Our Team

We are a small team of undergraduate students at McMaster University who are eager to connect other passionate individuals to opportunities in brain research.

Gabrielle Trépanier

Co-President | Health Sciences III

Gabrielle has been dedicated to the MBRS for over two years because she believes that McMaster undergraduate students deserve accessible resources that allow them to better achieve their brain research-related goals. This year, she is looking forward to expanding the MBRS’s existing initiatives while exploring new in-person events. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting stuffed animals and reading mystery novels.

Ahad Daudi

Co-President | Health Sciences III

The brain itself is by far the most interesting organ we have. It is primarily responsible for interpreting our five senses and in turn, moderating how we perceive the world around us. Through joining the MBRS, Ahad is certain that he will learn more about the fascinating field of neuroscience alongside individuals passionate about brain research. Outside of school, Ahad is working to build enough endurance to complete a triathlon.

Isha Masood

Director of Events | Biomedical Discovery & Commercialization III

Isha’s interest in brain research began after she witnessed a relative go through an epileptic episode. This incident sparked her passion in the field of brain research and neurology because she was unaware of epilepsy and its severity prior to this incident. This further led her take Psychology courses where she was able to learn new concepts and conditions linked to the brain and nervous system. Overall, the field of science is versatile and is constantly evolving which is why she wishes to gain experience in scientific research while working with like-minded individuals to expand her knowledge on neurological conditions.

Lydia Leung

Director of Marketing | Life Sciences V

Lydia has always believed the brain to be more complex and fascinating than we could ever understand. This curiosity led her to join a research lab at SickKids studying rare pediatric brain tumors, and she has come to learn just how critical research is in finding better treatments and improving survival of individuals with brain tumors. This is what sparked her interest to join MBRS: to connect with other passionate individuals and continue to spread awareness for neuroscience and brain tumor research! A fun fact about Lydia is that she has roadtripped across the US twice!

Rida Khan

Director of Publications | Molecular Biology & Genetics IV

Since Rida was in high school, she has always been fascinated by the complexity of the brain and the way it interacts with our bodies and our environments to create such diverse individualities and personalities. There are so many perspectives, questions and research to be done in the field of neuroscience. Becoming a Director of Publications at MBRS allows Rida to give ambitious and curious students the opportunity to spark these questions about neuroscience and share their research with the McMaster community. Her favourite MBRS memory was meeting the lovely people at ClubsFest and being able to share excitement for brain research with McMaster students of all programs and years.

Zenobia Lasi

Director of Finance | Life Sciences II

“The biggest challenge for the human mind, is the human mind.” ~Raheel Farooq

The brain is such a complex and fascinating area of science which has several impacts on daily life. Whether it relates to structural or functional purposes, the brain is essentially the control center of our actions and emotions. Zenobia has developed an urge to learn as much as she can about neuroscience and the brain overall and that led her to discover the MBRS, a unique club which brings together people through this common interest. Zenobia looks forward to collaborating with such a great team and raising awareness about the MBRS to the student body!

Shuani Wang

Director of Administration | Math & Statistics III

As a undergraduate student whose primary experience of university life heavily revolved around the ups and downs of the pandemic, Shuani understands the frustrations students face when seeking opportunities to enrich their experience outside of academia, as she was one of them. These frustrations in combination with her interest in brain research prompted her interest in joining the MBRS. Shuani’s primary wish is to bring accessibility of resources and opportunities to students who wish to expand and pursue their interest in brain research. She encourages students to look forward to the MBRS team this year as the MBRS is comprised of extremely motivated individuals looking to inspire the Mac community!

Raenita Puliyelil

Events Coordinator | Honours Life Sciences II

Raenita decided to join MBRS as this club provides opportunities to learn more about topics in brain research and intriguing aspects of neuroscience, as well as to impart our knowledge with others and connect with like-minded peers who share a true passion for neuroscience. Ever since grade 8, she has been fascinated by the different neurological conditions and their related treatment methods. As MBRS prioritizes offering platforms for undergraduate students to explore their interest in brain research, Raenita believe that being a part of this student-led initiative will provide valuable occasions for networking and learning within the McMaster community.

Cindy Vo

Events Coordinator | Life Sciences II

Neuroscience was the very first interest that Cindy found in academia as a child. She remembers so vividly picking out a book all about the brain from the library and becoming completely captivated by the intricacies and depth of our most vital organ, the one that is capable of controlling our every move, consciously and subconsciously. From then on, Cindy has grown this fascination not only through her studies but through joining MBRS. She has such a strong passion for neuroscience and cognitive psychology and she knew that she would love to be in a community that shared her interests. Cindy is looking forward to furthering her knowledge on the brain and sharing her findings with her peers!

Sneha Sritharan

Graphic Designer | Life Sciences III

After conducting research in neuroscience and neuro-oncology this summer, Sneha was exposed to the importance of advancing quality of care through epidemiological research. Furthermore, the complexity of brain disorders can make understanding research in the field difficult for the general public, which she hopes through MBRS can be made more accessible for all! A fun fact about Sneha is that she has practiced martial arts (karate) for over 5 years!

Yumnah Jafri

Graphic Designer | Honours Biology III (Research Specialization)

While taking psychology courses during the pandemic in her first year, Yumnah found it disappointing that she had no one around her to talk to about what she was learning. Specifically regarding our very existence; the way we interact with others, learn, think & communicate being defined by the structure, health and function of the organ in our head continues to amaze Yumnah to this day. Being a part of MBRS allows Yumnah to form deep connections with other individuals who also share the same passions for brain research & knowledge mobilization, and she look forward to what we accomplish together this year!

Malaika Matin

Journal Editor | Life Sciences IV

Ever since her first psychology course at McMaster, Malaika has always been fascinated by brain-related research. She loves learning about the various theories of emotion and motivation, as well as the neurological aspects supporting these theories. Working with MBRS, she knows that she will be able to share her interests in brain research with a lay audience through a student-led and action-oriented platform. In her free time, Malaika loves learning how to play new instruments; she currently knows how to play the trombone, piano, and ukulele.

Anya Kylas

Journal Editor | Health Sciences II

Anya is fascinated by how little science truly understands about the brain, the organ that controls our way of life. The many intricacies of the brain and their massive impact on our existence is amazing, and should inspire us to research further in order to improve the quality of life of future generations. Anya decided to join MBRS to inspire other McMaster students in their pursuit of knowledge pertaining to the brain and research in general. A fun fact about Anya is that her favourite animal is the racoon!

2021-22 Executive Team

2020-21 Executive Team

Paul Jung | Co-President
Khadija Brouillette | VP Events & Logistics
Kavya Patel | VP Administration
Anusha Mappanasingam | VP Finance

Annemarie Antunes | VP Promotions
Gabrielle Trépanier | First-Year Liason
Sophie Krokhine | Research Coordinator

McMaster University is located on the traditional territory shared between the Haudenosaunee confederacy and the Anishinabe nations, which was acknowledged in the Dish with One Spoon Wampum belt. That wampum uses the symbolism of a dish to represent the territory, and one spoon to represent that the people are to share the resources of the land and only take what they need.