Members
Principal Investigator
Xiaoqian Chai, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery
McGill University
Email: xiaoqian.chai [at] mcgill.ca (xiaoqian.chai@mcgill)xiaoqian.chai [at] mcgill.ca (.ca)
Postdoc
Ying He
Email: ying.he3 [at] mcgill.ca
I earned my Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience from Beijing Normal University and am currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Chai Lab. My research primarily focuses on the nuanced developmental trajectories of brain networks underlying cognitive development in both typical and atypical populations. I utilize approaches such as dynamic modeling and precision mapping to investigate these changes. Additionally, I am deeply interested in how genetic and environmental factors influence this developmental process. I am passionate about my work and truly enjoy exploring human brain!
Graduate Students
Hilary Sweatman
Email: hilary.sweatman [at] mail.mcgill.ca
I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Toronto and am now pursuing a PhD in the Integrated Program in Neuroscience. My research interests include cognitive development, memory, and education. I am passionate about science outreach and hope to encourage active learning, curiosity, and enthusiasm about the brain with students young and old. In my free time, I enjoy baking, kayaking, and exploring Montreal!
Hongxiu Jiang
Email: hongxiu.jiang [at] mail.mcgill.ca
I am currently a first-year Ph.D. student in the Integrated Program in Neuroscience. I come from China and obtained my master's degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. It is a pretty precious opportunity for me to study at McGill University and join the Chai Lab. I’m very excited about the coming days in Montreal.
Jonah Kember
Email: jonah.kember [at] mail.mcgill.ca
I'm originally from Sarnia, Ontario, although I've recently moved to Montreal to pursue my PhD in the Integrated Program in Neuroscience. I obtained my Master's degree from Brock University, where I researched: how functional networks derived from EEG dynamically change during various cognitive processes (i.e., response inhibition, word reading), how these task-related changes develop in children, and how these changes are altered in neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, dyslexia). In Dr. Chai's lab, I plan on researching the dynamic interactions between neocortical areas and the hippocampus that support episodic memory encoding/retrieval using MEG. In my free time, I enjoy racing sailboats and spending time with my wife and puppy!
Qin Ding
Email: qin.ding [at] mail.mcgill.ca
I am a student in Dual Master’s degree program in BME (University of Electronic Science and Technology of China/UESTC) and Neuroscience (McGill, IPN). My research interest is mainly about memory and sleep. In Dr. Chai's lab, I plan to explore specific brain activities about visuo-spatial memory consolidation during sleep, by the methods of fMRI, EEG and tACS. In my spare time, I like cooking and watching science fiction movies.
Paula Andrea Toro Vargas
Email: paula.torovargas [at] mail.mcgill.ca
I completed my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychological and Health Sciences at the University of Toronto and am now pursuing graduate studies in the IPN at McGill. My research interests include the cognitive development of memory and language their neural underpinnings in autism spectrum disorder and neurotypical children. I am passionate about science outreach and helping students engage with their learning, complementing my interest in how children develop language and memory. In my free time, I enjoy biking, painting, reading, baking, and working as a learning strategist with elementary and high school students.
Undergraduate Students
Isaac Bouhdana
Email: isaac.bouhdana [at] mail.mcgill.ca
Born and raised in Montreal, I completed my CEGEP studies in Arts and Sciences at Marianopolis College and am currently completing my Bachelor of Science at McGill University with a Major in Neuroscience and a Minor in Education. In the Chai Lab, I am using functional magnetic resonance imaging to better understand the networks that make theory of mind different in autistic and neurotypical individuals. Outside of the lab, you can find me participating in Model United Nations, supporting students as a Residence Advisor, or reading Greek mythology!
Victor Dekarli
I am currently completing my Bachelor of Science at McGill, majoring in Neuroscience. My research interests include the neural mechanisms underlying memory and social processing. I’m particularly fascinated by how language experience shapes identity, memory encoding, and cognitive development. Hailing from small town BC, I love the outdoors and connecting with those around me. When not studying for that next exam or working on my research, you can find me volunteering, playing the piano, hanging out with friends and family, or planning events for the McGill community!
Delaram Shirzad
I hold a B.A. degree in Psychology from McGill University and currently work as a research assistant in the Chai Lab. During my undergraduate studies, I completed a research project with the lab examining the Remember/Know paradigm in neurotypical compared to autistic children. Broadly, my research interests focus on neurodevelopmental differences between neurotypical and neurodivergent populations, with a particular curiosity on the development of the prefrontal cortex. I am looking to gain more experience in research and ultimately continue my journey as a psychologist. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking, dancing, exploring new hiking trails, and spending time with family and friends.
Alumni
Postdoc:
Zeus Gracia-Tabuenca (University of Zaragoza)
Master's student:
Romke Hannema
Pascale Patenaude
Lianne van Schaik
Simeng Li
Undergraduate RA:
Shirley Zhang
Dominique Lumley
Kristen Chang
Shangyi Gao
Alejandra Martinez
Jessica Cheng
Melissa Eustache
Alan Yin