The Neural Network Mentorship Program
The Neural Network is our annual mentorship program that pairs 1st and 2nd year undergraduate students with upper-year undergrads and masters' students who have experience working in or being in the neuroscience program.
What's in it for you as a Mentor?
​
Mentors put in voluntary and flexible hours and have the opportunity to inspire students passionate about getting started in the field. Mentors also have access to a platform to share expertise on UBC courses, research programs and grad school applications!
​
What's in it for you as a Mentee?
​
Mentees can gain advise and support from upper-year students and even help with course selection, and building research and work experience. This program also gives you unique insight about neuroscience and its connections to other disciplines as all of our mentors have creatively applied their neuroscience backgrounds to other academic disciplines. Mentees also stand a chance to learn tips and tricks to cater their degree towards specific academic interest, which might not be as explicitly available on the UBC Academic Calendar or Science Advising Resources.
Meet The Mentors!
Andrew Li
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology & Computer Science
​
I’m broadly interested in the cost-benefit of decision making specifically under uncertainty. Towards this end, I’ve explored topics in animal models, pathological gambling in humans, and agent based modeling.
Mel Cevizci
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Minor: Health & Society
​
I am interested in neuroendocrinology! It's fascinating to see how the change in hormone levels throughout our lives can affect our brain physiology! I currently work at the Galea lab, studying behavioral neuroendocrinology! In the past, I have worked at a lab studying MS. Fun fact: I used to go horseback riding and I am also the treasurer of the UBC Equestrian Club!
Marisha Boyd
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Minor: Health & Society
​
I am interested in how research, technology and policy can intersect to improve human and planetary health. I'm currently a RA at the Addictions and Concurrent Disorders lab! Fun fact: I used to be a professional ballerina!
Suna Yoo
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience + Masters of Management (dual program)
​
I’m interested in personality and developmental psychology and neuroplasticity. My passion is to pursue interdisciplinary research that includes neuroscience, business, classics, and design. I currently work as an RA at the Memory & Cognition lab under Professor Peter Graf!
Shrishti Ramaiah
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology & Economics
​
I have interned with an organization that developed an app towards improving employee productivity. I absolutely love behavioral economics and it is something I would like to be involved in the future. I have been learning Indian classical music for 14 years!
Amanda McKinnon
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology & Behavioral Neuroscience
​
As a double major in Biology and Behavioral Neuroscience, I am really interested in exploring the connections between the characteristics of our brains and their implications on susceptibility to mental illness. I am currently on co-op! Fun fact: I grow roses!
Sanjana Subramanian
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Minor: Law & Society
​
I’m interested in the intersection between the neuroscience of conscientiousness and the law. I’m hoping to apply my degree better in the legal field in the future! In the past, I have worked with the Multi-scale Mechanics lab in the department of Biomedical Engineering to develop devices to detect neurodegenerative disorders. Fun fact: I am ambidextrous!
Devyani McLaren
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Cognitive Systems (COGS) - Computer Science Stream
​
I’m very interested in the intersection of technology and neuroscience (Artificial Intelligence!). I currently work at the Brain Behaviour Lab where I study the use of robotic rehabilitation for impairment due to stroke. Fun fact: I've won gold and silver medals at the Junior Olympics and have played water polo for over 8 years!
.png)
Ryan Hong
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Microbiology & Immunology and Sociology
​
My undergraduate research has been centered around doing functional variomics research on autism-associated genes. I hope to take my research further by working to bridge the scientific and clinical realities in ASD research to address issues in a more holistic manner.
Amy Morales
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology​
​
I'm currently in the midst of working on various projects related to genetics with Dr. David Ng in the Michael Smith Labs at UBC and I am interested in genetics research and research related to neuroscience. I am just in the beginning stages of getting into research so I'm excited to continue exploring and learning more about what kinds of research I'm most interested in. Fun fact about me: I used to play the cello for 5 years and it is my favorite instrument to play and to listen to in the world.
