Neuroscience Research Logo. Microscopic image of glowing neural networks with a dark background.

What is neuroscience?

Neuroscience studies the brain and nervous system to understand their functions at various levels, from molecular and cellular mechanisms to complex behaviours and cognitive processes. This field explores brain development, neural communication, perception, learning, memory, emotions and decision-making. 

Neuroscience Research at U of G

Through a multidisciplinary approach across multiple colleges, University of Guelph researchers engage in cutting-edge work to address key questions about the brain and nervous system, with the goal of improving life.

Our neuroscience researchers collaborate with experts worldwide to advance our understanding of brain health and neurological disorders, tackling critical challenges in these areas.

Themes

At U of G, our neuroscience research spans multiple domains, from the cellular and molecular foundations of neural function to the complex behaviours, cognitive processes, and clinical applications that shape our understanding of brain health and neurological disorders.

Cellular

This research focuses on neurons and glial cells, examining their functions and how they communicate within the nervous system to regulate essential neural processes.

Molecular

Research in the molecular domain studies the influence of various molecules on neural function, including the roles of neurotransmitters, receptors, and intricate signaling pathways.

Behavioural

Behavioural neuroscience research explores how brain activity impacts behaviours, emotions, and decision-making, providing insights into both human and animal responses.

Systems

This research investigates how different neural circuits and brain regions interact to govern complex functions such as perception and motor control.

Cognitive

Cognitive neuroscience research delves into higher-order processes, studying memory, learning, language, and problem-solving to better understand mental function.

Developmental

This area centres on how the brain develops and changes across the lifespan, from prenatal stages through adulthood, shedding light on key milestones and shifts in brain structure and function.

Clinical

Clinical neuroscience research addresses neurological disorders and mental health conditions, focusing on the development of treatments and therapeutic strategies through applied research.

