Prof. John A. E. Anderson

Tyler is a Master's student in the Department of Cognitive Science. His research investigates the hypothesis that musicianship and bilingualism provide cognitive reserve by altering functional network connectivity. He holds a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Cognitive Science from Carleton University (2023) and a BA with Honours in Philosophy from McGill University (2013). He also has a decade of professional experience in software development, working as a developer, scrum master, and data analyst. Outside of the lab, Tyler enjoys music, reading, skiing, bouldering, and baseball.

Emma is a Master’s student in the Department of Cognitive Science. She graduated from Carleton with a Bachelor’s in Cognitive Science (Honours) with a minor in Neuroscience and Mental Health. Her research focuses on the effects of bilingualism on cognitive aging. Additionally, her research interests include cognitive reserve, aging, and neurodegeneration. Apart fom the lab she enjoys crocheting, quilting, and spending time with her cat, Eddie.

Leah is a Master’s student in the department of Cognitive Science, where she completed her Honours Bachelor’s in Cognitive Science. Her research focuses on how cardiovascular health influences brain connectivity, using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Leah’s research interests extend to neurological and mental health disorders as well as neuropharmacology and neuro-imaging. In her free time, she enjoys canoeing, music, animals and outdoor activities.

Veronica is an Undergraduate Thesis student in the Department of Cognitive Science. Her research focuses on statistical methods to improve validity and inclusivity in neuroimaging studies. Veronica also holds a BSc in Neuroscience and Mental Health that aids her in her current research focusing on grey matter volume differences in clinical populations compared to healthy, neurotypical controls. Outside of the lab, Veronica enjoys reading, weightlifting and napping.

Kaya is an Undergraduate student conducting an independent research project with Dr. John Anderson and working as a volunteer in the CANAL lab. Her independent research project looks at meditation as an augmenting factor for cognitive reserve. She is also doing her thesis in psychology with Dr. Chris Davis, looking at minority stress and social support among LGBTQ+ people. In her free time she likes meditating, cooking, and lifting weights.

Kareen Aristide graduated with honours from Carleton University in 2020 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience and Mental Health. She is currently pursuing a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Cognitive Science and works closely with Josh Goheen under the supervision of Dr. John Anderson, investigating correlations between sleep, anxiety, depression, and working memory using a drift diffusion model. Kareen also volunteers as a Research Assistant in Dr. Marina Milyavskaya’s Goal Pursuit and Self-Regulation Lab. Outside of academia, she is an entrepreneur, human behaviour consultant, and mental health practitioner. Kareen is happily married with five adult children.

Klaudija is an undergraduate student in the Health Sciences department, specializing in Chronic Health and Disability. Her research interests in aging brought her to the Canal Lab, where she investigates the complex relationships between aging, bilingualism, and behavioral assessments, contributing a deeper understanding of cognitive health. Outside the lab, Klaudija trains for rowing and embraces the opportunity to discover Canada as an international student.

Alyssa is a volunteer with the CANAL lab and a researcher with the Public Health Agency of Canada. Her research focuses primarily on addiction and mental health, with the goal of informing future preventative measures. She holds a Bachelor of Cognitive Science Honours from Carleton University, with a minor in Neuroscience and Mental Health. Outside of the lab, Alyssa’s interests include video games, drawing, and music..