Meet the Team

Dr. Veronica Guadagni, PhD

Originally from Italy, I obtained a Master in Neuroscience from the University of L’Aquila. I moved to Canada in 2011 to start a PhD in Brain and Cognitive Sciences in the Department of Psychology, which I completed in 2017. In June 2017, I joined the Laboratory of Human Cerebrovascular Physiology as a Postdoctoral Fellow.

Since then I have been working on the BIM I study findings; specifically, the effects of a six-month aerobic exercise intervention on sleep, brain health, and cognition. I have also worked on the study's main results: the effects of aerobic exercise on cerebrovascular regulation and executive function, memory, and attention. I am currently involved in the data collection and analyses from BIM II. I am supported by an Alzheimer Society Research program (ASRP) Postdoctoral Fellowship and by the O’Brien Institute Centre of Aging.

I am a mother of a smart and active 6-year-old, Mia, and I love to spend my free time in the mountains snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, and climbing with my family.

Dr. Nick Bray, PhD, CSEP-CEP

Originally from Newfoundland, I obtained my PhD from Western University; my dissertation centred on describing functional brain connectivity's role in the relationship of multimodal interventions to improve cognitive and physical function in vulnerable (frailty & mild cognitive impairment) older adults. I joined the Lab of Human Cerebrovascular Physiology as a Postdoctoral Associate in June of 2022.

Previously, I have led or assisted in randomized controlled trials to improve various health-related outcomes, in addition to longitudinal, cross-sectional, and review studies that provided a better understanding of pathophysiology. As part of the Lab of Human Cerebrovascular Physiology, I am exploring the relationship between physical frailty and cerebrovascular outcomes. More specifically, how physical frailty may moderate the relationship between cerebral blood flow and functional brain connectivity. I am currently supported by the University of Calgary’s Eyes High Postdoctoral Funding Program.

You can find me camping with my wife, son, and dog in my free time.

Sarah Gulash, B.Sc (Research Psychometrist)

Originally from Saskatchewan, I completed my Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology at the University of Regina. I am passionate about understanding cognitive and communication changes associated with brain injury and dementia, as well as  rehabilitation and improving quality of life through evidence-based care.

As the Research Psychometrist for the Brain in Motion II study, I administer and score the Cognitive Function Assessment and the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale. I also oversee data entry and quality assurance procedures for cognitive data, helping ensure accuracy and organization.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time with friends and family, and volunteering with seniors and children with childhood apraxia of speech. This fall, I am excited to begin my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

Chelsea Ziegler, MPH (Study Coordinator)

Originally from Saskatchewan, I completed both my undergraduate degrees (microbiology/immunology and biochemistry) and Masters (public health) at the University of Saskatchewan. Within public health, I am interested in looking at the cause and distribution of conditions (chronic and infectious).

In the lab, I coordinate the Brain in Motion I & II Studies including scheduling, tracking, and organizing the study, which involves a lot of phone calls and emails. I am often the first point of contact for our wonderful participants. 

Outside the lab, I love spending time crafting (currently cross-stitching) while watching documentaries, trying new foods/restaurants, and spending time with my fiancé, friends and adorable pup.

David Adriano, B.Sc (Kin), CSEP-CEP (Exercise Physiologist)

I am a Clinical Exercise Physiologist certified through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology and obtained my B.Sc. (Hons) in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. I support the ongoing research initiatives of the Principal Investigators in the Clinical and Translational Exercise Physiology (CTEP) Laboratory, namely the Brain in Motion I and II study, and coordinate collaborations and testing for the general public. Specifically, I perform physiological assessments such as VO2max tests, anthropometrics, Wingate, BMR, spirometry, and gait, and ensure that data is processed, analyzed, and documented properly. 

In my free time, I enjoy drawing and martial arts such as boxing and Thai kickboxing. I also lead non-contact boxing classes for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and currently volunteer as a musician for my local parish.

Brad Hanson BA (Kin) HFFC-CEP (Lab Manager)

So far, my journey has extended across 3 provinces. Beginning in Ontario, attending, and working at Western University for many years with the School of Kinesiology until I was presented with an opportunity to go west. This led my wife and I to pack-up all our belongings, sell the house and head to Alberta. My first post was with Dr. Marc Poulin and the University of Calgary. My time in Marc’s lab was exciting and full of new learning experiences. But my calling to go west was not complete. We decided to continue our trek west and explore British Columbia, where I was offered an opportunity to do field work on Wildland Firefighters and Ultra Marathoners with the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. After a few years in Vancouver, we started our trek back east with a stop in Kelowna and UBCO, where I worked as a Lab Coordinator in Human Kinetics. Then our final stop back at U of C and Marc Poulin’s lab.

I have found my journey so far, not only eventful, but a truly captivating experience. I also believe that family and friends are very important to one’s quality of life, and this model must be preserved at all costs. In the past few years my family has grown almost 2-fold and their reflection on life has guided me on many more adventures around the world; my voyage is just beginning.

Dalia Ghoneim, MPH, CSEP-CEP (Health Behaviour Support)

I conduct the Health Behaviour phone calls with the Brain in Motion II Study to assist participants in reaching their exercise goals. I am a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with a Master’s in Public Health. I have always been passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and assisting people in making sustainable changes to reach their exercise and health related goals.

In my free time, I enjoy staying active through yoga, exercising at the gym, getting outdoors and hiking in the mountains, and I also love to read.

