Research Team

Principal Investigator

Maiya R. Geddes, MD, FRCPC, FANA

Maiya Geddes is an Associate Professor, Killam Scholar and Behavioural Neurologist Scientist at McGill University. Dr. Geddes leads a research program and lab at the Montreal Neurological Institute that is focused on understanding motivational processes in aging and early Alzheimer’s disease using cutting-edge cognitive neuroscience, wearable technology, brain imaging and computational techniques. She applies this new knowledge to design novel interventions and behavioural randomized controlled trials with the goal of personalized dementia prevention. Dr. Geddes completed a residency in Neurology at McGill followed by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research postdoctoral research fellowship at MIT with Dr. John Gabrieli and a clinical fellowship in Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry at Harvard. After her fellowship, she joined the faculty at Harvard Medical School before moving to McGill in 2019. Dr. Geddes is a Killam Scholar. She is also the recipient of a Brain Canada Future Leaders award, the Alzheimer Society Research Program New Investigator Award, the Canadian Conference on Dementia Future Leader Award, and the American Neuropsychiatric Association Career Development Award.

Post-Doctoral Research Trainees

Stéfanie Tremblay, PhD

I am a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Maiya Geddes' lab for Motivational Neuromedicine at McGill University since October 2024. My project, ‘A life course approach to the integration of social and structural determinants of health in research on aging and Alzheimer’s disease,’ aims to bring diversity and equity at the forefront of dementia research in Canada. Through my postdoctoral work and future career, I am committed to advancing policies that promote brain health for all Canadians by generating critical evidence to inform policy changes and actively engaging in knowledge mobilization.

Graduate Students

Caitlin Walker, PhD Candidate

Caitlin is a PhD Candidate in the Integrated Program in Neuroscience at McGill University. She is interested in socioemotional processing in aging and how these processes are represented in the brain. Specifically, her research focuses on the role of social motivation (for example, generativity and altruism) in promoting health and well-being in older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease. She is also extremely interested in translational neuroscience. Caitlin is currently investigating the efficacy of a technology-based, intergenerational social intervention to enhance at-risk older adults' physical activity levels. In her spare time, she enjoys running, painting, and playing with her cats.

Nagashree Thovinakere, PhD Candidate

Naga is a PhD student in the IPN Program. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences at McMaster University. The overarching goal of her research focuses on leveraging large open datasets and employ state-of-the-art multimodal neuroimaging and machine learning methods to understand why and how older adults who are at an increased risk of developing AD engage in successful long-term behaviour change. Outside of the lab, you can catch her painting or doing stand-up comedy.

Jing Tian, PhD Candidate

Jing is a second-year PhD student in McGill’s Integrated Program in Neuroscience. Jing's deep love for her grandparents highly motivates her to research the cognitive health and brain health of older adults. Her goal is to investigate the brain mechanism underlying motivation in aging. During her free time, Jing finds relaxation in classical dance.

Vasvi Dhir, PhD Student

Vasvi completed a MSc in the lab before becoming a doctoral student in the Integrated Program in Neuroscience. She joined the Geddes lab during her Bachelor of Science - Honours Neuroscience at McGill University. Her work focusses on identifying the neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying Grit in cognitively unimpaired older adults at-risk for Alzheimer's disease, employing resting-state functional neuroimaging. Another project she pursues with equal zeal studies the gender-related facilitators and barriers that older adults perceive when considering participation in neurocognitive aging research, using a participatory research methodology called "Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping". Outside the lab, you will see Vasvi swimming, meditating, and engaging in meaningful social interactions.

Sathurthika Selvanayagam, MSc Student

Sathurthika is a MSc student in the Integrated Program in Neuroscience at McGill University. Her research focuses on dementia prevention and aging, with an emphasis on identifying the neural and behavioural mechanisms that support sustained adherence to multidomain lifestyle interventions. She is also involved in sharing research findings with vulnerable and underrepresented communities through community work outside the lab. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, meditating, and reading self-help books.

