Trainee Profile: Colin MacKay

Colin MacKay, a Masters student in Dr. Ying Zhang’s lab, is a trainee studying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and its effects on interneurons.

To put it simply, Colin examines the spinal interneurons in ALS using an ALS mouse model, trying to find the difference between healthy and diseased animals at different stages in the disease.

“My project is looking at ALS using a mouse model for the disease,” Colin said. “Whereas a lot of work historically has looked at motor neurons, my work is looking at the effects of ALS on interneurons in the spinal cord, and how changes in those interneurons may contribute to the development of the disease.”

Colin worked in Dr. Zhang’s lab as a technician after completing an undergraduate degree in neuroscience at Dalhousie, so he brings plenty of lab knowledge to his role, and had presented the AMAP retreat. Through connections made at the BRC with other trainees, such as alumni Dr. Dylan Deska-Gauthier, Colin learned a lot on how to conduct and interpret research data.

“Since I was able to T.A. during my undergrad, I got a sense of fulfillment helping students reap the rewards of their hard work,” he said. With a wide array of potential, Colin can see himself teaching in the future.

Self-described a “major movie buff,” Colin loves the cinema, playing sports and attending live music events.