I have a HUGE sense of wonder and love learning new things every day! That is why I have been in education for my whole life; as a student, teacher, assistant principal, principal and now education coordinator. I love being in nature, hiking in the mountains or swimming in the ocean, as long as I can be active. My claim to fame is being inducted into the AB Figure Skating Hall of Fame this year along with my Precision Skating teammates from my youth as the most accomplished team in the history of AB. I also love a good rom com movie and classic rock music.
Favourite fact about the brain:
The Prefrontal Cortex because it is is the executive control center for my every-day functioning!
I’m in my fourth year of Honours Pharmacology, and this will be my third year with Brainwaves! I love this club because making such an important topic fun and engaging for kids is so valuable! I am involved in research and coach figure skating, and in my spare time, I enjoy travelling and Pilates :)
Favourite region of the brain and why:
Basal Ganglia, because they play an important role in movement and learning. After years of practice, they help learned movements—like figure skating—become smooth and automatic.
Hi everyone! I’m Adrien, and I’m currently completing my MSc in Surgery at the University of Alberta, where my research focuses on heart transplantation and developing universal donor hearts. Outside of research, I really enjoy playing video games and going skating. I love BrainWaves because it gives us the opportunity to make science fun and approachable for younger students while teaching them practical ways to protect their brains and stay safe!
Favourite region of the brain and why:
Maybe not my favorite region, but here is my favorite fun fact - recent Stanford-led research suggests that what we traditionally call the brain may actually develop as two distinct organs, with the forebrain and hindbrain arising from separate developmental lineages. I think that is pretty cool!
My name is Suhad, and I am in my fourth year of my Bachelor of Science. I love cats, and I have two cats named Luca and Kiwi! I also did karate for 10 years and earned my black belt. Karate taught me a lot about discipline, safety, and the importance of protecting yourself, which is one of the reasons being part of Brainwaves is so important to me. I love that Brainwaves gives us the opportunity to teach kids about brain safety, the importance of wearing helmets, and how to prevent and recognize concussions. I think it’s really meaningful to educate kids about these things at a young age so they can stay safe while doing the activities and sports they love.
Favourite region of the brain and why:
Occipital lobe! I love it because it’s responsible for processing visual information, and I think it’s really cool how our brain turns everything we see into something we can understand.
Hi everyone! My name is Layla and It's my second year of my undergrad here at the UofA. When I'm not studying, some of my hobbies include singing, doodling, and going for long walks. A fun fact about me is that I'm a third-culture kid.
Favourite fact about the brain:
The hippocampus because it plays a role in how our memories are stored and I am very nostalgic.
Hi everyone, my name is Tanzila and I am in my 3rd year of the honors physiology program. I am an artist specializing in oil painting, ink and watercolor. I am currently working on a series that I hopefully can enter into an exhibition next year. When I'm not studying or making art, I usually like to binge watch shows on Netflix or go out to cafes and restaurants with my friends and family!
Favourite region of the brain and why:
My favorite region of the brain is the occipital lobe due to its role in visual processing which is something I can definitely appreciate as a visual artist.
I am in my second year of medical lab sciences. I’m truly excited to be elected as VP of Promotions. I love this club because it highlights injury prevention and safe, fun practices for children. When I’m not studying or volunteering, I like to go on long walks, drink herbal teas, and watch sitcom reruns.
Favourite region of the brain and why:
My favourite region is the claustrum because it allows for so much interconnectivity in our brains.
I am in the 3rd year of a BSc in Biochemistry, minor in Mathematics. This is my third year with Brain Waves. I love this club because of how it teaches students in a fun and interactive way about different parts of the brain and why it is important to your daily life.
In my free time, I love to go on mini side quests to markets or restaurants. I enjoy crocheting, listening to music, baking (I always bake sweet treats for my friends!), and learning more about the eye!
Favourite region of the brain and why:
My Favourite region is the occipital lobe because of its crucial role in vision. As someone who wants to be an optometrist in the future, I love learning about how this area receives and processes information from your surroundings and transforms it into your everyday perception of things! My favourite is its role in facial recognition :)
I am is in the last year of my undergraduate degree, studying physiology. A fun fact about me is that I had taken more psychology courses than physiology courses. When free, I usually go hiking and fishing with my family.
Favourite fact about the brain:
Wernicke's area because it is the "language comprehension center," allowing you to understand words and their meanings. Without it, language might sound like gibberish!
I'm a student at the UofA. I enjoy working with others & children. I like puzzles, playing games, and watching movies.
Favourite region of the brain and why:
I don't have one. There are so many that are left for me to learn about that I can't pick just yet!
Hi! I’m Kendra, I’m a fourth-year Psychology student and I really enjoy learning about older adults and how our thinking, behaviour, and experiences change as we age. I love hanging out with my friends, working with kids, and reading. If you ever need to spot me, just watch for someone holding a matcha or online shopping!
Favourite region of the brain and why:
My favourite region of the brain is the insula because I find it really interesting how it connects our physical sensations with our emotions. I especially like learning about how it helps us become aware of what’s happening inside our body and how that can influence the way we feel and respond to different situations.
Hobbies include swimming, biking, baking (Especially during the holidays), video games, and music (Most favourite bands include Onerepublic and Coldplay).
Favourite region of the brain and why:
I don’t really have a favourite region because all of the brain’s regions perform the vital functions necessary for survival.
Hi! My name is Matteo, and I’m a fourth-year Honors Pharmacology student at the University of Alberta. I’m passionate about health, research, and working with my community. Outside of school, I enjoy playing and coaching volleyball, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends. I’m always looking for opportunities to learn, contribute, and connect with others, which is what drew me to the BrainWaves!
Favourite region of the brain and why:
The hippocampus! Its name comes from the Greek word for “seahorse,” which always reminds me of visiting Ippocampo Beach in Italy with my cousins. I also love the mnemonic of imagining a hippo going to school to develop its long-term memories. It’s a small brain region with a huge role in learning and memory, and the combination of its name, function, and personal connection makes it my favourite!
Hi Everyone! I'm Amena and I'm a 4th year Pharmacology Major. This is my third year with Brainwaves and I'm excited to bring fun events for the Brainwaves community! My involvement with Brainwaves has helped me play an important role in helping children learn about how to protect the brain in a way that's exciting and entertaining!
In my leisure time, I love to read a good book, learn a new language, or go outdoors!
Favourite region of the brain and why:
Amygdala because it adds depth to even the smallest experiences!
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