The Hynes Lab
Disrupting the neuroscience of addiction
Simon Fraser University
Sophia Gorman
Volunteer Research Assistant
Since beginning her studies of Psychology Sophia has had an interest in behavioural neuroscience, but that interest was solidified after taking Dr. Hynes' class "Brain & Behaviour." In particular, she is interested in the neural mechanisms behind addiction. This is because studying these mechanisms can lead to a development of different medications or behavioural techniques that can support people who face addiction. She would like to be a part of helping to advance the research in this field as a way of helping others. Aside from her research interests, while completing her bachelors degree, she was a part of the UBC Dance Team as well as dance teams outside of the university such as the Uproar Dance Team.
Ketan Mann
Volunteer Research Assistant
Ketan is a recent honours graduate in Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan. Through her honours project and summer research experiences, she found a love for hands-on research. She is interested research interests focus on decision making and the cognitive and social factors that shape vulnerability to addiction. In the Hynes Lab, she hopes to contribute to addiction research that is inclusive and meaningful. Her previous volunteer experiences with marginalized communities has taught her the importance of compassionate and individualized care, values that she aims to carry into her research practice. Outside of school and research, Ketan loves to travel and try foods from different cultures; this is why Vancouver is such a special place to her, as it brings together diverse people, cuisines, and cultures.
Abira Raza
Volunteer Research Assistant
I'm a fourth-year undergraduate fascinated by the neuroscience of addiction — specifically how dopaminergic signalling shapes reward processing and vulnerability to addictive behaviours. Professor Hynes' work, particularly "Clueless about Clues," pulled me out of the classroom and into the deeper, messier questions I actually want to spend my time on. When I'm not thinking about the brain, I'm usually painting or falling down rabbit holes of art history from corners of the world I haven't visited yet.
Dana Braynina
Volunteer Research Assistant
As someone who had close loved ones affected by addiction, Dana is deeply interested in understanding why certain individuals are more vulnerable than others, what individual differences in neural circuitry underlie this susceptibility, and how we might intervene. She finds it fascinating that astrocytes, once thought to be just support cells, actively influence maladaptive learning. She hopes that her contributions will advance understanding of these mechanisms and inform more precise, personalized intervention strategies. Outside the lab, Dana loves exploring new hobbies and challenging herself - this year alone, she's taken up pole dancing, rock climbing, acting, and Krav Maga.