Masters Thesis Defence

Candidate: Laura Dauphinee,  MSc Candidate

Date: Thursday August 7th 2025

Supervisor(s): Dr. Sean Christie, Division of Neurosurgery, Dalhousie University

Department/School/Program: Dalhousie University

Thesis Title: ESTABLISHING A SPATIO-TEMPORAL ATLAS OF GENE EXPRESSION AFTER TRAUMATIC SPINAL CORD INJURY

Time: 1:00pm

Location: Room 3-H1, Tupper Building

Closing date August 7th

Details at https://www.brainrepair.ca/grants

Join distinguished researchers, clinicians and dementia professionals at the largest international conference on dementia research. Share theories, breakthroughs and best practices while exploring opportunities to accelerate your work and elevate your career.

Abstract submissions open in December.

Registration opens in March.

https://aaic.alz.org

PS. The top five winners of the 2024 International Brain Bee (including Canada’s Lisa Wei), will be participating in the second IBB NextGen event to be hosted at this conference.

Meet a Scientist is run by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science. The event will be held in the Lindsay Children’s Room and BMO Community Room at the Halifax Central Library.

Meet a Scientist is a free, family-friendly event! We welcome potential future students, alumni, and members of the public curious about science to attend. Come explore science fields, ask questions, and learn about exciting research happening right here in Nova Scotia.

Refreshments will be provided. Admission FREE, register here.

PhD Thesis Defence

Candidate: Corey Monroe

Date: Monday, July 28th 2025

Supervisor(s): Dr. Tara Perrot; Dr. Heather Neyedli

Department/School/Program: Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University

Location: Room 3107 of the Mona Campbell Building

Thesis Title: CAN PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTATION AND ACUTE MODERATE INTENSITY AEROBIC EXERCISE IMPROVE EXECUTIVE FUNCTION POST-STRESS?

Masters Thesis Defence

Candidate: Nicole Ponto,  MSc Candidate

Date: Friday July 25th 2025

Supervisor(s): Dr. Philip Tibbo, Dr. Candice Crocker

Department/School/Program: Psychiatry Dalhousie University

Thesis Title: ADOLESCENT CANNABIS USE, PSYCHOTIC-LIKE EXPERIENCES, AND THEIR IMPACT ON BRAIN WHITE MATTER IN A SAMPLE OF DEVELOPING ADOLESCENTS

Time: 10:00am

Location: C150, CHEB

24 June marks the start of Self-Care Month, which ends with Self-Care Day on 24 July. This symbolic day was chosen because self-care can be practiced “24 hours a day/7 days a week”.

24 June marks the start of Self-Care Month, which ends with Self-Care Day on 24 July. This symbolic day was chosen because self-care can be practiced “24 hours a day/7 days a week”. 

It's six years since WHO released the first global Guideline on self-care interventions for health and well-being, , which has paved the way to link communities, primary care and health systems. Since then, WHO has released many other resources to help countries implement self-care interventions and make healthcare more accessible for all.

During Self-Care Month 2025, WHO will be releasing several more resources including: a Digital adaptation kit on self-monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy; Spanish versions of the Self-Care Competency Framework Volumes 1, 2 and 3 to help health and care workers support people to self-care; and the Implementation of self-care interventions for health and well-being: guidance for health systems in Spanish. It will also be re-promoting key resources like the Guideline and the free Counselling and prescribing of contraception in pharmacies course on the WHO Academy, which is available in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.

Self-Care Month is an opportunity to:

• raise additional awareness about self-care and self-care interventions;

• acknowledge the benefits that they bring to people’s lives and what’s been achieved so far; and

• call for renewed commitments and action to expand all health systems to include self-care interventions.

During the month, people around the world will be celebrating self-care practices and interventions and the difference they can make to everyone’s lives.

Find out more about Self-care at the following sites:

• who.int

• novascotia.cmha.ca

• selfcare.ca/self-care-day

World Brain Day Event
Wednesday, July 23 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Local time)
NOTE: Halifax time is 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Hybrid (Zoom)

Details and Registration link at: bcbrainwellness.ca/events/world-brain-day-2025

Join the BC Brain Wellness Program for their annual hybrid World Brain Day celebration! This year’s event will explore the interconnections between the mind, well-being, and resilience throughout life, especially as we head into older age. Enjoy an engaging session of presentations and activities with Dr. Julia Henderson, Sandra Tjoa, Mady Mooney, and Cynthia Friesen!

World Brain Day is an annual event observed on July 22, aimed at promoting awareness and education for neurological disorders that affect individuals worldwide. 

Brain Health for All Ages

By Tissa Wijeratne, OAM MD, PhD & David Dodick, MD
Co-Chairs, World Brain Day 2024

Wolfgang Grisold, MD
President, World Federation of Neurology

World Brain Day 2025 is a global campaign devoted to promoting brain health for all ages. The vision for WBD2025 is to work collaboratively with UN ECOSOC and the WHO Brain Health Unit, making this initiative a historic milestone in establishing brain health as a universally recognized priority.

