Jason Steffener

Jason Steffener is an Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Health Sciences. His research focuses on neuroplastic changes in aging brains, cognitive reserve mechanisms, and neuroimaging techniques. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from NJIT and has held academic positions at Columbia University Medical Center, Concordia University, and now Ottawa. His work integrates neuroimaging (fMRI, structural MRI), statistical modeling, and computational approaches to study brain adaptability.

• Education: BS (1997), MS (2002), PhD (2005) in Biomedical Engineering from NJIT
• Postdoctoral training (2006–2009): Columbia University under Dr. Yaakov Stern

Research emphasizes how education, physical activity, and lifetime exposures influence brain resilience against aging and disease. Key methodologies include moderated-mediation analysis, neurovascular coupling studies, and high-performance computing. He develops open-source tools for neuroimaging data standardization (e.g., NIDM framework).

Recent work investigates semantic memory networks in aging, trigeminal sensory processing, and olfactory training effects on brain structure. His grants likely support interdisciplinary projects combining clinical neuroscience with big data analysis.

Labs/Teams: Likely leads neuroimaging research groups focused on aging and cognitive reserve at University of Ottawa. Collaborates internationally on projects like the SABE Study and Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.