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Meet The Team
Craig E. Brown, Ph.D
Professor
Dr. Brown received his BSc. in Psychology from the University of Manitoba and completed his MSc and Ph.D in Neuroscience under the supervision of Dr. Richard H. Dyck at University of Calgary. He then conducted his post-doctoral studies focused on neural plasticity during stroke recovery at the University of British Columbia (UBC) under the supervision of Dr. Timothy Murphy. Dr. Brown started his neuroscience laboratory in 2009, and is now a full Professor in the Division of Medical Sciences at The University of Victoria (UVic).
One of his primary research interests is to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that dictate brain repair, with particular emphasis on aging, stroke and/or vascular diseases such as diabetes. To address these questions, the Brown lab employs a multi-disciplinary approach, imaging the structure and function of defined cell types (neurons, microglia, endothelial cells) in the living brain in tandem with biochemical, pharmacological and behavioural approaches. Dr. Brown’s basic science and health related research program has been supported by the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR), Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and NSERC. Dr. Brown is also a recipient of the CIHR New Investigator award and the Michael Smith Foundation’s Career Investigator Award.
In his spare time Dr. Brown enjoys time with his family and spends many hours at the hockey rink.
Postdoctoral Associate
Dr. Sharma obtained his doctoral degree in 2018 from the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India. Currently, Dr. Sharma serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Victoria, where his research delves into the complex mechanisms involved in the clearance of capillary obstructions.
Dr. Sharma has received multiple prestigious awards including travel awards to attend prominent conferences in San Diego, Washington DC, London, and Paris.
Beyond his work in the lab, Dr. Sharma finds joy in spending quality time with his family and friends. He is an ardent fan of cricket, and his enthusiasm for Punjabi folk dance, particularly the vibrant Bhangra, adds a cultural touch to his diverse interests.
For more on Dr. Sharma's career, click here.
For Dr. Sharma's publications, click here.
Ph.D student
Dominique is a Ph.D candidate in the Brown Lab joining in August 2023. She successfully obtained her MS.c degree in Neuroscience from Queen's University in June 2023, conducting research under the mentorship of Dr. David Andrew, with a focus on the investigation of spreading depolarisation induced by ischemic strokes.
Currently Dominique’s Ph.D research project is centred around using in vivo two-photon microscopy to study microvascular reperfusion following stroke in a rodent model.
Aside from research, Dominique enjoys knitting, pottery, and spending time with her dog Saddie and partner at the beach.
Ph.D student
Taylor began her university studies in 2008 at Vancouver Island University as a varsity athlete on the women's volleyball team. She then took a 9-year hiatus from university to live in Copenhagen, Denmark as a professional volleyball player, followed by a move to Melbourne, Australia to work full-time as a yoga and meditation teacher. She came back to her studies in 2020 at the University of Victoria and completed her BSc (Hons) in neurobiology in 2022.
She is now a PhD student, co-supervised by Dr. Kerry Delaney and Dr. Craig Brown. Taylor is investigating activity-dependent plasticity dysfunction in a mouse model of Rett Syndrome.
When not in the lab, you'll find her hiking in the trees, cycling, doing yoga, or cuddling her two cats Dolores and Bernard.
Ph.D student
Tanaka obtained her MS.c in Molecular and Medical Biotechnology in October 2022 at the Università degli studi di Verona, Italy. Her research, conducted under the supervision of Dr. Ilaria Decimo delved into the intricate molecular pathways associated with spinal cord injury, exploring aspects such as neuronal loss, inflammation and compromised tissue regeneration.
Now pursuing her Ph.D in the Brown lab, she is interested in investigating how diabetes and stroke may affect vascular endothelial cell and neuronal interactions.
In her downtime she enjoys practicing sport (especially tennis), gaming, travelling and watching documentaries.
MS.c student
Jenna received her BS.c in psychology with honours from the University of Victoria. Her honours project investigated sex differences in white matter integrity.
She started her MS.c in the Brown lab in September 2022 where her research focuses on brain connectivity, and how stroke affects the microstructure of distantly connected neurons.
In her spare time, Jenna enjoys all things outdoors! Currently a few of her favourite activities include running, playing volleyball and going to the beach.
MS.c student
Myrthe joined the Brown lab in 2021 for her directed studies where she investigated how neural activity impacted recanalization of microvessels in young versus aged mice, which lead to a publication (10.3389/fncel.2022.876746).
She continued her studies in the lab as a MS.c student where her research projected is centred around exploring the brain connectome and how stroke affects neurons in proximal and distally connected regions.
Outside of the lab, Myrthe is a strong advocate for women in STEM and is involved in a variety in peer mentorship programs. Aside from being a mentor, her favourite pastimes include watching/playing soccer, volleyball and gaming.
MS.c student
Born in India and raised in Kenya, Dhwani completed her undergraduate studies at Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University in Ukraine where she successfully received her medical degree (MD) in 2019. I
As a current MS.c student in the Brown lab, she is investigating the role of sex hormones on the mobility of microglia using in vivo two-photon microscopy.
To destress she likes to paint, take long walks, and watch various shows. She is known as the BTS army in the lab.
MS.c student
Kamal received his BS.c in biochemistry with honours from the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan. His honours project optimised the linkage of an artificial glycoprotein for in vivo glyco-screen technology.
He joined the Brown lab in August 2022 as a MS.c student. His research project uses in vivo two-photon microscopy to investigate the role of SerpinE1 on microvascular systems following stroke.
To kick time off, Kamal trains and co-instructs taekwondo, plays soccer, and enjoys cooking. You can also catch him in the movie theatre every week, and will not shy away from telling a surprising fact of the day.
MS.c student
Frances received her BSc in Biology with honours from Carleton University. Her honours project focused on the dissection of mitogen-activated protein kinase network in the model plant Arabidopsis.
As a current MSc student, she is interested in microglia studies.
In her spare time, Frances likes to read, play the guitar, rewatching Gilmore Girls, or go on a walk along the beach.
B.Sc, Research assistant (RA)
Born and raised in Canmore, Adam Oshanyk completed BS.c in biology with honours and a neurobiology concentration.
His honours project in the Brown Lab involved examining the role of endothelial calcium signaling in capillary obstruction and recanalization.
When he is not in the lab, he is likely outside skiing in the winter, biking in the summer, or inside playing board games or making music.
Our Team in Action
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