Professor of Cellular and Physiological Sciences. Explorer of the brain’s molecular mechanics. Avid paddler.

Shernaz Bamji, a Professor in the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, is a member of the Life Sciences Institute, where she and her colleagues seek to understand how synaptic connections in the brain are formed, remodeled and eliminated; how those connections are affected by disease; and the molecular mechanisms underlying learning and behavior.

Over the past 150 years, what do you think is the most important Canadian discovery, contribution or achievement in health research?

Fredrick Banting, Charles Best and John Macloed’s discovery of insulin for the treatment of diabetes is a standout. However, the list of Canadian contributions to health research is long, impressive, and something to be celebrated.

Looking towards the future, what new health discovery, treatment or innovation will come from Canada?

It is almost impossible to predict what the most innovative and groundbreaking discovery will be, but history indicates that it will be achieved through the continued support of fundamental science.

What is your favourite Canadian pastime?

Camping in any one of the Canadian National Parks. My particular favorite is canoe camping in Algonguin Park, Ontario.