Richard Roth, PhD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

he/him

Richard received a BSc from the Technical University of Munich and a PhD in neuroscience from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University. He is interested in how synaptic and circuit plasticity come together to shape motor control and motor learning. Outside of lab, he enjoys traveling with his family, following the Bundesliga, skiing, and sleeping.

Rayan Saghian, PhD

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

she/her

Rayan Saghian is a postdoctoral researcher whose work spans molecular and systems neuroscience. She completed her PhD in the Department of Physiology at the University of Toronto, where she investigated the molecular machinery that controls neurotransmitter release at central synapses. After spending her doctoral training uncovering the mechanisms that govern synaptic communication, she is now expanding her research interests to circuit neuroscience, with the goal of understanding how neural circuits process information and ultimately shape behavior.

In addition to her research, Rayan enjoys teaching and mentoring students and has served as a teaching assistant for several undergraduate physiology courses at the University of Toronto. Outside the lab, she loves spending time with family, going for walks outdoors, and rewatching the LOTR trilogy far more often than she would like to admit.

Lucas Murakami

TECHNICIAN

he/him

Lucas received his HBSc from the University of Toronto in neuroscience, cognitive science, and psychology. He is interested in how the brain impacts and is influenced by cognition, and is excited about learning more about the cellular mechanisms influencing plasticity. In addition, he enjoys playing tennis, bowling, and spending time with his family. 

Yaren Dogru, MSc

TECHNICIAN

she/her

Yaren received her HBSc from the University of Toronto in neuroscience and molecular genetics, and her MScR in neuroscience from the University of Edinburgh. She is interested in how oligodendrocyte precursor cells and oligodendrocytes contribute to neural development, plasticity, and neurodegeneration. She is excited to learn more about cellular mechanisms underlying myelin dynamics and their role in brain function and recovery. Outside of the lab, she enjoys visiting museums, exploring the city, and spending time with her family.