Lab Members

whelan@ucalgary.ca | Office: (403) 220-4210

I have been involved in spinal cord research for over 20 years. My main interest is the organization and function of spinal cord networks that produce locomotion. These networks are essential for recovery of function following spinal cord injury. I have examined this issue using a wide range of animal preparations from the conscious walking cat to the in vitro spinal cord preparation of the mouse. The majority of my research interests focus on understanding how motor networks are organized and respond to descending stimuli. We have developed multiple models to accomplish this in our lab that range from whole cell patch approaches in slice preparations to optogenetic activation of descending nuclei in freely moving mice.

Dr. Sandeep Sharma

Research Associate | sharmas@ucalgary.ca

I joined the laboratory of Dr. Whelan in January 2014 as a Research Associate. My primary role in the lab is to understand the role of subthalamic locomotor region in regulating locomotion in mice. This includes studying connectivity of neural circuits using a variety of neuronatomical tracing approaches. I will also examine functionality & specificity of these circuits using genetic and/or pharmacogenetic approaches. Stress & inflammation are hallmarks of most nervous system disorders and may alter behavioral output. I am also interested to examine interactive effects of stress and/or inflammation on motor circuits and locomotion behaviors.

Dr. Jonathan Milla Cruz

Postdoctoral Associate | jonathan.millacruz@ucalgary.ca

I completed my Masters and Doctoral degrees in Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology from the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV) of the National Polytechnical Institute in Mexico (December 2020). I joined the Whelan lab in July 2021 as a Postdoctoral Associate. My research focuses on studying the motor deficits during development in a Fragile X mouse model by means of electrophysiological recordings and behavioral test. As part of this research, I will be validating a system developed by CSMopto facility to automatically record freely moving rodents, reducing animal stress and experimenter handling. This will be implemented to detect motor deficiencies in freely moving adult Fragile X mice. Recipient of the NSERC BRAIN CREATE Postdoctoral Fellowship Award.

Dr. Donovan Ashby

Postdoctoral Associate | donovan.ashby@ucalgary.ca

I received a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from Queen’s University and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia. I research the mechanisms of learning and memory, and the etiology of neuropsychiatric symptoms, with a focus on cortical-subcortical interactions. I work in the laboratories of Dr. Alexander McGirr and Dr. Patrick Whelan, using advanced fluorescence imaging, optogenetic, and electrophysiology tools in mice. Recipient of the NSERC Brain Create Postdoctoral Fellowship Award.

Todd Stang, MSc

Doctoral Student | todd.stang@ucalgary.ca

I received my BSc (Honour’s, Anatomy & Cell Biology) and master’s (Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology) degrees from the University of Saskatchewan. My research during both degrees focused on neurodegenerative mechanisms in multiple sclerosis. I joined the Whelan in May 2024 to begin my PhD and focus on systems neuroscience research. My project studies the function of subthalamic dopamine neurons using optogenetics, fibre photometry, and miniscope. I am also exploring the efficacy of a novel deep brain stimulation (DBS) target in rat models of Parkinson’s disease to treat motor and other disease symptoms. Recipient of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Distinguished Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship

Manjusha Goli, BSc

Masters Student | manjusha.goli@ucalgary.ca

I received my BSc in Neuroscience (Honours) from the University of Calgary. During my honours thesis project, I investigated sex differences in multiple sclerosis pathology using fMRI. I joined the Whelan lab in 2024 to pursue my Master’s in Neuroscience with a focus on systems neuroscience. My project investigates the activity of glutamatergic neurons in the medial zona incerta under stressful conditions using fiber photometry.

Cecilia Badenhorst, MSc

Lab Technician | cecilia.badenhorst@ucalgary.ca

I received my master’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Lethbridge in September 2018. The focus of my thesis explored the effects of chronic unpredictable stress on decision making strategies in rodents and in particular, habit formation. I joined the Whelan lab in November 2019 as a lab technician. I am passionate about learning new concepts and ideas in the scientific field and hope to utilize my knowledge and skills to aid Dr. Whelan and his lab in studying descending modulatory pathways involved in locomotion and autonomic function.

Michelle Tran, BSc

Lab Manager | mmadriag@ucalgary.ca

I received my BSc with Specialization in Genetics from the University of Alberta. I rejoined the Whelan Lab in January 2018. Previously, I worked for Patrick as a Lab Technician from 2001-2011. During that time, I became proficient in in vitro and in vivo experimental techniques, studying the modulation of locomotor activity by multiple serotonergic and dopaminergic receptor subtypes in the neonatal mouse spinal cord. Currently, I provide support in post hoc tissue processing, mainly slicing, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, imaging (confocal and episcope), and analysis. I also validate new antibodies and establish controls. I help all trainees and staff in the lab while managing the daily operations.

Former Lab Members

Many of the students and personnel who have come through the lab have gone on to have successful careers in academia, dentistry, industry, law, and medicine. Congratulations on your accomplishments! Wishing you continued success in your future endeavours!