Yuvraj Agnihotri, MSc Student

Yuvraj majored in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. He was a founding member and the vice president of finance of the Bhangra Club, managing sponsors, funding, and expenses for the club’s competitions. In 2024, he won the Student Union Campus Involvement Award for his commitment to the club and other initiatives.

Yuvraj was a research assistant at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, researching comorbidities with pediatric epilepsy. He co-authored two studies presented at the American Epilepsy Society. Yuvraj has also volunteered with Adapted Physical Activity for Kids, supporting children’s access to sports, and at Alberta Health Services hospitals.

Jillian Caplan, MSc Student

Meet Jillian, a neurology resident at McGill University. Her research experience spans optogenetic neuromodulation, fMRI preprocessing, and meta-analysis, all driven by a love for clinical neuroscience, brain health, and patient wellness. Outside of the lab, Jillian serves as co-president of the Mindful Medical Learner and has a passion for near-peer teaching in the faculty of medicine. She enjoys reading historical fiction, experimenting with new recipes, and practicing mindfulness and yoga. Jillian believes in balancing hard work with healthy living to stay happy and inspired.

Undergraduate Students

Garance Barnoin

Hi! I am a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Honours Cognitive Science Program at McGill University. I joined the lab last April and I am now doing my Honours Project with Dr. Geddes. I am looking at resting-brain connectivity and reward-effort decision-making in aging. Decision-making is a field I am really interested in, that is why I am minoring in Economics and took Behavioral Econ and Game Theory courses. I am also passionate about the CogSci community, I am the Co-President of the Student Association of Cognitive Science at McGill and the founder of United Cogsci Associations. In my free time, I like to do yoga, travel and try out new activities in Montreal!

Laurence Coté

Laurence is completing her medical studies at McGill University. She is interested in behavioral interventions that favour healthy aging through physical activity, as well as selection bias in neurocognitive research. In her free time, she is passionate about outdoor adventures, such as skiing, biking, running and horseback riding.

Sarah Elbaz

I am a third-year medical student at Laval University, and I have been part of the Geddes lab for a year and a half. Since joining the lab, I have had the privilege of contributing to the HABS project. As a result, I have developed a passion for preventive medicine. I am also fascinated by the brain and more specifically by the pathophysiology of nervous system disorders. On my free time, I enjoy spinning classes and baking sweets.

Maude Gélinas Faucher

My name is Maude, I am a medical student at McGill University who previously completed a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience at Université de Montréal. I am fascinated by the brain and the mind and am currently studying gender selection bias in neurocognitive aging research in the Geddes lab. Outside of academics, I enjoy rock climbing and pilates and like spending my free time cooking for my family, friends, and colleagues.

Sophie Hallot

Sophie is a third-year medical student at McGill University. Her research interests lie at the intersection of neurocognitive assessment and aging in clinical research. Beyond her academic pursuits, Sophie has a keen interest in learning new languages, such as Arabic and Dutch. She also enjoys hiking and spending time with her two cats.

Ryan Kara

Hi everyone! I am a medical student at McGill University, part of the class of 2027! I have a profound interest in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, and the study of prevention through behavioral interventions. In addition to contributing to the efforts for the HABS, I am currently involved in a project with Dr. Noriega studying the temporal relationship between sleep, mood, and physical activity. I had the privilege to present a lecture on this project at the World Conference of Neurology 2023 and will be presenting the final results in a poster at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2024. Beyond research and academics, I am an avid sports fan, particularly of basketball! My team is wherever Giannis Antetokounmpo plays!

Isabel McDonald

Isabel is an undergraduate student in Neuroscience at McGill. She has diverse research interests in the field of neurocognitive aging. She is currently working on the gender selection bias project, investigating why certain groups of individuals are overrepresented in neurocognitive aging research while others are underrepresented. The goal of this research is to establish targets for equitable recruitment strategies which ultimately lead to more equal representation and generalizable findings. In her free time, Isabel loves to run, cook, go camping and hiking, explore new places, ski, and immerse herself in a good book.

