Jason A. Berard

Jason A. Berard is a Part-Time Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, at the University of Ottawa. He is also a Clinical Research Program Manager at The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) in the Neuroscience program and a member of both the Brain-Heart Interconnectome (BHI) initiative and the University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute (uOBMRI). His work bridges academic teaching and clinical neuroscience research.

Dr. Berard holds a PhD in Experimental Psychology (Behavioural Neuroscience/Cognition) and an Honours BSc in Psychology, both from the University of Ottawa. He teaches courses including Biological Foundations of Behaviour, Perception, Drugs and Behaviour, Behavioural Neuroscience, Cognition, and Human Neuropsychology.

His research focuses on cognitive and mental health outcomes in neurological disorders, especially multiple sclerosis (MS). Key areas include cognitive fatigability, neuropsychological assessment (e.g., MACFIMS, PASAT), longitudinal cognitive changes, the impact of stem cell therapies on cognition, and the relationship between cognition and biological markers in MS. He is also involved in music-based interventions for cognitive health in MS, Alzheimer’s, and muscular dystrophy populations.

His recent publications highlight methodological advancements in cognitive testing and clinical outcomes in MS. These works show a strong trend toward improving assessment tools and evaluating novel interventions, particularly in cognitive rehabilitation and regenerative therapies.

• Part-Time Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Ottawa
• Clinical Research Program Manager, Neuroscience, OHRI
• Member, Brain-Heart Interconnectome Program
• Member, Brain and Mind Research Institute, uOttawa
• Developer, Neurocognitive Testing Service (NCTS) platform

Dr. Berard is actively involved in research grants and collaborative projects, particularly through the Cognitive Health in MS Research Lab led by Dr. Lisa Walker. He contributes to clinical trials and supports researchers in integrating cognitive outcomes into their studies. He has no listed students or formal advisees in the provided materials.

He is also developing the Neurocognitive Testing Service (NCTS), a platform designed to support cognitive and mental health assessments across multiple partner institutions including The Ottawa Hospital, OHRI, CHEO, and the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.