The NeuroIDEA Lab is directed by Dr. Moriah Sokolowski.  We are building a lab with students at various levels of training which includes a team of undergrads, masters and post-doc students.

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Lab Director, Assistant Professor

Dr. Moriah Sokolowski

hm.sokolowski@torontomu.ca
416-979-5000 (ext. 552267)

I have the privilege of spending my career working with the amazing people in the neuroIDEA lab exploring how the developing mind supports complex learning.

I am particularly fascinated by the question of how we can think mathematically, considering it’s a complex skill that is built upon core competencies and previously acquired knowledge. My two main research interests are 1) to uncover the basic building blocks of mathematical competence, and 2) to spot those early signs – cognitive, emotional, and neural markers – that can tell us which students are likely to select – and succeed – in science, technology, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) disciplines. In our lab we approach these questions using a variety of methodologies, including behavioral and brain-imaging techniques, in individuals from diverse age groups (i.e., young children, adolescents and adults). In addition to conducting basic science, I am passionate about connecting our findings to the real world. I want to understand how what we learn can impact our individual well-being and contribute to innovation on a broader scale. Outside the lab, I enjoy travelling, trying new fitness classes around the city, reading fiction, and watching TV on the couch with my cat.

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Graduate Student

Hillary Mastarciyan

hillary.mastarciyan@torontomu.ca

I am an incoming MA1 Psychological Sciences student in the NeuroIDEA Lab for the Fall 2024 semester, and also completed my undergraduate honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Sokolowski!

I am deeply interested in developmental cognitive neuroscience, understanding how children learn fundamental subjects such as math and literacy skills at young ages, and how the brain responds to learning and memory. Additionally, I am interested in investigating children’s learning capacity, and where developmental deficiencies are present when learning new educational concepts. Outside of the lab, I am usually catching some form of live music or spending time with family and friends. As well, I love to cook and bake, and am always open to trying a new recipe!

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Honours Student

Samantha Corion

samantha.corion@torontomu.ca

I am in the final year of my undergrad in psychology. My research interest lies at the intersection of cognitive and behavioural neuroscience.

In particular, I am drawn to exploring neuroplasticity, focusing on how sensory deprivation, whether congenital or brain injury, reshapes our cognitive processes, behaviour, and interactions with the world. This duality provides a comprehensive lens through which I seek to understand how the brain’s adaptability influences learning, experiences, and overall well-being. This fuels my research for potential application in therapy and beyond. Currently, in the lab, I am contributing to the foundational work for an upcoming meta-analysis on child arithmetic by coding neuroimaging papers using Scribe, a project spearheaded by Dr.Sokolowski. This offers insight into the neural pathways involved in learning and applying arithmetic and also gives a deeper understanding of the interplay between brain function and behaviour in learning. This work is a stepping stone in my journey to uncover how neuroplasticity shapes cognitive abilities and behavioural outcomes that emerge from these cognitive processes. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue my academic journey by pursuing graduate studies, followed by a Ph.D.Outside the lab, my life is beautifully orchestrated around being the mother of two beautiful girls. I enjoy regular workouts and engaging with fictional novels.

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Honours Student

Charlie Bellman

I am a fourth-year Psychology student at TMU, and will be completing my honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Sokolowski.

My research interests include early brain development, particularly within individuals affected by neurodevelopmental diseases, understanding how children learn, and the connection between maternal and child health. I hope to explore some of these topics further in my thesis this year!

I have gained valuable clinical and research experience in neuropsychology at prestigious institutions such as Baycrest Health Sciences (Neuropsychology & Cognitive Health Clinic), The Hospital for Sick Children (NeuroOutcomes Lab), the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (The Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Tumour Centre), and York University (Till Lab). During my placements, I have developed skills in conducting neuropsychological assessments, implementing behavioural interventions, coding data, conducting meta-analyses, and facilitating programs for memory health and children with early brain injuries and neurodevelopmental disorders.

In my free time, I love to cook, bake, read, and spend time with family and friends.

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Research Assistant

Kale Allison

kale.allison@torontomu.ca

I am a 3rd year biomedical science student at TMU.

