and mechanistic pathways. She received the 2014 Richard Todd Award for contributions to child psychiatry genetics.

• Cognitive Psychology
• Spatial Attention
• Applied Cognitive Psychology
• +3 more

John Christie is a Senior Instructor at Dalhousie University's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience (part of the Faculty of Science). He holds a part-time academic appointment and focuses on teaching and research in cognitive psychology. His work emphasizes active learning methodologies and explores intersections between attention mechanisms, spatial awareness, and data visualization techniques. Research Interests: Christie's research examines how learning processes interact with attention systems, spatial attention dynamics, and the application of cognitive psychology principles to real-world problems. His work often integrates experimental methods with computational modeling, particularly in understanding oculomotor behavior and perceptual decision-making. Teaching Philosophy: Christie advocates for student-centered, active learning environments where learners construct knowledge through exploration rather than passive instruction. He emphasizes creating structured yet flexible educational frameworks that empower students to take ownership of their learning process. Publications Overview: Christie's recent work spans topics like lifespan changes in attention networks, inhibition of return mechanisms, and the cognitive effects of multilingualism. His 2024 meta-analysis on attention networks highlights neural plasticity across ages, while 2023 studies investigate visual masking effects and cognitive load in target identification tasks. Contact Information: Available for collaboration via email John.Christie@dal.ca at the Life Sciences Centre in Halifax.

Penny CorkumView profile

Professor

• Child Clinical Psychology
• Pediatric Sleep
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• +4 more

Dr. Penny Corkum is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, with a dual affiliation in the Department of Psychiatry. She leads the Corkum LABS, focusing on pediatric sleep, neurodevelopmental disorders, and eHealth interventions. Her work emphasizes digital tools to improve sleep outcomes for children and families, particularly those with ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental challenges. Education: BSc (Dalhousie), MA & PhD (OISE/University of Toronto). Affiliations: Faculty of Science, Department of Psychiatry, Kids Brain Health Network, Canadian Sleep Society. Key Projects: Better Nights/Better Days programs, ASSIST teacher training, Healthy Sleep for Healthy Schools. Research Interests: Child psychopathology (ADHD), pediatric sleep interventions, eHealth scalability, and healthcare provider education. Her team develops accessible online programs (e.g., ABCs of Sleeping app) to bridge gaps in sleep care. Awards: 2020 Killam Professorship, 2019 Endeavour Leadership Award, 2016 Teacher of the Year (Dalhousie). Funding: CIHR, Kids Brain Health Network, Waterloo Foundation. Lab Activities: Over 100 trainees supervised, including PhD, Master’s, and undergraduate students. Collaborations with global institutions like SickKids (Toronto) and University of British Columbia.

Tamara FranklinView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Epigenetics
• In vivo electrophysiology
• +3 more

Tamara Franklin is an Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. She holds a part-time academic appointment. Her research focuses on understanding neural mechanisms underlying social interactions, with particular emphasis on epigenetic regulation and neuroconnectivity in disorders like autism and social anxiety. She completed her BSc at the University of King’s College, MSc at Dalhousie University, and PhD at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ). Franklin’s research interests include identifying neural circuits for social engagement and how epigenetic factors influence these circuits. She uses interdisciplinary approaches combining epigenetics, in vivo electrophysiology, and animal behavior studies. Her work has implications for understanding social-related disorders and improving therapeutic strategies. Her publications highlight investigations into HDAC2 regulation in social hierarchies, Alzheimer’s-related social deficits in 5xFAD mice, and transgenerational stress effects. Despite no listed awards, her grants and advising contributions are integral to her academic profile. She teaches courses like Measuring Behaviour (NESC/PSYO 3161) and Contemporary Issues in Neuroscience (NESC 4007). Franklin leads the Franklin Lab, which explores causal neural mechanisms of social dysfunction. The lab integrates cutting-edge techniques to study brain circuits involved in social behavior, with a focus on translational research applicable to human psychiatric disorders.

• Gut microbiome and probiotics
• Diet and probiotic interactions
• Neuroendocrine system effects
• +2 more

Libby Myles is a part-time Lecturer in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, part of the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on the gut microbiome, probiotics, diet interactions, neuroendocrine system effects, developmental programming, and metabolic/mental health connections. Education: BSc (Honours Bio-Psychology) from UNB Saint John, MSc and PhD in Neuroscience from Dalhousie University. Her research explores how dietary factors and probiotics influence metabolic and mental health outcomes, using rodent models and human studies. Recent work examines dietary impacts during adolescence, caffeine's effects on brain activity across menstrual cycles, and best practices for probiotic research. Teaching emphasizes student-centered learning, with courses like Neurobiological Basis of Psychopathology and Developmental Origins of Health and Disease. She prioritizes inclusivity and fostering self-efficacy in learners.

