Lisa Saksida

Understanding the mechanisms of cognitive processes such as learning, memory and attention and their relationship to human behaviours is integral to unlocking the mysteries of the brain. In the Translational Cognitive Neuroscience (TCN) Lab, Lisa Saksida seeks to understand how cognition works, and when it doesn’t, how and why these dysfunctions occur.

Using mouse models to conduct her research, Dr. Saksida employs advanced touchscreen cognition testing technology, allowing her and her team to observe cognitive responses and behaviour in their mice in response to stimuli and rewards. The research conducted in the TCN lab has clinical applications for understanding and developing treatments for a variety of cognitive disorders including Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.

Lisa Saksida, PhD, is a Professor of Physiology & Pharmacology at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and the Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Translational Cognitive Neuroscience. She is a research scientist at the Robarts Research Institute, and the scientific co-director of the neuroscience research initiative BrainsCAN. In 2020, she was inducted into the Royal Society of Canada, named a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and honoured as one of the Women's Executive Network (WXN) Top 100. In her research, she draws on her diverse expertise in psychology, robotics and artificial intelligence, and computer sciences.

Dr. Saksida holds a Master of Science in Psychology, a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and a PhD in Computer Science. Learn about opportunities to work in The Translational Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (TCNLab).

Visit her on Twitter: @lisasaksida