Joseph Grams

Biography

About me

I completed my Bachelors of Kinesiology at the University of Regina, majoring in Human Kinetics. Through the completion of a clinical placement at First Steps Wellness Centre, I had the opportunity to gain practical experience working with individuals with spinal cord injuries, as well as other neuromuscular and neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and stroke. This is where I developed an interest in neuroscience, which led me to join Dr. Patrick Whelan’s lab (https://patrick-whelan-lab-calgary.squarespace.com/) in August 2019 as an MSc. student. I am currently investigating the anatomical and functional properties of dopaminergic neurons in the posterior hypothalamus through a locomotor and autonomic lens.

My research

My project is focused on tracing neuronal circuits of dopamine neurons in the hypothalamus and brainstem. Tracing neuronal circuits in the brain allows me to identify what brain regions are connected. In addition, I can gain insight into the functional role of specific neuronal populations.

BRAIN CREATE program aspirations

The BRAIN CREATE program provides an exciting opportunity to form new collaborations, gain practical experience, and learn new skills. I am zealous to learn and apply novel techniques in the fields of microscopy and behavioural neuroscience.

Commercialization

My project provides an opportunity to advance existing computational approaches for brain-wide projection tracing and mapping neuronal activity. Furthermore, the application of novel neurotechnology encourages collaboration and provides opportunities to develop standardized approaches to obtain, assess and process data in an effective and efficient manner.

Awards

NSERC BRAIN CREATE Graduate Scholarship