Graduate Students

PhD STUDENTS

Connor Brenna

Degree(s) Obtained to Date: BSc, MD

Joined the Lab: September 2023

Email: connor.brenna@mail.utoronto.ca

I am a resident physician in the University of Toronto’s Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, and previously completed a bachelor’s degree in Anatomy/Cell Biology/Biochemistry at the University of Saskatchewan followed by a medical degree at the UofT. After seeing the enigmatic effects of anesthetic on the brain during my clinical training, I joined the Orser Lab through UofT’s Clinician Investigator Program to study how anesthetic exposures shape complex processes like mood, cognition, and consciousness. When I am not in the lab, you can find me SCUBA diving, misquoting Kierkegaard, or turning up the A/C.


MSc STUDENTS

Joycelyn Ba

Degree(s) Obtained to Date: BSc

Joined the Lab: May 2022

Email: joycelyn.ba@mail.utoronto.ca

I completed my undergraduate degree in Integrated Science with Biology at the University of Western Ontario. My current project investigates the effects of surgery and anesthetic drugs on α5GABA receptors and their roles in cognitive impairment. I perform surgery on animal models, run behavioural paradigms, and measure electrical brain signals. Outside the lab, you can find me cooking, playing volleyball, or travelling! 🙂

Mei Yu

Degree(s) Obtained to Date: BSc

Joined the lab: July 2022

Email: meifeng.yu@mail.utoronto.ca

Hello! I really enjoy thinking about biochemical mechanisms like protein-protein interactions and ultimately, how they play a role in behavior! As a result, I’m looking at interactions that affect surface expression of α5GABA receptors after exposure to anesthesia in hopes of developing pharmacological solutions to treat postoperative delirium. Outside the lab, I enjoy partaking in too much caffeine at aesthetic cafés, neglecting my houseplants, reading rom-coms, and cooking new dishes!