Sheena Josselyn

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Sheena Josselyn is a prominent neuroscientist known for her research in the field of memory and neurobiology. She is a Senior Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, and a Professor in the Departments of Physiology and Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. Her work primarily focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying memory formation and retrieval, with a particular emphasis on the role of specific neurons in these processes.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Sheena Josselyn completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at the University of Toronto. She then pursued a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Toronto, where she conducted research on the molecular mechanisms of memory. Following her PhD, she undertook postdoctoral training at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she worked with renowned neuroscientist Alcino Silva.

Research Contributions[edit | edit source]

Josselyn's research has significantly advanced the understanding of how memories are stored and retrieved in the brain. One of her major contributions is the identification of specific neurons, known as "engram cells," that are involved in the storage of memories. Her work has demonstrated that these cells are critical for the formation and recall of memories, and that manipulating these cells can alter memory processes.

Her research utilizes a variety of techniques, including optogenetics, chemogenetics, and advanced imaging methods, to study the activity of neurons in animal models. Josselyn's findings have important implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders that affect memory, such as Alzheimer's disease and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Awards and Honors[edit | edit source]

Sheena Josselyn has received numerous awards for her contributions to neuroscience, including the E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Kavli Foundation Innovations in Neuroscience Award. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Josselyn is married to fellow neuroscientist Paul Frankland, with whom she frequently collaborates on research projects. They have two children and reside in Toronto.