Our goal is to understand the fundamental principles that control the differentiation, growth, and survival of neurons during development and after nerve injury. The ultimate objective of these studies is to provide scientific information that will guide and support the development of treatment strategies designed to treat neurological disorders such trauma to the spinal cord, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), peripheral nerve injuries, spinal muscle atrophy, and Parkinson's disease. My lab routinely uses multiple approaches (electrophysiology, molecular biology, state-of-the-art real time imaging) and model systems (genetically modified mice, chicken embryos, tissue culture) to understand neural development and regeneration. Currently the lab has three main research interests: the directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells into fully functional motor neurons, the characterization of motor neuron axon guidance molecules during regeneration, and the molecular characterization of the neuroprotective properties of adult stem cells. Research in the lab is funded by CIHR, NSERC, and NSHRF.

Scenic Nova Scotia & Halifax