Davin Birdi
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Electrical Engineering
​
I'll be working at Neuralink in the future, fun fact - my goal is to be able to communicate with puppies. I'm very interested in BCI's and learning about neuro-biology.
Andy Tai
Current Masters Student
Program: MSc. Neuroscience
​
Worked in 4 different labs, 2 wet and 2 dry. Fun fact i failed 3 of my first year courses.
Nafeesa Alibhai
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Honors Integrated Science (Genetics, Physiology & Neuroscience)​
​
I'm interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the reciprocal relationship between a patient's physical and mental health. I hope to establish a framework to support patients' mental health to prevent worsening of physical symptoms and promote holistic recovery. Fun fact: before my 4th concussion, I used to be able to write simultaneously with both hands.
Eden Dubchak
UBC MD Candidate, Recent UBC Graduate
Major: Behavioural Neuroscience Minor: Biochemistry
​
I have been involved in research for 4 years in the fields of developmental psychology, neurodegenerative diseases and behavioral neurogenetics and I have worked with various model organisms. I plan to continue with my interest in the nervous system by pursuing either a neurology or neuropathology specialty. Fun fact: I was nearly arrested in Russia for the possession of cereal.
Nick Blamey-Parsi
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
​
The majority of my research experience has taken place in Dr. Joelle LeMoult's Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Lab at UBC which has aligned perfectly with my interests. To expand my experiences in the field of Clinical Psychology, I am begining an RA position in the new Coping with Neurological Symptoms Lab at UBC this fall. A fun fact about myself is that I taught myself to DJ in grade 5!
Maya Koblanski
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
​
As a fourth year UBC Behavioural Neuroscience undergraduate, I am a Faculty of Medicine NSERC USRA/ SSRP fellow in neuroscience research on sex differences in the stress response, and past biochemistry peer tutor. You can find out more on my LinkedIn. I love fitness and learning foreign languages. I am half Faroese, a quarter Ukrainian, and a quarter Costa Rican.
Prachi Khanna
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
​
My research interests have included projects aiming to identify gaps that exist in patient care and how we can address these gaps-- from what we can do to ease the transition of care from the hospital to the community to how we can help patients become more involved in their own care. Fun fact: I am fluent in three languages and can somewhat speak a few more.
Annemarie Goytan
Recent UBC graduate
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
​
My research interests revolve around health, substance use, homelessness and vulnerable populations. I currently work in research in these areas at UBC while also using these skills working in the DTES community. fun fact: I have watched "The Office" all the way through 6 times
Larissa Chiu
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Cellular, Anatomical and Physiological Sciences (CAPS)
​
With specific interest in the structural neuroplasticity of motor learning and applications to stroke recovery, I have worked on various projects that include the combination of motor and cognitive tasks and compared results to neural images with aims to assess how the human brain recovers. In the future, I hope to take my research up into space!
Borna Atrchian
Current UBC Undergraduate
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Minor: Political Science
​
I have had the opportunity to get involved in Political Psychology and Neurogenetics research! I’m currently working at the Rankin and REST Labs, and have also written the MCAT! I also write for some music sites & magazines in my free time!
%20-%20Elaine%20Hu.jpg)
Elaine Hu
Current UBC Undergraduate
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
​
I'm a 3rd-year Behavioural Neuroscience student that hopes to pursue neurosurgery in the future. I'm a research assistant in the Floresco Lab, Social Health Lab, and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Lab. I also volunteer at the Vancouver Crisis Centre and am co-president of the UBC Cancer Association! A fun fact about myself is that I love bullet journalling!
Meghan Chen
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
​
I have worked as a research assistant at the Nygaard Lab, performing immunoassays to measure blood ghrelin concentrations in patients with Alzheimer's disease and analyzing actigraphy data. I have also worked at the Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies (NINET) Laboratory, where I administered repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to patients experiencing depressive symptoms. A fun fact about me: when I was 14 I thought I was an amazing rapper (and then I listened to a recording of me rapping Super Bass and vowed never to rap ever again).
