A Glimpse of me
I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Bains lab in the Hotchkiss brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary. My research seeks to understand the underlying mechanisms of stress regulation and how social presence influences behavioural outcomes. I aim to understand how stressors and social support interact to impact an individual’s well-being.
I am also passionate about open science and inspiring/training the next generation of scientists. I have organized and participated in hands-on training workshops in Africa. I am a member of science communication hubs in Africa.
Zebrafish respond to alarm-substance by triggering an initial increase in velocity and a later complete decrease in velocity
Alarm-substance (also known as "Schreckstoff") is released during predator injury, and conspecific zebrafish responds to this cue with erratic movement (which is a hap-hazard type of swimming) and freezing (cessation of movement except in the operculum-for breathing).
In response to alarm-substance, zebrafish changes position in its tank. It changes from swimming at the upper portion of its tank to moving lower to the bottom quarter of its tank.
Coronal section of zebrafish brain stained with DAPI (cyan) to reveal neuronal cells. Brain section shows the Vv,Vd, Vc, Dm, Dl and Dp
Zebrafish larvae (5dpf) staining showing oxytocin neurons (Cyan) and their projections.
Coronal section of zebrafish brain stained with pS6 (magenta) to reveal neuronal cells activated upon sight of alarmed conspecifics. Brain section shows activated cells in the Vv, Vd, Vc, Dm, Dl and Dp.