Mike Tymko, Principal Investigator
My current research goals are to elucidate the mechanism(s) that regulate cerebrovascular function in healthy humans and in brain injury. In my laboratory, we use a variety of physiological stressors (e.g., high altitude/hypoxia, hypercapnia, exercise, pharmacological interventions) and monitor how the brain responds to these stressors to better understand brain health. Outside of work I enjoy hiking, cycling, swimming, golfing and skiing with the family!
Jenna McCrone, MSc Student
Jenna’s current research interests include investigating the contribution of sympathetic nerve activity on cerebral blood flow regulation in humans. Her thesis work will aim to use lower body negative pressure (LBNP) to activate the arterial baroreflex in order to measure the cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide. Jenna’s past undergraduate research includes exploring the effect of hydration status on the cerebral hemodynamic response to LBNP and exploring hydration status on perception during blood flow restriction exercise. Jenna also has an interest in high-altitude research, which she looks forward to exploring in further detail.
Christabel Osei-Boateng, MSc Student
Christabel’s research focuses on the effects of contact sport on cerebrovascular function, with a specific interest in concussions. Christabel aims to determine how blood Biomarkers of brain injury and non-invasive testing can potentially aid in improving current protocols in place to detect brain injury. Additionally, she has explored the effects of caffeine on cerebral blood flow (CBF) in regular coffee drinkers. In her free time, Christabel enjoys listening to music and binge-watching her favourite TV shows.
Ty MacDonald, Undergraduate Student
Ty is a 4th-year undergraduate research student in the Biomedical Science program at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on the effects of sympathetic nerve activation on regional cerebral blood flow control in humans at high altitude, aiming to deepen our understanding of how the nervous system influences brain function in extreme environments. Outside the lab, Ty plays intramural hockey and football, and he also enjoys spending his free time golfing.
Simon Cahill, MSc Student
Simon’s research interests include sport and exercise physiology in extreme environments such as extreme heat, cold and altitude, how they affect the human body, and ways to adapt to them. Additionally, he is interested in sport related concussions and how they affect the brain, as well as new and emerging methods of treatment and recovery. When he’s not on campus, Simon enjoys watching movies, listening to music, sports of all kinds, and cooking/baking.
Connor Wideman, Undergraduate Student
Hey, I’m Connor, a fifth-year human kinetics undergraduate beginning my first undergrad research project and potentially looking into completing a masters. So far, I’ve been a part of analyzing ultrasounds of participants under different conditions. I’m also a 3rd year varsity rower for the University of Guelph.