Franciska Otaner

My name is Franciska Otaner, and I am a medical student at McGill University. I have a strong interest for the brain and mind, particularly neurodegenerative illnesses and movement disorders. I founded my own club called MIND (Medical Student Initiative for Neurological Discourse) which is designated at elevating brain health awareness in the community. I am passionate about contributing to research in the field of neuroscience. In my spare time, I like to read poetry and memoirs – particularly memoirs of neurosurgeons. I also play the electric and classical guitar, as well as the bass.

Johanie Victoria Piché

Johanie is a fourth-year medical student at McGill University with a keen interest in neurology and cognitive disorders. Since March 2023, she has been part of the Geddes Lab as a clinical research coordinator, guiding participants through various study phases including cognitive testing and physical exercise tests. Currently, Johanie is dedicated to a project investigating apathy as a potential early marker of Alzheimer's disease. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis with friends.

Sofia Ricciardelli

Hello! My name is Sofia and I am a medical student at McGill University. I am thrilled to be joining Dr. Geddes’ lab this year! Curious by nature, I have always been eager to discover the intricacies of the human brain and mind. More precisely, I am fascinated by the brain’s unique resilience. Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity throughout the lifespan offer much potential for maintaining and improving brain health. Moreover, I am deeply intrigued by the philosophical, artistic, and scientific understandings of aging. An interdisciplinary approach to the aging brain certainly helps us gain more insight into age-related cognitive decline and the journey of life. On a different note, I am involved with the Maude Abbott Medical Museum, and I am a passionate planetary health advocate. On a day-to-day basis, I strive for an active and sustainable lifestyle, I love playing soccer, running, cycling, enjoying the outdoors, cooking, and meeting new people.

Megan Tan

I am a third year undergraduate student at McGill pursuing a degree in cognitive science with a minor in philosophy. I have been working at the Geddes Lab since February of this year under the guidance of Naga. This summer, I will be conducting a research project aimed at studying the underlying behavioural and cognitive phenomena that influence an individual's adherence to varying lifestyles. In the future, I plan on bridging behavioral insights with the business industry by using my cognitive science background to inform consumer, market, and user experiences. Outside of school I love exploring new hidden gems in Montreal and trying out new recipes at home! Incredibly excited for the year ahead.

Sophia Toteda

My name is Sophia and I am an undergraduate student in Neuroscience at McGill University. I am thrilled to be a part of the Geddes lab! I am very interested in studying medicine after undergrad, particularly hoping to study more about neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the effects of various factors on the aging brain. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, walking, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with friends.

James Wang

James is an undergraduate currently in his last year of studies in the McGill’s neuroscience program. He’s had the pleasure of working in the Geddes lab studying how musical training and socioeconomic status can be used to predict healthy cognitive aging. James is very passionate about science communication and making science accessible. But when he isn’t doing this, you can find him reading a good book or watching Avatar: The Last Airbender for the millionth time.

Chloë Witherow

Chloë is a first-year medical student at McGill University and has a Bachelor’s in Honours Neuroscience during which she researched the impact of pleasurable music on memory. She is excited to continue on with the Geddes lab to explore apathy and motivational deficits in aging. Chloë is also passionate about advocating for student mental health and wellbeing through various student initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys reading, doing yoga, and rock climbing with friends!

Ralph Nuhay

I am a first year Neuroscience student at Université de Montréal. After my undergrad, I would like to study medicine to further specialize in neurology! I am interested in neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline. Therefore, I am thrilled to be a part of the lab! In my free time, I enjoy going for a swim and eating out with my friends!

Research Staff

Carolynn Boulanger, BSc., Research Assistant

Hi there! I’m a recent graduate from Concordia’s Honours Behavioural Neuroscience BSc program with a minor in Multidisciplinary Studies in Science. I am working as a research assistant in the Geddes Lab at the Neuro and Karen Li’s Lab at Concordia University where I have a special interest in the association between physical activity, mobility, and cognitive function in older adulthood. I will also be starting medical school at McGill University in fall 2024 where I am hoping to combine my research and academic interests. When I’m not at the lab, I love to read, go for walks, and garden!