Feature Articles

Title Date Researcher(s)
U of G Study Challenges the Learning Benefits of Doodling and Fidgeting October 18, 2024 Dr. Mark Fenske
Title Date Researcher(s)
Eyes as a Window to the Brain November 19, 2024 Drs. Mazyar Fallah and Heather Jordan 
U of G Researchers Receive More Than $ 7.8M in Federal Support June 14, 2024 Dr. Craig Bailey 
U of G to Recognize Eminent University Professors at 2024 Convocation June 5, 2024 Dr. Neil MacLusky 
“Overexcited” Astrocytes Help Explain Neuron Dysfunction in Fragile X Syndrome September 5, 2024 Dr. Angela Scott 
Is it Getting Hot in Here? How Heating the Skin on Your Feet May Help Rehabilitate Loss of Balance May 15, 2024 Dr. Leah Bent 
Target Practice: How Identifying Motor Synergies Can Enhance Athletic Training January 8, 2024 Drs. Devon Frayne and Stephen Brown 
Seven Researchers Recognized with U of G Research Excellence Awards September 13, 2023 Dr. Jennifer Murray 
The Transformative Power of Exercise: Cycling Across Canada with Parkinson’s Disease September 27, 2023 Dr. Philip Millar 
Beyond the Binary: Gender Inclusivity in Schizophrenia Research May 23, 2023 Dr. Melissa Perreault and Caitlin Nolan 
U of G Scientists Meet with Federal Leaders at Science Meets Parliament May 1, 2023 Drs. Melissa Perreault and Rebecca Shapiro 
Can Cannabis Treat Brain Cancer? Study Shows that Molecules in Cannabis Have the Potential to Attack Tumour Cells March 2, 2023 Dr. Jasmin Lalonde 
The Heart Wants what the Heart Needs: Study Offers New Insight into Cardiac Adaptations in Aquatic Athletes January 16, 2023 Drs. Alexandra Coates and Jamie Burr 
Small but Mighty: The Surprising Role of Bacteria in Brain Development November 30, 2022 Dr. Terry Van Raay and Victora Rea 
U of G Researchers Use ‘Mini-Brains’ in Search for Novel Cancer Treatment  October 27, 2022 Dr. Shaun Sanders and Andrey Petropavlovskiy 
Let Them Play: How Richer Home Environments Make Mice More Social July 28, 2022 Dr. Georgia Mason and Lindsey Kitchenham 
Low Oxygen Impairs Brain Development in Fish, but the Fish Aren't Stressed About It June 20, 2022 Dr. Nicholas Bernier, Kristina Mikloska and Zoe Zrini 
Applying an Indigenous Lens to Brain Research June 8, 2022 Dr. Melissa Perreault 
Study Finds Key Brain Protein May Have Role in Psychiatric Disorders December 10, 2021 Dr. Jasmin Lalonde and Alicyia Walczyk-Mooradally 
It’s a No-brainer: Study Sheds New Light on How Tumour Cells Invade Brain Tissue August 17, 2021 Dr. Manali Tilak 
The Evolution of Learning and Behavior: How Toads Could Unlock the Complexities of Human Behavior June 28, 2021 Dr. Frederic Laberge, Sarah Ouellet and Amber Lavictoire 
Smaller Brains Help Toads Survive a Harsh Life atop Mountains May 10, 2021 Dr. Jinzhong Fu 
This is your brain (waves) on drugs October 28, 2020 Dr. Melissa Perreault, Joshua Manduca and Rachel-Karson Thériault 
To Divide or not to Divide? That is the Question Being Answered by Dlx Proteins in Developing Embryo Cells July 16, 2019 Dr. Andrew Bendall, Bendall and Rachel MacKenzie 
A Step Forward in Understanding Injurious Fall Risk in Older Adults June 13, 2019 Dr. Lori Ann Vallis, David Shulman, Abbigale Spencer and Jaykob Price 
Making Sense of Moving Through Life April 12, 2019 Dr. Leah Bent and Erika Howe 
U of G Study Reveals Why Heart Failure Patients Suffer Depression, Impaired Thinking April 5, 2019 Dr. Tami Martino 
Study Shows How Agrochemicals Can Increase Risk of Parkinson’s Disease March 29, 2019 Dr. Scott Ryan 
U of G Study Is First to Find Evidence That Leopard Geckos Can Make New Brain Cells July 27, 2018 Dr. Matthew Vickaryous and Rebecca McDonald 
When Brain Regions Can’t Communicate, and How to Prevent It May 24, 2018 Dr. Melissa Perreault 
Study Shows New Twist on Mind-muscle Connection February 7, 2018 Dr. Geoffrey Power, Jordan Grant and Caleb Sypkes 
Gaining Virtual Insights into the Molecular Structure of the Brain January 26, 2018 Drs. George Harauz, Kyrylo Bessonov and Kenrick Vassal 
Sugar in the Diet May Increase Risks of Opioid Addiction October 19, 2017 Dr. Francesco Leri and Meenu Minhas 
Meditation May Protect the Brain From Grey Matter Atrophy, Neurodegenerative Diseases April 17, 2017 Dr. Leslie Auger, Nicole Last and Emily Tufts 
Neuroplasticity Makes Brain Changes Possible November 1, 2016 Dr. Mandy Wintink 
Past Experiences Affect Recognition, Memory: U of G Study February 8, 2016 Dr. Boyer Winters 
Researchers Study Tie Between Estrogen, Memory December 15, 2015 Drs. Elena Choleris, Neil MacLusky and Anna Phan 
Vaccarino Lent Expertise to National Report on Adolescent Marijuana Use June 17, 2015 Dr. Franco Vaccarino 
Brain Bee Tests Neuroscience Knowledge August 6, 2014 Krista Mitchnick 
Prof Looks for Clues in Parkinson’s Puzzle February 20, 2014 Dr. Scott Ryan 
First-Year Seminar Looks at Why We Sleep December 9, 2013 Dr. Justine Tishinsky 
Neuroscience Grad Student Nabs Research Award July 3, 2013 Lesley O’Brien 
Research Aims to Develop Vaccine to Target Brain Cancer May 17, 2013 Zafir Syed 
Forgot Something? Psych Student Wants to Know Why April 16, 2013 Krista Mitchnick 
U of G Gets $2.4 Million Via CRC Program March 15, 2013 Dr. Linda Parker 
‘Disgusted’ Rats Teaching Scientists About Nausea, Work May Lead to New Cancer Treatments October 5, 2012 Dr. Linda Parker, Katharine Tuerke and Cheryl Limebeer 
Bored? Researchers Shed Light on Why September 28, 2012 Mark Fenske and Alexandra Frischen 
Rats’ Picky Eating Habits Help Explain Human Nausea May 23, 2012 Drs. Linda Parker and Paul Woods 
MRI Gives New Prof X-ray Vision November 3, 2011 Dr. Fiona James 
Brain Researchers Bringing Ideas, Discoveries to Guelph May 4, 2011 Dr. Mark Fenske 
New Prof Wants to Know Why Dogs Become Aggressive November 9, 2010 Dr. Lee Niel 
Touch and See How the Brain Works May 25, 2010 Dr. Boyer Winters and James Reid 
Young People Have Better Senses May 12, 2010 Nila Ilhamto and Dr. Lisa Duizer 
U of G to Host Neuroscience Day March 31, 2009 Dr. Bryan Kolb  
University Hosts First Annual Brain Bee February 13, 2009 Dr. Mark Fenske and Isdin Oke 
Ontario Invests $1.3 Million in U of G Research September 29, 2006 Drs. Linda Parker, Carol Armstrong, John Armstrong and Roberto Poma 

