Dr. Benjamin T. Dunkley
Scientist, Diagnostic Imaging / Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
Associate Professor, Medical Imaging, University of Toronto
Dr. Dunkley is a Scientist in Diagnostic Imaging and the Neurosciences & Mental Health Program at SickKids and an Associate Professor in Medical Imaging at the University of Toronto. He studied for his PhD at Cardiff University, UK, and he completed his post-doctoral training at SickKids. His current research program focuses on the disruption to neural function and circuits in health and disease in children and adults.
Jane Jung
Administrative Assistant
Jane is an administrative assistant in DIR at SickKids, having joined the team in 2024, providing senior administrative support to multiple teams, including the Dunkley Lab team.
Rouzbeh Zamyadi
Research Analyst
Rouzbeh received his BEng and MASc from Ryerson University in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is currently a Research Analyst at the Dunkley Lab working mainly on processing and analysis of a number of neuroimaging signals including Magnetoencephalography (MEG) data, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), and Electroencephalography (EEG).
Nikou Kelardashti
Research Assistant
Nikou is a Research Assistant whose current project explores the neural oscillatory signatures of paediatric autism spectrum disorder using Magnetoencephalography data. She completed her MSc degree at the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto, where she analyzed psychophysical and imaging data to understand the brain-behaviour relationship between neural oscillation and the interaction between pain and attention.
Jacob Cohen
Graduate Student
Jacob Cohen is currently enrolled in the doctoral Pharmacology program at the University of Toronto. Jacob is advancing expertise in pharmacology under the co-supervision of Dr. Ben Dunkley (Sick Kids) and Dr. Ahmed Hassan (CAMH). His research is centered on exploring innovative clinical treatments and imaging modalities for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prior to beginning his academic career and earning his MSc. in pharmacology, Jacob served as a combat medic in the IDF and was honorably discharged.
Mryam Ali
Graduate Student
Mryam‘s research delves into the diverse neurobiological aspects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), suggesting that neural activity in brain networks linked to memory and emotional processing could serve as distinguishing markers for differentiating PTSD subtypes. Through the application of magnetoencephalography (MEG) to identify potential biomarkers. Her work aims to facilitate the development of improved treatments and to broaden the understanding of PTSD from a mere fear-processing disorder to a comprehensive psychological injury. Mryam completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, double majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology, and is a member of the inaugural cohort of trainees in the Psychology direct entry Ph.D. program. Initially, her research focused on behavioural neuroscience and animal research models before transitioning into cognitive neuroscience. Her research journey has encompassed anxiety disorders, learning and memory and currently centers on the neurophysiology of psychiatric illnesses. With her prior expertise in the neurobiology of learning and memory, Mryam brings a unique perspective to the investigation of psychiatric disorders such as PTSD.
Jasmin Chahal
Graduate Student
Jasmin is a University of Toronto MEd Developmental Psychology and Education graduate student. She is currently conducting a research study with mental health startup Savyn Tech Inc., under the supervision of principal investigator Dr. Dunkley. This study aims to evaluate digitized Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) related therapy, and its effect on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Jasmin will also be continuing her education to pursue a MPsy this upcoming September 2022, to further explore her interests in mental health and therapeutic methods.
Elly Daskalakis
Graduate Student
Elly Daskalakis is currently pursuing her graduate studies at the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto. Under the supervision of principal investigator Dr. Ben Dunkley, she is conducting research on the effects of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), including concussions, on brain activity and behaviour. Prior to joining our lab, Elly completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology and Psychology at Western University. Her additional research interests encompass the study of neuromodulatory techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, in the context of mTBI, as well as the enhancement of diagnostic methods and treatment approaches for mTBI.
Lab alumni
Post-doctoral Fellows and Associates
Dr. Majid Saberi, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Dr. Kevin Solar, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Dr. Jing Zhang, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Dr. Kristina Safar, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Dr. Yuwen Hung, MIT, Cambridge, USA (visiting)
Dr. Patrick McCunn, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Doctoral Students
Avideh Gharehgazlou, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (outside project)
Jennifer Chan, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (outside project)
Master’s Students
Laura Koster, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands (visiting)
Mohammed Alnawmasi, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
Undergraduate Students
Angel Hsieh, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Layan Elfaki, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Jessica Yu, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Luowei Yan, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Helen Deng, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Rima El-Sayed, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Summer Students
Maryam Mahjoob, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Cameo Perrin-Wemigwans, University of Toronto, Canada
Natalie Robitaille, McMaster University, Canada
Technicians & Managers
Matthew Ventresca, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Sergiu Mocanu, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Zahra Emami, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Grace Sim, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Sergiu Mocanu, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Zahra Emami, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Grace Sim, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada