The Cortex Crew
Neuroscience Capstone Project
Meet the Team
Olayori Olasode
BSc (Hons) Double Major In Biology and Medical Science
Scientific Rotation Lead
Why are you interested in Neuroscience?
"My interest in neuroscience once felt distant, shaped more by its intimidating reputation than by genuine curiosity. That changed in my third year, when I took neuroanatomy and discovered not only that I could engage with the subject, but that it fascinated me deeply. What once felt out of reach quickly became central to how I began shaping my future goals. I am drawn to neuroscience because it bridges so many areas, such as medicine, diagnostic radiology, health policy, and translational research. It is a field where biological insight meets clinical application, where imaging technologies reveal new dimensions of the brain, and where scientific discoveries must be translated into equitable care. This combination of complexity and impact is what makes the discipline so compelling.
Now, through my role as a member of the Cortex crew, I am especially grateful to be surrounded by peers who share this passion and challenge me to keep growing within it."
Navreet Dhillon
BSc (Hons) in Psychology
University of Calgary
Capstone Lead
"My interest in neuroscience developed through my background in psychology, where I became fascinated by the connections between brain and behaviour. This curiosity led me to pursue an undergraduate honours thesis examining the links between environmental factors, brain development, and youth mental health. The experience deepened my appreciation for how biological and psychosocial influences interact, and it reinforced my desire to explore neuroscience as a way to better understand and support well-being and a holistic approach to medicine."
Damien French
BSc - Biomedical Sciences with a minor degree in Neuroscience
University of Guelph
Community Rotation Lead
Why are you interested in Neuroscience?
"Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by both human anatomy and behavior, and neuroscience offered me the perfect bridge between the two. My minor degree in neuroscience allowed me to explore how the structure and function of the nervous system underlies the way we think, feel, and act. What drew me most to the field is that it connects the biological details of the body with the complexity of human experience, which shows how something as physical as neural circuits can shape memory, emotion, or decision-making. Ultimately, neuroscience brings together my curiosity about how the body works with my interest in understanding what makes us human."
Thibicka Thevan
Honours BSc Life Science (Double Major: Human Biology & Health Studies)
University of Toronto
Clinical Rotation Lead
"As part of my undergraduate degree, I completed mandatory psychology courses, such as Biological and Cognitive Psychology, as well as Clinical, Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology. These courses introduced me to a wide range of topics, including research techniques in psychology, evolutionary psychology, the biology of behaviour, learning and behaviour, sensation, perception, memory, and consciousness. I also studied language, intelligence, development, motivation and emotion, personality, social psychology, stress, and mental disorders, along with their treatments. Engaging with these diverse perspectives deepened my curiosity about the biological foundations of behaviour, particularly in relation to mental health. This growing fascination ultimately inspired me to pursue research in neuroscience."
Capstone Milestone Papers
Research question: Given the growing evidence linking adverse childhood experiences and neurobiological dysregulation to chronic pain, what barriers continue to limit the integration of trauma-informed interventions into chronic pain care in Canada?