• Clinical Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Sexual Well-being
• +3 more

Meghan Rossi is a part-time Lecturer in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, within the Faculty of Science. She holds a BSc from the University of Toronto and a PhD from Dalhousie University. Her research focuses on mental health and sexual well-being during medical challenges, such as medically assisted reproduction, cancer, and postpartum pain. She designs inclusive psychosocial interventions addressing sexual health in health-concern contexts. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes student-centered, interactive learning aligned with individual goals. Key research areas include dyadic coping in couples facing fertility treatments, partner perceptions in alcohol use disorders, and longitudinal studies on sexual well-being during parenthood transitions. Notable collaborations include co-designing the Tranquility iCBT program for anxiety/depression. Awards include SSHRC Doctoral Awards, the Brian Dufton Memorial Prize, and recognition from the International Academy of Sex Research. Publications span topics like postpartum pain dynamics, medically assisted reproduction, and sexual dysfunction assessment. Grants include funding from SSHRC, MSSU, and Research Nova Scotia. Her work bridges clinical practice, technology-driven interventions, and relational psychology.

• Reading Development
• Adult Literacy
• Digital Intervention Programs
• +3 more

Rebecca Tucker is a part-time Lecturer in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on reading development, adult literacy, and the design of digital intervention programs. She emphasizes program evaluation to enhance educational outcomes. Dr. Tucker teaches courses such as Developmental Psychology (PSYO 2090), Adult Psychopathology (PSYO 2220), and Methods in Experimental Clinical Psychology (PSYO 3122), prioritizing student engagement and accessibility in her teaching philosophy. She aims to create inclusive classroom environments where students can apply knowledge beyond the course. Her research explores orthographic learning mechanisms, socio-cognitive factors in reading skill, and interventions for at-risk populations. Past projects include eye-tracking studies on complex word recognition and personalized outreach for university students with reading difficulties. Though no awards are explicitly listed, her work aligns with clinical and educational psychology practices. No grants or lab affiliations are mentioned in the provided texts. Her advising activities and future research directions remain unspecified, but her teaching and research indicate a focus on bridging developmental theory with practical educational applications.

• Behavioral epigenetics
• Molecular (epi)genetic mechanisms
• Immuno-metabolism
• +3 more

Ian Weaver is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on molecular, metabolic, and immunological aspects of cellular and behavioral neuroscience, particularly mechanisms of gene regulation and their roles in neurodevelopmental and metabolic disorders. He holds cross-appointments in Pathology and Psychiatry and is a member of the Brain Repair Centre and the Canadian Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Network. Dr. Weaver earned a BSc from the University of Aberdeen, an MSc from the University of Bristol, and a PhD from McGill University. His work integrates molecular, cellular, and behavioral assays to explore how experiences influence gene regulation through chromatin dynamics. Collaborations include partnerships with Canadian biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries to advance biomedical applications. Research interests include epigenetic mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and neurodegeneration, with a focus on DNA repair, metabolism, and biomarker discovery. He actively seeks graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, emphasizing alignment between applicants’ training and his lab’s goals. As Certificate in Genetics Coordinator, he oversees research proposals for students in Psychology & Neuroscience and Medical Sciences. Key publications span molecular mechanisms in neurodegeneration, epigenetic therapy in cancer, and developmental origins of health. His lab’s interdisciplinary approach bridges basic science and translational research, addressing critical questions in gene regulation and disease pathogenesis.

Katherine ReillyView profile

Associate Professor

• Digital Media Studies
• Political Science
• Development Studies
• +6 more

Katherine Reilly is an Associate Professor at the School of Communication, Simon Fraser University (SFU). She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto, an MPPA in Public Policy focused on Developing Countries from Carleton University, and a BES in Environmental Studies with Economics from York University. Her research focuses on digital media, data governance, Latin American public policy, and civic participation in the datafied society. Her work explores themes such as data colonialism, personal data literacy, and platform economics through projects like the Son Mis Datos citizen data audits. She teaches courses on data and society, emphasizing critical engagement with digital technologies' societal impacts. Recent research includes studies on datafication in Latin America, health platformization, and antimicrobial stewardship roles for veterinary technicians. Reilly's publications span over two decades, addressing topics from ICT4D to open development and communicative sovereignty in Latin America. She has contributed to international dialogues on sustainable development governance and gender solidarity in global power shifts. No specific grants or awards are listed, but her extensive academic output reflects sustained engagement with digital transformation and equity.