Researchers

Photo of Tara Abraham

Tara Abraham

Department of History

 

Photo of Linda Parker

Linda Parker

Department of Psychology

 

Photo of Boyer Winters

Boyer Winters

Department of Psychology

 

Photo of Mark Fenske

Mark Fenske

Department of Psychology

 

Photo of Chris Fiacconi

Chris Fiacconi

Department of Psychology

 

Photo of Michael Peters

Michael Peters

Department of Psychology

 

Photo of Daniel Meegan

Daniel Meegan

Department of Psychology

Photo of Naseem Al-Aidroos

Naseem Al-Aidroos

Department of Psychology

 

Photo of Elena Choleris

Elena Choleris

Department of Psychology

 

Photo of Amy Newman

Amy Newman

Department of Integrative Biology

 

Photo of Francesco Leri

Francesco Leri

Department of Psychology

 

Photo of Andreas Heyland

Andreas Heyland

Department of Integrative Biology

 

Photo of Harvey Marmurek

Harvey Marmurek

Department of Psychology

 

Photo of Andrew Bendall

Andrew Bendall

Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

 

Photo of Jennifer Murray

Jennifer Murray

Department of Psychology

 

Photo of Angela Scott

Angela Scott

Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

Photo of Lana Trick

Lana Trick

Department of Psychology

 

Photo of David Ma

David Ma

Department of Human Health & Nutritional Sciences

Photo of Geoffrey Power

Geoffrey Power

Department of Human Health & Nutritional Sciences
 

Photo of Lori Ann Vallis

Lori Ann Vallis

Department of Human Health & Nutritional Sciences

Photo of Frédéric Laberge

Frédéric Laberge

Department of Integrative Biology

 

Photo of Mazyar Fallah

Mazyar Fallah

Department of Human Health & Nutritional Sciences

Photo of Georgia Mason

Georgia Mason

Department of Integrative Biology

 

Photo of Nicholas Bernier

Nicholas Bernier

Department of Integrative Biology

 

Photo of Jasmin Lalonde

Jasmin Lalonde

Molecular and Cellular Biology

 

Photo of Nina Jones

Nina Jones

Department Molecular and Cellular Biology

 

Photo of Jennifer Geddes-McAlister

Jennifer Geddes-McAlister

Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

 

Photo of Melanie Alpaugh

Melanie Alpaugh

Department Molecular and Cellular Biology

 

Photo of John Srbely

John Srbely

Department of Human Health & Nutritional Sciences

Photo of Philip Millar

Philip Millar

Department of Human Health & Nutritional Sciences
 

Photo of John Zettel

John Zettel

Department of Human Health & Nutritional Sciences

Photo of Priyanka Pundir

Priyanka Pundir

Department Molecular and Cellular Biology

 

Photo of John Vessey

John Vessey

Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

 

Photo of Ray Lu

Ray Lu

Department Molecular and Cellular Biology

 

Photo of Leah Bent

Leah Bent

Department of Human Health & Nutritional Sciences

Photo of Robert McLaughlin

Robert McLaughlin

Department of Integrative Biology

 

Photo of Sarah Alderman

Sarah Alderman

Department of Integrative Biology

 

Photo of Ian Tobias

Ian Tobias

Department of Biomedical Sciences

 

Photo of Shaun Sanders

Shaun Sanders

Department Molecular and Cellular Biology

 

Photo of Lee Niel

Lee Niel

Department of Population Medicine Faculty

 

Photo of Terry Van Raay

Terry Van Raay

Department Molecular and Cellular Biology

 

Photo of Luis Gaitero

Luis Gaitero

Department of Clinical Studies Faculty

 

Photo of Alex Chan

Alex Chan

Department of Clinical Studies Faculty

 

Photo of Matthew Vickaryous

Matthew Vickaryous

Department of Biomedical Sciences

 

Photo of Bettina Kalisch

Bettina Kalisch

Department of Biomedical Sciences

 

Photo of Melissa Perreault

Melissa Perreault

Department of Biomedical Sciences

 

Photo of Craig Bailey

Craig Bailey

Department of Biomedical Sciences

 

Photo of Nuria Daviu

Nuria Daviu

Department of Biomedical Sciences

 

Photo of Fiona James

Fiona James

Department of Clinical Studies

 

Photo of Patricia V. Turner

Patricia V. Turner

Department of Pathobiology Faculty

 

Photo of Giannina Descalzi

Giannina Descalzi

Department of Biomedical Sciences

 

Photo of Samantha Payne

Samantha Payne

Department of Biomedical Sciences

 

Photo of Tarek Saleh

Tarek Saleh

Department of Biomedical Sciences