What are Power Pitch Sessions?
Power Pitch Sessions at CAN 2025 offer a dynamic platform for trainees (Master’s, PhD and Post-Docs) to showcase their research in a short oral presentation. These sessions are designed to highlight the most innovative and compelling work in the field of neuroscience.
Who are the organizers?
Power Pitch sessions are organized by trainees, for trainees. The concept was proposed and the first was organized by J Quinn Lee & Gilberto Rojas Vite in 2024.
In 2025, two new organizers have been recruited: Zeeshan Haqqee and Liv Ansley-Engel
Zeeshan Haqqee
Zeeshan received his BSc. in Biology & Psychology and his MSc. in Psychology from McMaster University. For his Master’s thesis, he studied the sound localization properties of the inferior colliculus of echolocating bats under the supervision of Dr. Paul Faure. He then worked as a Research Technician at the Sunnybrook Research Institute under Dr. Clement Hamani, studying models of PTSD and traumatic brain injury using deep-brain stimulation in rodents. He is currently finishing his PhD, co-supervised by Dr. Mark Brandon and Dr. Sylvain Williams, where he studies navigational strategies and cognitive map development in the rodent hippocampus using Miniscope calcium imaging and automated touchscreen behavioral tasks.
Liv Ansley-Engel
Liv received her BA in Psychology from Reed College in Portland Oregon where she examined the role of estrogen receptors in ethanol withdrawal-induced anxiety. She then became a lab manager in the Saunders lab at the University of Minnesota and investigated how distinct dopamine projections from the midbrain to the striatum conferred different motivational properties to Pavlovian cues. She is currently a 3rd year PhD student, supervised by Dr. Robert Rozeske, where she studies how dopamine dynamics in the prefrontal cortex guides contextual fear expression with a special focus on sex differences. Liv is also committed to inclusive science communication practices and social justice.
When will the Sessions Occur?
Every day of the CAN 2025 meeting, six participants will be chosen to present their research. The sessions will take place just before the afternoon poster session.
How are Presentations Structured?
Each presenter will have 3 minutes to share their findings. Your presentation should include three slides (excluding the introduction slide) to convey your key points effectively. To ensure smooth proceedings, we request no videos or animations.
How were speakers selected?
Poster submitter were asked to check the designated box during your abstract submission process, and selected by random draw by the session organisers.
Why Join the Power Pitch Sessions?
This is a chance for trainees to captivate an audience of peers and experts with their research insights. Join us!