I am interested in cognitive neuroscience, understanding how neuronal physiology influences behaviours, and discovering the long-term implications of such phenomena. I am currently working with Dr. Lau and Dr. Sokolowski on research regarding the relationship between math anxiety and math achievement. This research proposes math avoidance as the overarching mediating variable between these that may explain a causal direction. My future academic ambitions have me pursuing medical school. Outside the lab, I love getting together with friends, playing a board game, or passing around a soccer ball. I enjoy long runs, puzzles, or cozying up with a good book in my spare time.

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Research Assistant

Vlad King

vlad.king@torontomu.ca

I'm a recent TMU B.A. Psychology graduate.

My academic interests fall within the lines of cognitive neuroscience and neural engineering, my goal is to both gain a deeper understanding into the neural correlates of consciousness and behavior, and potentially develop new technologies that will revolutionize the field. I was always fascinated by life in a sense that non living material can govern itself in a way that creates a structure able to comprehend its own existence and uncovering the intricate details of neurological function is the ultimate goal for my career. The current project I am working on with Dr. Sokolowski and Dr. Hawes is a meta-analysis of visual and spatial imagery referring to the mind’s ability to manifest vivid images and process transformations internally. It will shed light on what we currently know about the underlying processes and regions associated with such processing with hopes of defining collectively key areas that individual studies have struggled to pinpoint for years. My non academic interests include learning about other disciplines such as space, philosophy, and medicine, multimedia content manipulations through tools such as photoshop and premiere pro, and video games. When I’m not engaging in these I typically spend time with people around me, listen to music and enjoy casual shopping.

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Research Assistant

Grace Yee

grac3.mar13@gmail.com

I am a recent graduate of the PBD in Cognitive Science program at Carleton University. Additionally, I hold a BSc in Psychology from the University of Toronto.

My research interests include cognitive neuroscience, mental imagery, and math cognition. I am interested in understanding why some people struggle with math while others seem to be naturally inclined, how we can reduce math anxiety, and how early math performance predicts future occupation choices. Currently, I am working on a project with Dr. Sokolowski and Dr. Brian Levine at Baycrest hospital about STEM occupation and visual imagery abilities. Additionally, I am also working as a research assistant with Dr. Zachary Hawes and The Robertson Program to administer fraction assessments for students grades 4-6. Outside the lab, I love cooking, painting, Dungeons and Dragons, and I run a small bakery business from my basement.

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Research Assistant

Mariana Zapounidis

I am a third-year psychology student at TMU, and will be completing the PSY700 research practicum under Dr. Sokolowski!

I am interested in how cognitive and social factors influence behaviour and learning. I am currently working with Dr. Sokolowski and fellow research assistant Sofia on a meta-analysis investigating the social influences of math anxiety. Specifically, the degree to which parent, teacher, peer and sibling math anxiety affects the development of one’s own math anxiety, or how it impacts their math achievement. I am honoured to work in the lab and further explore my research interests! In my free time you can find me binging tv shows while knitting up a sweater, or playing some obscure video game!

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Research Assistant

Eli Badaoui

elie.badaoui@torontomu.ca

I am a third year BA (Honours) Psychology student at TMU, and I am on track to completing my PSY700 Research Practicum in Dr. Sokolowski’s neuroIDEA lab.

The biopsychosocial approach to human behavior is one that I am fond of, as I have always been aware of the complexity of Individuals. I am particularly passionate about the link between the biological and psychological factors. For my research, I am analyzing the changes in Heart Rate with respect to the subsets in the Trier Social Stress Task (TSST), a widely used laboratory procedure intended to ethically induce psychological stress. With the inclusion of certain moderators, this research is a perfect fit to my interests in examining the links between physiology and human behavior/responses.
I am also a research assistant to my co-supervisor Julia Gervasio, a current PhD student in the Psychophysiology lab at TMU. I am happy to be a part of her research investigating physiological responses to stress in patients with Bulimia Nervosa, and the changes in binging and purging behaviors with respect to pharmaceutical interventions. I find it interesting to explore different angles to what is generally thought to be only clinically-related issues.
Outside the lab, I enjoy baking with my boyfriend, watching compilations of puppies, listening to Hannah Montana, and watching Winx Club.

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Alumni

Research Assistants

 Priyanthi Paramananthan

 Kalee Kiluu-Ngila

Undergraduate Thesis Students