Brain Exercise Enhancement Laboratory
Meet The Team
Dr. Jeremy Walsh
Lab Director
Dr. Walsh’s research is focused on investigating the mechanisms by which daily behaviours (physical activity, diet, screen time, sleep and cognitive stimulation) impact brain function. The overarching goal of this research is to apply this knowledge to develop interventions that optimize brain health across the lifespan. Dr. Walsh’s research is particularly interested in characterizing how exercise increases the neuroactive hormone brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and investigating the effect of BDNF on brain function. The primary measurement outcomes of this research are: 1) measuring neuroactive hormones in the blood, 2) assessing cognitive function, 3) measuring cerebral blood flow.
Dr. Ethan Danielli
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Ethan is a postdoctoral fellow in the lab. He is currently studying the effects of ketone monoester supplementation on brain health and cognition for older adults with memory complaints. Ethan is also interested in the application of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to assess neurodegeneration related to dementia and concussive brain injuries. Outside of the lab, Ethan enjoys playing soccer, going birding with his wife, and going on adventures with his dog.
Graduate Students
Aedan Rourke
PhD Student
Aedan began his PhD with Dr. Walsh in September 2024, after completing his MSc degree in the lab. His MSc thesis tested the effects of different doses of exogenous ketone supplements on brain blood flow and cognition in young adults. Aedan’s current research revolves around investigating the mechanisms by which ketone supplements alter cerebrovascular physiology and determining the clinical utility of these supplements for protecting brain health in individuals at heightened risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. In his free time, Aedan enjoys running, playing hockey and winning the Heimbecker cup for the grad students, and watching movies.
Stuart Mladen
PhD Student
Stu completed his undergraduate and Master's degrees in Kinesiology at Queen's University before joining the Walsh Lab to pursue his PhD in 2024. Stu's research is interested in the mechanisms that regulate the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) - a molecule which plays an important role in the cognitive enhancing effects of exercise. Outside of the lab, Stu enjoys playing intramural sports and reading books.
Addriana Odisho
MSc Candidate
Addriana graduated from the McMaster Kinesiology undergraduate program in 2023 and is currently a second-year master’s student in Dr. Walsh’s lab. Her project aims to isolate the effect of exercise-induced lactate and BDNF on cognitive performance following an acute bout of aerobic exercise in young adults. Addriana loves reading, doing cardio, and spending time with friends.
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Thesis Students
Becca Liski
3RP3 Placement Students
Grace Yu
Amrit Randhawa
Katelynn Ambrose
Zena Manna
Undergraduate Students
Thesis Students
Jenna Nash (2024)
Paige Cheveldayoff (2022)
Rivka Ohayon (2022)
Kaitlyn Lee (2021)
Hashim Baloch (2020-2021)
Hooriya Masood (2020-2021)
Megan Dean (2020-2021)
Vidhi Patel (2023-2024)
Shumayal Butt (2023-2024)
Lindsay Barwitzki (2023-2024)
Bardia Abbasi (2023-2024)
3RP3 Placement Students
Research Interns
Cara Pekos (2023-2024)
Mikayla Nepal (2023-2024)
Aidan Underwood (2023-2024)
David Walker (2021-2022)
Sehely Rahman (2021-2022)
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Masters Students
Claudia Yong (2023-2024)
Keegan Nhan (2022-2023)
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Dr. Geoff Coombs (-2024)