Erika is a Master’s student in the Galea lab at the University of Toronto. Previously, she completed her B.Sc. in Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Toronto. She is passionate about advancing women’s health research and advocating for more work dedicated to examining sex-specific neurobiological factors surrounding neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

 

She is specifically interested in investigating the timing and duration of menopausal hormone therapies and their effects on Alzheimer’s disease endophenotypes. AD neuropathology and changes in grey and white matter are observed to emerge approximately 20 years before diagnosis, coinciding with the onset of menopause in females, making it a critical period for intervention. She hopes to explore this phenomenon more in depth throughout her time as a graduate student.

 

Outside of the lab, Erika enjoys cozying up with a good book, spending time with friends, and remaining active through various avenues (she can do a flip!)