Research labs
Our research team focuses on the science of brain repair—also known as neuroregeneration. Our goal is to understand neurological diseases and brain injury to develop new treatment strategies that restore brain function.
Learn more by visiting our research faculty profiles:
Lab directory
We provide our research trainees with a sophisticated, cutting-edge environment that fosters the development of transferable skills for several different careers.
We encourage you to explore the individual labs to learn more about the work and research being done at the School of Medical Sciences.
Brown Lab
The Brown Lab uses experimental microscopic imaging technologies to visualize the structure of the brain. These technologies help us understand the mechanisms that allow the cerebral cortex to grow and change throughout life in response to new experiences and pathologies.
Caruncho/Kalynchuk Lab
The Caruncho Lab develops biomarkers for schizophrenia and depression, identifying new drug targets for mood and psychotic disorders. Dr. Caruncho and Dr. Tremblay also play lead roles in the Mental Health Research Cluster, promoting interdisciplinary efforts to enhance mental health care and reduce stigma.
Christie Lab
The Christie Lab focuses on the mechanisms of brain plasticity that support learning, memory, recovery and resilience. Through an integrated program of laboratory and community-based research, they develop and evaluate interventions that harness the brain’s innate capacity for adaptation to improve lifelong brain health.
Nahirney Lab
The Nahirney Lab researches neurogenesis and neuromuscular diseases, with an emphasis on structural and molecular frameworks relevant to Alzheimer’s, stress-induced memory loss, Nemaline Myopathy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Swayne Lab
The Swayne Lab investigates brain and heart cellular plasticity—the changes in a cell’s shape and activity—during development, disease and aging. This work and its outcomes are critical for improved diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the brain and heart.
Tremblay Lab
The Tremblay Lab designs therapeutic strategies that target microglia—the brain’s innate immune cells—to promote brain resilience and healthy cognitive functions as we age. Their research aims to prevent and treat major depressive disorder, schizophrenia and forms of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.