Aligned with the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) for Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (2022–2031) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this year’s campaign seeks to advance a comprehensive and practical strategy that integrates regional insights and fosters sustainable change worldwide. We firmly believe that brain health is essential for individual well-being and for societal progress.

World Brain Day 2025 on Brain Health for all ages  is structured around five key messages for action:

1. Awareness: We aim to elevate the global conversation on brain health by combating stigma and promoting the early recognition of neurological disorders.

2. Education: Empowering healthcare professionals, caregivers, and the public with the latest scientific knowledge and practical training is vital for advancing brain health initiatives.

3. Prevention: Our strategy emphasizes evidence-based measures such as early childhood nutrition, vaccination, hypertension control, and lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors.

4. Access to Care and Disability Management: It is imperative to ensure that high-quality neurological care, rehabilitation services, and assistive technologies are accessible and affordable, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

5. Advocacy: By driving policy change, increasing research funding, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, we can reduce the global burden of neurological disorders.

Masters Thesis Defence

Candidate: Laith AlHadeed,  MSc Candidate

Date: Friday July 18th 2025

Supervisor(s): Dr. Alon Friedman

Department/School/Program: Dept Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University

Thesis Title: MULTIMODAL ASSESSMENT OF ANOMALOUS HEALTH INCIDENTS AMONG CANADIAN PERSONNEL

Time: 10:00am

Location: C150, CHEB

PhD Thesis Defence

Candidate: Reynaldo Popoli

Date: Thursday July 14th 2025

Supervisor(s): Dr. Turgay Akay

Department/School/Program: Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University

Location: Room 3107 of the Mona Campbell Building

Thesis Title: EXPLORING PHARMACOLOGICAL CHOLINERGIC MODULATION AND ITS MECHANISMS AS A THERAPEUTIC APPROACH IN AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS 

Title: Local cholinergic interneurons modulate locomotor- and breathing-related motoneuron output

Speaker: Dr. Gareth Miles, Professor of Neuroscience, University of St Andrews

Date: Monday, July 14, 2025

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 pm  

Location: Theatre C, Tupper Building

Description: Rhythmic motor behaviours, such as breathing and locomotion, need to be adaptable to suit the varying demands organisms encounter. We have studied how interneurons contribute to the adaptability of the motor circuits that generate breathing and locomotion. We have revealed mechanisms by which local cholinergic interneurons modulate the activity of motoneurons, the final common pathway for controlling behaviour, to ensure that the output of motor circuits matches environmental and organismal demands.

Annual Memorial and Interment Services for the Donors to Medical Science

Nova Scotia

Saturday July 05, 2025

Interment Service – 11:00 AM
Dalhousie Memorial Gardens
593 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville

Memorial Service – 2:30PM
Rebecca Cohen Auditorium
6101 Univeristy Avenue, Halifax

New Brunswick

Friday May 02, 2025

Memorial Service – 4:30 PM
Quispamsis United Church
372 Hampton Road
Quispamsis, NB

We wish to extend an invitation to you and your staff to attend the Annual Interment and Memorial Services to be held in recognition of the contribution that is made to our teaching and research programs and to pay thanks and gratitude to the families and friends of the individuals who have donated their bodies for the Advancment of Medical Education and Research at Dalhousie Universty

Please rsvp via the form below

Northwood Research Symposium - Innovating Care, Empowering Lives

Northwood’s 13th Annual Research Symposium – a day of innovative discoveries and thought-provoking conversation! Agenda and Ticket info at: Eventbrite

Masters Thesis Defence

Candidate: Abdallah Alshanti,  MSc Candidate

Date: Thursday June 19th 2025

Supervisor(s): Dr. Alon Friedman

Department/School/Program: Department of Medical Neuroscience,, Dalhousie University

Thesis Title: IMPACT-DETECTING HELMETS AS INDICATORS OF CONCUSSION AND BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER DYSFUNCTION IN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025

Time: 1:00pm

Location: C150, CHEB

Masters Thesis Defence

Candidate: Laith AlHadeed,  MSc Candidate

Supervisor(s): Dr. Alon Friedman

Department/School/Program: Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University

Thesis Title: MULTIMODAL ASSESSMENT OF ANOMALOUS HEALTH INCIDENTS AMONG CANADIAN PERSONNEL

Date: Friday July 18th 2025

Time: 10:00am

Location: Rm 14-B2, Tupper Building

PhD Thesis Defence

Candidate: Gracious Kasheke

Date: Thursday June 19th 2025

Supervisor(s): Dr. George Robertson

Department/School/Program: Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University

Location: Room 3107 of the Mona Campbell Building

Thesis Title: Assessment of Functional Recovery in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Putative Remyelinating Drugs

Masters Thesis Defence

Candidate: Paige Reynolds

Date: Wednesday June 18th 2025

Supervisor(s): Dr. Ying Zhang

Department/School/Program: Department of Medical Neuroscience,, Dalhousie University

Location: Room 3107 of the Mona Campbell Building

Thesis Title: Characterization of ALS Patient-Derived iPSC Motor Neurons

Location: Rm 14-B2, Tupper Building

Title: Unraveling the Mystery of "Havana Syndrome

Speaker: Laith AlHadeed, MSc Candidate, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University

Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm  

Location: Theatre C, Tupper Building

Description: In late 2016, Canadian and U.S. government personnel stationed in Havana, Cuba, began experiencing sudden-onset neurological symptoms, later termed “Havana Syndrome.” These included persistent cognitive, vestibular, and sensorimotor disturbances that were difficult to diagnose.

