Education:
- PhD: Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico
- M.Sc.: Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico
Dr. Martha Lopez-Canul is a Research Associate with a background in behavioral neuroscience and strong experience in neuropharmacology. Her technical skills span behavioral analysis, molecular biology, electrophysiology, and electrocorticogram. Her current work explores the neurobiological mechanisms of the effect of psychedelics and non-psychedelic substances on treating sleep disorders associated with chronic pain. Outside the lab, she is a Muay Thai coach, amateur fighter, and avid traveler.
Email: martha.lopezcanul [at] mail.mcgill.ca
Education:
- MD: Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch
- Residency: Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences
With a clinical background in psychiatry and extensive experience in patient care, she is interested in bridging neuroscience and clinical practice. Her research focuses on psychopharmacology and biomarker-based psychiatry. She is currently involved in two projects: one exploring molecular biomarkers in adults with autism spectrum disorder, and another investigating the psychological and biological effects of psilocybin in healthy individuals. Her broader interests include clinical neuroscience, psychoneuroimmunology, and novel treatments for neurodevelopmental and mood disorders.
Email: maryam.oraei [at] mcgill.ca
Education:
- Ph.D. in Sciences (Toxicology): University of São Paulo - FCF-USP, Brazil
- M.Sc. in Sciences (Toxicology): University of São Paulo - FCF-USP, Brazil
- B.S. in Chemistry (focus on Forensic Chemistry): University of São Paulo - FFCLRP-USP, Brazil
With a background in neurotoxicology and pharmacology, Vitor’s research investigates the neurobiological mechanisms of substance use disorders and explores the potential application of psychedelics as treatments for addiction. He is also experienced in data visualization and statistical modeling, often developing custom analyses and graphics using R to explore complex behavioral and molecular datasets. His broader interests include psychedelic science, drug policy, and the development of evidence-based interventions for addiction and mood disorders. Outside the lab, he enjoys practicing hot yoga and CrossFit, traveling, and discovering new cuisines.
Email: vitor.bruno [at] mail.mcgill.ca
Education:
- M.Sc. in Experimental Psychology (behavioral neuroscience): Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
- B.A. with honors in Psychology: St. Francis Xavier University, Canada
Brandon is a PhD candidate exploring how psychedelic compounds (i.e., psilocybin, LSD, 5-MeO-DMT, and N'N-DMT) influence neural circuitry and behavior, with a focus on translational models of depression. With a background in behavioral neuroscience, Brandon is passionate about bridging preclinical findings with clinical relevance. His work combines pharmacology, electrophysiology, and machine learning tools to better understand the brain.
Email: brandon.richardson [at] mail.mcgill.ca
Masters student- Psychiatry: MSc in Mental Health
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology: McGill University, Canada
Ella is a MSc student investigating psilocybin's effect as a treatment for inflammatory, acute, and chronic neuropathic pain. With a background in psychology, Ella is passionate about interdisciplinary psychiatry and translational research. Her work uses electrophysiology and behavioral pain assays to investigate psilocybin's mechanism as a pain treatment.
Email: ella.nield [at] mail.mcgill.ca