Brennan Lab
People
Faith H. Brennan, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Faith completed her Ph.D. in Physiology at the University of Queensland in Australia in 2015. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship in the Popovich Lab at The Ohio State University, with funding from the Craig H. Neilsen and Wings for Life Foundations. Dr. Brennan established the Neurotrauma lab at Queen's University, Canada, in October 2022. Outside the lab, Faith enjoys reading and traveling to new destinations.
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We are not currently recruiting, but post-graduate and post-doctoral candidates with an excellent research record should contact Dr. Brennan with a brief introduction and names and contact information from at least two references.
Laurel Ballantyne, BSc.,
Lab Manager
Laurel ensures the lab runs safely and smoothly, and assists with student onboarding and training. Outside the lab Laurel enjoys volleyball, reading, and catching live music when possible!
Vishvaja Mewada, BSc,
Research Technician
Vishvaja has a Bachelors of Science in Biotechnology and a postgraduate diploma in Biotechnology. She is responsible for maintaining Brennan lab research colonies and genotyping. Outside lab Vishvaja enjoys reading, play softball and traveling.
Julie Zielonka, BSc., Research technician
Julie completed her BSc. in Life Sciences at Queen's University, and received a SWEP neuropathology scholarship to perform neurotrauma research in summer, 2023. Julie undertook a 4th year thesis project (MICR499) and is currently a research technician, and plans to start her Masters thesis in Fall, 2024. Outside the lab, Julie enjoys following Formula 1 racing.
Gracie Anker
Research technician
Gracie received an Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Technology from St. Lawrence College in 2024. Gracie joined the lab full-time in Summer, 2024. When not in the lab, Gracie enjoys reading, golf, and board games.
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Emily Swarts, BSc. (Hons),
Graduate student
Emily completed her BSc. in Life Sciences at Queen's University, and received a USSRF fellowship for summer research. Emily's graduate thesis focuses on understanding neuroinflammatory mediators of spinal cord injury pathology. Outside the lab, Emily enjoys skiing, playing piano, and collecting rare books.
Colleen Tordoff, BSc., Graduate student
Colleen completed her BSc. in Biochemistry at Queen's University, and received an ASURF summer research scholarship. Colleen undertook a 4th year thesis project (BCHM421/422) and started graduate school in spring 2024. Outside the lab, Colleen is co-president of the Biochemistry Student Council and co-captain of the Varsity figure skating team.
Lauren Coulson
Undergraduate student
Lauren is a third year undergraduate student at Queen's University majoring in Biochemistry. Lauren won a neuropathology research grant (through the Queen's summer undergraduate work experience program), and will be starting her 4th year thesis project in the fall of 2024. Outside the lab, Lauren enjoys playing and coaching volleyball in summer, and horseback riding when she is able to.
