Trainee Profile: Mohsen Hedari

Mohsen Heidari is a trainee in Dr. Angelo Iulianella’s lab, studying neurogenesis and neurodevelopment at perinatal stages, particularly the role of a gene that has been associated with the development of neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia.

“I wouldn’t have completed what I’ve done without my labmates and supervisor,” Mohsen said. “I’m grateful to have met these researchers and professors at Dalhousie and the BRC.”

After completing an undergraduate degree in neuroscience at the University of Toronto, Mohsen was attracted to Dalhousie through his supervisor Dr. Iulianella’s research lab. The communal feeling Halifax provides is also another reason to be here.

“My passion for neuroscience has stemmed from regenerative medicine and promoting repair in neural circuits. In order to better understand endogenous repair mechanisms we must first understand the development of the brain.” Hence passion has led Mohsen to researching neurogenesis and development related to the olfactory bulb - the part of the brain involved with the sense of smell.

Mohsen is a co-author on a publication last year, published in Cell Reports Medicine journal. The paper was a result of a study that examined the role of metformin in affecting neurorepair in childhood brain injuries.

An active member of the BRC, Mohsen presented at the AMAP conference in 2021 and regularly attends Journal Club meetings, and participates in social events and in recruitment efforts through the department of medical neuroscience.

Outside of the lab, Mohsen has volunteered with vaccine deliverance as well as a meal assistance program for veterans. If he’s not volunteering, his hobbies include wood carving and playing the violin.