Brandon Chai
Current UBC Undergraduate
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Minor: Nutritional Science
​
I am interested in studying mental health disorders, as well as the interaction between disorders/chronic disease with nutrition. My go to snack is a banana protein smoothie with oats.
Sharon Meyers
Current UBC Undergraduate
Major: Psychology
​
I haven’t experienced research opportunities yet. My core strength to the team would be to help students find their path and explore their interests. Fun fact: Nicholas Cage once wished me a happy birthday!
Lydia Doucette
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Integrated Science (Immunology & Behavioral Neuroscience)
​
I'm interested in neuroimmunology, how addiction effects the brain, and more recently, neuroendocrinology. I feel I would be an effective mentor with writing research papers, course selection, and discussing the above topics along with other research areas. As ISCI required a degree proposal at the beginning of second year, I'm knowledgable on graduation requirements and fun interesting courses. My interests include neuroimmunology, neuroendocrinology, and addictions. A fun fact about me is that I'm going to Europe after graduation!
Guadalein Tanunliong
Recent UBC Graduate
Major: Biology
​
I have previously participated in co-op in the industry and in a directed studies course; in addition, I am currently part of both an academic lab and a clinical project. My research interests broadly include disease pathologies and public health. I aim to make a difference in science and medical disciplines, as well as inspire and guide others looking to pursue similar fields!
Deea K Dev
Current UBC Undergraduate
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
​
I am particularly interested in the exploration of psychiatric disorders and I am passionate about working with vulnerable communities. I am currently a directed studies student at the Memory & Imagination lab and will be joining the UBC Mood Disorders Centre as a Work Learn student. I am also a health researcher at a non-profit organization, Simbi Foundation. Fun fact: I was born here in BC but I grew up in Singapore!
Brie Dungate
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Honors Computer Science
Minor: Behavioral Neuroscience
​
I’m majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Behavioural Neuroscience with a particular interest in neurodegenerative disease. I currently work in 2 UBC labs that conduct research into the role of the gut microbiome in Parkinson’s and the role of adult neurogenesis in memory, respectively. I’m passionate about health and wellness and love getting outside as much as possible in and around Vancouver!
Hannah Ro
Recent UBC Graduate
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience​
​
I enjoy volunteering, helping others and taking opportunities to get more involved in the community. I have a keen interest in the neuroscience field and greatly enjoy learning about how the brain functions, particularly on the topic of memory development, thoughts, and perception. One fun fact about me would be that I love making and creating things from scratch.
James Wong
Current Masters Student
MSc. in Experimental Medicine, Department of Psychiatry; BSc. in Biology and Behavioral Neuroscience
​
My research interests primarily focus on opioid use disorder, vulnerable populations, and e-mental health. I am eager to provide advice and support students! Fun Fact: I love photography and was the Co-President of the UBC Photographic Society.
Adrija Chakrabarti
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
​
I am currently conducting a Directed Studies Project with Dr. Daniela Palombo at the UBC Memory and Imagination Lab about Emotional Imagination. I am very passionate about the intersection of academia, technology and healthcare innovation. I have also previously participated in the SCORE Summer Research Program at SFU ImageTech Lab with the Surrey Health and Technology District working with fMRI data, along with conducting independent research work at BC Children's Hospital! .. Fun fact: This year I will be conducting my own seminar (ISCI 490) with the UBC Student Directed Seminars Program about the implications of COVID-19 on healthcare and technology sectors!
Maria Shock
Recent UBC Graduate
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience​
​
I am a research assistant in the Soma Lab and am currently developing an ultra-sensitive method for quantifying estrogens using LC-MS/MS and chemical derivatization. My research interests include breast cancer pathology and the effects of estrogen therapies on post-menopausal women. A fun fact about me is that I lived in Mexico for 6 years.
Harjeev Sudan
Current UBC Undergraduate Student
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
​
I volunteered as a Research Assistant at UBC's Infant Studies Centre exploring language development in infants in my 2nd year, and I've had quite a bit of experience in tutoring and mentorship position, most recently as a Mentor and Tutor with Math4Me.