• Student Engagement
• Teacher Well-being
• Educational Psychology
• +4 more

Elizabeth OLIVIER is an Associate Professor at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Education Sciences, Department of Psychopedagogy and Andragogy. She specializes in educational psychology, focusing on teacher well-being, student engagement, and mental health in school contexts. Her work addresses behavioral challenges, classroom management strategies, and socioemotional development in adolescents. Educational Background: PhD in Educational Psychology (2017, University of Montreal) Postdoctorates in Education (2019, Catholic University of Louvain) and Psychology (2020, Concordia University) Key Research Interests: School climate and its impact on mental health Teacher stress and resilience Behavioral interventions for students with adaptive challenges Transitions to adulthood among academically delayed youth Notable Awards: CRSH Postdoctoral Fellowship (2017–2019) Joseph-Armand-Bombardi Doctoral Scholarship (2014–2017) Current Projects: Leading studies on classroom management practices and teacher well-being Investigating mental health support in schools via FRSQ funding Exploring AI-based systems for student retention (PIA-funded) Labs/Teams: GREs – Group for School Environment Research CIRCA – Brain and Learning Research Center Institut universitaire Jeunes en difficulté (IUJD)

Eric LyonsView profile

Associate Professor

• Turfgrass Physiology
• Stress Responses in Plants
• Urban Landscape Ecology
• +3 more

Eric Lyons is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph, leading the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. His research focuses on turfgrass stress physiology, urban landscape ecology, and sustainable management practices for sports fields. He holds a B.Sc. from the University of Northern Iowa and a Ph.D. from Penn State University. Lyons' research spans root biology, nutrient stress tolerance, and innovative technologies for the turfgrass industry. He collaborates with companies and organizations like the Toronto Blue Jays to develop natural turf solutions for challenging environments. His work emphasizes reducing chemical inputs while enhancing environmental and economic benefits of turf systems. Teaching roles include courses in turfgrass management, plant science, and graduate seminars. He advocates for interdisciplinary approaches, co-advising students on projects blending science and practical management skills. Outreach includes short courses for turf managers and high school engagement programs. His recent publications address topics like ABA effects on turf physiology, LIDAR-based quality mapping, and sustainable fertilizer practices. Despite no listed awards, his industry collaborations (e.g., Blue Jays Rogers Centre project) highlight his applied research impact.

Marica BakovicView profile

Professor

• Nutrigenomics
• Metabolism
• Choline Transport
• +3 more

Dr. Marica Bakovic holds the rank of Professor at the University of Guelph , within the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences under the College of Biological Science . Her research focuses on choline transport , metabolism , and nutrigenomics , particularly investigating phospholipid biosynthesis and its implications in metabolic disorders such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) and insulin resistance. Education: B.Sc. (Belgrade) M.Sc. (Belgrade) Ph.D. (University of Alberta) Research Interests: Regulation of genes involved in choline transport and phospholipid metabolism Role of nutrients in protein synthesis and gene expression Nutrigenomic approaches to cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome Her laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms linking one-carbon metabolism, mitochondrial function, and lipid homeostasis. Recent work highlights the therapeutic potential of phosphoethanolamine in mitigating NASH caused by Pcyt2 deficiency. She advises graduate students and has contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with a focus on translational research bridging basic biology and clinical applications. Lab Location: ANNU Building, Office 346 / Lab 309

Andreas HeylandView profile

Professor

• Marine Biology
• Functional Genomics
• Hormonal Signaling Systems
• +7 more

Andreas Heyland is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph's College of Biological Science. His research focuses on molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying life history transitions in marine invertebrates, particularly metamorphosis and hormonal signaling systems. He leads the Heyland Lab , exploring topics such as iodine and thyroid hormone signaling in marine ecosystems, functional genomics of larval development in Aplysia californica, and sensory signaling systems in marine invertebrates. Dr. Heyland holds a B.Sc. from the University of Zurich (1996), an M.Sc. (1999), and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida (2004), followed by postdoctoral work at the University of Florida. He advises several graduate students and collaborates internationally on projects involving functional genomics and ecological genomics. His research integrates experimental, physiological, and genomic approaches to address questions about how environmental factors modulate developmental mechanisms. Key themes include the role of thyroid hormones in larval development and metamorphosis, the evolution of non-feeding life history modes, and the application of transcriptomics to study sensory systems in basal metazoans like Trichoplax adhaerens. He has published extensively on hormonal signaling, metamorphic transitions, and ecological impacts on development. Current lab members include Ph.D. students Breanna Hall, Elias Taylor, and Vern Lewis (co-advised), as well as MSc students Hannah Wynen, Holly Belanco, Jordan Roszell, and Trysta Bastien. His work bridges molecular mechanisms with evolutionary and ecological contexts, contributing to our understanding of developmental plasticity and environmental interactions in marine organisms.