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.

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!

Gracie Anker, VT
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.

Emily Swarts, BSc.
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.

Julie Zielonka, BSc., Graduate student

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 started her Masters thesis in Fall, 2024. Outside the lab, Julie enjoys following Formula 1 racing.

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 coaches the Varsity figure skating team.

Lauren Coulson
Undergraduate student

Lauren majored n Biochemistry during her undergraduate studies. Lauren won a neuropathology research grant (through the Queen's summer undergraduate work experience program), and started her 4th year thesis project in fall, 2024. Outside the lab, Lauren enjoys playing and coaching volleyball, and horseback riding when she is able to.

Alex Finn

Undergraduate student

Alex is in her 4th year of Health Sciences studies at Queen's. She is currently enjoying neuroimmunology, neuroscience, global health, and pharmacology courses. In the past, Alex has done two federal SWEP placements with Health Canada. Outside of the lab, Alex likes running, hiking, and baking.

Ashley Munro
Undergraduate student

Ashley is in her fourth year of undergraduate studies, majoring in Life Sciences at Queen’s. She is particularly excited about neuroscience, neuroinflammation, and immunology. Outside of the lab, Ashley is a passionate volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Red Cross, and enjoys reading, hiking, and playing soccer.