Trainee Profile: Asal Yans

A PhD trainee in Dr. Victor Rafuse’s lab, Asal Yans’ research focuses on ALS and spinal cord injury, specifically on restoring function to paralyzed muscles through genetic manipulation with the goal of bringing back motor function that was lost.

After completing her studies in cellular and molecular biology in Iran, Asal worked in a neuroscience research centre in Iran for three years where she was a named author in several publications.

Asal came to Halifax through family, because her partner is a PhD candidate at Dalhousie University. Since her background was in neuroscience, Asal decided to enter the medical neuroscience program at Dalhousie and to pursue her interests through the BRC.

Born in Iran, Asal has lived and navigated Halifax as an immigrant and found a thriving community at Dalhousie. “Everyone in the medical neuroscience lab, especially my supervisor Dr. Rafuse and lab manager Cindee Leopold have been great to me,” she said.

“At times, painting and art really helps me relax,” she said. Whenever Asal might feel overwhelmed from lab work and research, she turns to painting as a therapeutic activity. Through her love for art and neuroscience, Asal regularly participates in the BAW competition, Neuro As Art, a perfect amalgamation for her personal and professional interests. As a result of her participation, Asal was chosen as a finalist for two consecutive years and her pieces have been put on display at the BRC.

In the future, Asal plans to continue her studies in neuroscience. Through neuroscience research, she hopes that patients will one day have restored motor function. Asal is passionate about her work and the future of neuroscience research. “In academia or industry, I want to continue neuroscience research in any capacity.”