To investigate these health incidents, we conducted a mixed-methods longitudinal cross-sectional study involving 51 participants and 229 assessments. Data collection included symptom questionnaires, biological sampling, brain imaging, and cognitive testing. Approximately 50% of those deployed reported high symptom burden, encompassing headaches, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability, and memory deficits.

The symptoms aligned with post-concussion syndrome as identified by the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ).

Symptoms generally emerged within the first 6 months of deployment and persisted throughout follow-up. Risk factors for symptom development included female sex, a history of endocrine or metabolic disorders, and elevated anxiety scores. A multiple logistic regression model using these factors predicted symptomatic outcomes with 85.7% accuracy.

Biological analyses revealed elevated levels of C-reactive protein and thyroid stimulating hormone, along with decreased butyryl- and acetylcholinesterase activity during deployment. Cognitive testing identified impairments in spatial reasoning and multitasking. While clinical MRIs did not show overt pathology, some individuals demonstrated leaky blood-brain barriers and slowing of brain activity on MEG/EEG.These findings point to a potential environmental cause, with mass fumigation in Havana identified as a possible contributing factor.

The study contributes to the growing body of research examining acquired brain injuries from toxic exposures. The findings of this work could influence medical surveillance and pre-deployment health screening protocols of Canadian diplomats stationed in high-risk environments.

In 2025, under Canada’s leadership, the G7 has an unprecedented opportunity and responsibility to place brain health and brain skills at the heart of global economic strategy. The economy runs on “brain capital”, the combined power of brain health and cognitive skills. Yet, it remains largely absent from major policy discussions. At a time of workforce disruptions, AI-driven change, and demographic shifts, our economies depend on healthy brains, cognitive skills, and emotional resilience. It’s time to recognize the brain as an economic priority.

Title: HYPOXIA MEDIATES N-MEHTYL-D-ASPARTATE SIGNALING RELATED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Speaker: Jamil Muradov, PhD Candidate, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University

Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm  

Location: Theatre C, Tupper Building

Description: Cortical spreading depolarizations (CSDs) are an early hallmark of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are associated with poor clinical outcomes, yet their underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that post-traumatic hypoxia promotes CSDs and impairs neurovascular responses. This study examined how hypoxia and CSDs affect neurobehavioral outcomes post-TBI and evaluated the effects of NMDA receptor antagonists as potential therapeutics.
Using an animal model of single moderate TBI (N=67), I assessed outcome variability. TBI impaired neurological scores at 48 h post-impact (p<0.0001) and disrupted the neurovascular response to CSDs. Behavioral scores showed a bimodal distribution (R²=0.88; trough=7.01), categorizing animals into “susceptible” and “resilient” groups. Susceptible animals exhibited early cardiorespiratory dysfunction (lower HR and SpO₂ at hind paw and neck; p=0.02, p<0.001, p=0.01) and a significantly reduced neurovascular response to triggered CSDs, along with prolonged post-CSD oligemia.

To explore the relationship between hypoxia and CSDs, I used epidural electrodes and cranial window surgery. Animals that developed CSDs had lower mean SpO₂ (83.6%) compared to those that did not (92.2%). The co-occurrence of CSDs and hypoxia significantly altered the neurovascular response, with a 16% reduction in cerebral blood flow during the expected hyperemic phase, suggesting potential hypoperfusion and ischemia.

I also studied CSD-induced vascular responses in resilient vs. susceptible animals under hypoxia or following NMDA receptor antagonist treatment. Memantine reduced CSD incidence by 42–73% and mitigated cortical hypoperfusion. In a randomized pre-clinical trial, memantine treatment improved behavioral outcomes and preserved neurovascular function. This multi-modal investigation identified post-impact hypoxia as a key driver of CSDs and demonstrated that hypoxia and CSDs synergistically impair neurovascular regulation. Targeting these processes through oxygen support and NMDA receptor antagonism prevented secondary injury and improved outcomes. These findings may inform mechanism-based strategies for mitigating TBI susceptibility across injury severities.

In partnership with the Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes, Saltbox presents:

"Seize The Day!" where participants can run 5km or walk 3km in support of individuals and families affected by epilepsy.  Fundraising will kick-off with the run / walk and will continue throughout the day with various events at Saltbox!  Come check out the run / walk route, music, food & drink! 

All funds raised will support counselling and service navigation support, advocacy, education opportunities, scholarship opportunities and ongoing epilepsy-related resources for those in need. 

Sign-in at 10 am , run / walk leaves at 11am.

PHD Thesis Defence

JAMIL MURADOV, Department of Medical Neuroscience

Thesis Title: : HYPOXIA MEDIATES N-MEHTYL-D-ASPARTATE SIGNALING RELATED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Date: June 4th 2025

Time: 9:30am

Location: 31017, Mona Campbell