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.
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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.
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.
Ciara Walsh, Ph.D.,
Post-doctoral fellow
Ciara completed her BSc. in Genetics & Cell Biology at Dublin City University in 2020 and her PhD in Translational Medicine at University College Dublin in 2024. Her PhD focused on developing a biomaterial-based system for localized and sustained immunomodulatory cytokine delivery in a preclinical spinal cord model. She joined the Brennan lab as a post-doctoral fellow in 2025. Outside the lab, Ciara enjoys hiking, reading, and listening to true crime podcasts.
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Emily Swarts, BSc.,
Graduate student
Emily completed her BSc. in Life Sciences at Queen's University, and received a USSRF fellowship for summer research, a Braken Fellowship, and an OGS scholarship for her research. Emily's PhD 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, BSc.,
Graduate student
Lauren majored in 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, for which she won the Biochemistry and Research day prize! She started her Master's in 2025. Outside the lab, Lauren enjoys playing and coaching volleyball and horseback riding.
Ashley Munro, BSc.,
Graduate student
Ashley majored in Life Sciences at Queen’s University. She is particularly excited about neuroscience, neuroinflammation, and immunology. She started her Master's thesis in 2025. Outside of the lab, Ashley volunteers for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Red Cross, and enjoys reading, hiking, and playing soccer.