Eryka Haley, RN (Research Associate)

I am a professional nurse involved with the BIM since 2011. I have extensive professional experience as an educator, manager, and clinician in several areas such as emergency, cardiac surgery, gerontology and neurology. I am a graduate of the Royal Victoria Hospital School of Nursing and of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.

At the lab, I assist with BIM II recruitment, screening, and testing, and in communications with participants and their physician's offices. I greatly enjoy meeting the participants and working with the young researchers in the lab.

In my free time, I can be found, gardening, reading, swimming, and now, playing with my twin grandchildren. 

Haley Young, BSc (Brain in Motion II Exercise Trainer)

I am the current Stretch & Tone Exercise Trainer for the Brain in Motion II Study.  I graduated in 2019 from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Health Physiology.  I have been involved with the Brain in Motion Studies since 2019 when I was an undergraduate practicum student and summer student researcher in the Clinical and Translational Exercise Physiology (CTEP) Laboratory.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, playing sports with my friends, and being active with my dog.  This fall, I am excited to be joining the University of Calgary’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2026!

Natalie Yeung, MSc, BSc (Brain in Motion II Exercise Trainer)

I am the Aerobic Exercise Trainer for Brain in Motion II. As a trainer, I engage directly with participants and lead them through the aerobic exercise intervention while collecting data for the study. I recently received a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology, specializing in sensorimotor neuroscience at the University of Calgary. 

In my free time, I enjoy walking my two Beagles, painting, and volunteering for The Hatch and Good Neighbour Community Market. 

Dr. Matiram Pun, MBBS, MSc, PhD (c)

I am from Nepal and am a PhD student in the lab. My interest in Mountain Medicine and High Altitude Illness Pathophysiology brought me to the University of Calgary's graduate program in that field. Being born and raised in the mid-hills of Nepal and trekking extensively in the Nepal Himalayas, I became enthused during my medical school days with high altitude hypoxia and its consequences on the human body.

Currently, my focus is on Sleep-Disordered Breathing, especially Obstructive Sleep Apnea; i.e. intermittent hypoxia in the controlled laboratory environment. Next, I am studying the effects of acute, subacute and chronic exposure to very high altitude; i.e. high altitude sojourners, low-landers working at high altitude for a longer period of time, and high altitude residents. 

Fundings and Awards

• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Doctoral Research Award (2022)
• Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships for Data-Enabled Innovation (2020)
• Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (2020/2021)
• NSERC BRAIN CREATE Graduate Scholarship (2020)
• University of Calgary Dean's International Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship (2019/2020)

Connor Snow, BSc

Currently, I am a masters student in the lab focusing on neuroscience. I have recently graduated from the University of Calgary with a BSc in Exercise and Health Physiology. My interests in health and physical fitness led me to develop a greater understanding of physiology and the role that physical activity has in the prevention of morbidity and mortality. I also have a personal passion to further investigate Alzheimer's disease and Dementia.

My research pertains to how physiological biomarkers and healthy lifestyles can be used to predict or indicate risk for future cognitive decline and how exercise may modify these risk factors to attenuate or mitigate risk for later cognitive dysfunction in the context of the Brain in Motion study.

In my leisure time, I enjoy physical activities and exploring the outdoors. I also volunteer at the Rockyview Hospital in the Emergency Department and coach for the Calgary Sledge Hockey Association. 

Sophie Berghmans, BSc

I am currently a graduate student in the lab studying neuroscience. I completed my BSc in Biology with a concentration in Neurobiology at the University of Victoria. My interests in neuroscience, aging, and physiology have led me to explore how modifiable health factors influence brain health and risk for cognitive decline.

My research focuses on how sleep and glucose regulation influence brain and vascular health in older adults. Using data from the Brain in Motion study, I investigate relationships between sleep quality, sleep-disordered breathing, fasting glucose, and continuous glucose monitoring measures to better understand risk factors for Alzheimer disease and related dementias. Through this work, I hope to identify physiological biomarkers that can improve our understanding of healthy brain aging and the early detection of cognitive decline.

In my spare time, I am a member of the Dinos Varsity Rowing Team, and I enjoy staying active through tennis and cycling.

Maria Fernanda Garces

I am a summer student, undergoing a BSc in Psychology at the University of Calgary. In my role, I am mainly contributing to a project that involves revising guidelines related to high altitude hypoxia and its effects on sleep. Additionally, I have been involved in verifying and entering participant data for the Brain in Motion study, gathering information to update the FISU Healthy Campus certification, increasing our lab's visibility on social media and helping out with other tasks as needed. 

Outside of the Poulin lab, I like to be involved in as many campus initiatives as I can, particularly in the areas of student development, mental health, and wellbeing. Some of my favourite things to do are playing the guitar, reading, or enjoying the outdoors with my friends!

Paul Xu

I am a summer student from the University of Alberta, completing my Bachelor's of Science in pharmacology. Within the lab, I am investigating and analyzing the medications and supplements taken by the Brain in Motion II participants, as well as helping around the lab with data filing and cleaning. Outside of research, I have an avid interest in world and classical music, and I enjoy hiking in the beautiful mountains with my family.

Ophelia Vecchione

I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Motor and Psychosocial Aspects of Movement, with a minor in Psychology. Long term, I aim to explore lifestyle-based preventative strategies in maintaining cognitive health. In the lab, I manage data entry and verification for the current BIM II study and help with any other associated tasks.

As a student advocate, I enjoy staying involved in my school community through clubs, volunteering, and more. In my spare time, I like to stay active with yoga, running, dancing and spending time outside. I also love to sing, read, and play guitar.