Kazue Semba

Dr. Kazue Semba is a Professor in the Department of Medical Neuroscience and Department of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine. Her research focuses on neurobiological mechanisms of sleep regulation, including circadian rhythms, astrocyte roles, and hormonal modulation. She holds a PhD from Rutgers University and advanced degrees from Tokyo University of Education.

• PhD (Rutgers University, USA)
• MA (Tokyo University of Education, Japan)
• BEd Honours (Tokyo University of Education, Japan)

Her work employs rodent models to study sleep/wake regulation, chronic sleep deprivation effects, and neurobehavioral adaptations. Key areas include microglia dynamics, basal forebrain mechanisms, and neuroendocrine interactions. Notable awards include the Murray L. Barr Junior Scientist Award and Alzheimer Society recognition for service.

• Editorial Board Member, Journal SLEEP (2003–present)
• NIH Study Section Member (1999–2010)

Her research bridges cellular mechanisms with behavioral outcomes, emphasizing translational insights for sleep disorders and neurodegeneration. Ongoing studies explore circadian control and hormonal influences on sleep architecture.