Kristina Backer is a third-year PhD student
participating in a training program in
Dr. Claude Alain's lab.
WHY VIVID MEMORIES
FEEL VERY REAL
A vivid memory of an
experience triggers the same
brain activation pattern
observed during the original
experience, scientists at the
Rotman Research Insitite and
the University of Texas at
Dallas have shown.
"When we mentally replay an
episode, it can feel like we are
transported back in time and
re-living that moment," said
RRI scientist and study author,
Dr. Bradley Buchsbaum.
The findings, he noted, could
help doctors quantify more
accurately a patient's self-report
of their memory as "being
good or vivid."
ART MEETS SCIENCE
TRAINING WITH EXPERTS
The recent "Brain Lane" exhibit
at the Ontario Science Centre's
!dea Gallery featured banners
created by students from
OCAD University depicting
the complex and cutting-edge
brain science conducted at the
Rotman Research Institute.
The students used a variety
of techniques, incorporating
photography, computergenerated graphics, textiles,
block printing, silk screening
and watercolour painting.
As one of the world's leading
neuroscience research centres,
the Rotman Research Institute
offers students opportunities
to work with and learn from
some of the top scientists in
their fields. One example is the
Collaborative Research and
Training Experience (CREATE)
program that arranges for
summer students to train in
auditory neuroscience at
various centres across the
country. Another is the
European Union program,
Erasmus Mundus, which places
students from 30 countries
in labs across Europe, Canada
and the United States.
At Baycrest, RRI scientist
Dr. Claude Alain welcomes
five to 10 summer students,
graduate students and postdoctoral fellows into his lab
each year from both programs.
Students participate in a range
of activities, from observing our
scientists at work to analyzing
data to working independently
on their own projects.
clues & solutions
ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13
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