- This event has passed.
Canadian Neuroscience Seminars – Post-Doc series – Haritha Desu & Bryan W. Jenkins
2023-10-05 @ 15:00 - 16:00
ZOOM LINK: https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/85845251397
SPEAKER: Haritha Desu, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre
TITLE: Role of cell adhesion molecules in oligodendrocyte-T cell interactions in MS
Dr. Haritha Desu is a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Catherine Larochelle’s laboratory at the CRCHUM. Her long-term research interest is to identify therapeutic targets that can promote repair and/or regeneration of the central nervous system in MS patients.
Haritha completed her bachelors degree at Stony Brook University (SBU), where she volunteered as a research assistant in Dr. Colognato’s laboratory and also worked part-time as a data coordinator for the pediatric MS center at SBU. This simultaneous exposure clinical work as well as basic science research led her to pursue a PhD and sparked her passion for conducting translational research. Haritha completed her PhD in Dr. Roberta Brambilla’s laboratory at the University of Miami in August 2021. Under Dr. Brambilla’s mentorship, she investigated the role of TNF receptor 2 signaling in neuroinflammation and remyelination during MS. Her work during her PhD was presented at various international conferences and resulted in multiple first author manuscripts.
Now, as a postdoctoral researcher, Haritha investigates T cell-oligodendrocyte interactions in the context of MS with the hope of identifying approaches to protecting oligodendrocytes during/following injury.
SPEAKER: Bryan W. Jenkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
TITLE: Cannabis differentially disrupts neural circuit oscillatory dynamics and sensory filtering in rats: implications for schizophrenia
Dr. Bryan W Jenkins is presently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Cannabis Science Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His research uses behavioral pharmacology and preclinical modelling techniques to investigate the effects of psychoactive substances (e.g., cannabis, alcohol, nicotine, etc.) in relation to human mental health.
Examples of recent research include investigating the neurobiological and behavioral effects of cannabinoids and other cannabis constituents and the influence of sex and circadian rhythm disruptions on alcohol consumption. Dr. Jenkins aims to uncover new knowledge that expands our collective understanding of psychoactive substances and their impact on all dimensions of human health.
Currently, Dr. Jenkins is completing his postdoctoral training under the supervision of Dr. Elise Weerts and Dr. Cassie Moore, investigating the potential therapeutic and adverse effects of major cannabinoids, minor cannabinoids, and other cannabis constituents.
