Melanie Woodin, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, has been newly elected to the position of Vice-President by the Canadian Association for Neuroscience (CAN).
Dean Woodin has an outstanding track record of scientific productivity and achievements. Since joining the faculty at the University of Toronto in 2004, her team has spearheaded major advances in our understanding of mechanisms regulating inhibitory synaptic transmission and plasticity in the central nervous system. Of particular interest is her work on the role of excitation/inhibition imbalances in neuropathological disorders including Huntington disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and autism spectrum disorders.
Her recent work showed that adeno-associated virus-mediated delivery of chemogenetic technology increased the activity of interneurons in the primary motor cortex and effectively delayed the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated motor deficits, promoted neuronal survival, and increased lifespan (Brain 2020). These exciting findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The impact of this work is evident in the quality, novelty, and originality of her scientific publications.
Dean Woodin has been a strong supporter of CAN since its inception serving in the role of Symposium Organizer (2008, 2011), Executive Board Member (2013-2016), Meeting Organizer (2016), and Chair of the Advocacy Committee (2018-2019).