DR. LISA SAKSIDA

PHD, FCAHS, FRSC Canada Research Chair in Translational Cognitive Neuroscience Professor, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology CIFAR Fellow in Brain, Mind and Consciousness Scientist, Robarts Research Institute Principal Investigator, The Brain and Mind Institute Scientific Director, Brainscan

UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO

BIO: Dr. Lisa Saksida is known for co-inventing a touchscreen-based system for testing learning, memory and attention in mouse models of brain disease, which is helping to translate research breakthroughs to the clinic. She co-directs Western’s $66 million Canada First Research Excellence Fund program in cognitive neuroscience, which aims to develop and deliver evidence-based assessments and interventions for the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders, and is committed to creating a level playing field for women and other underrepresented groups in science and technology.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: The things that I was told unequivocally would be impossible for me. This includes my PHD in Robotics and my first faculty position in Cambridge.

BIO: Melissa Sariffodeen is a celebrated digital literacy advocate dedicated to ensuring women and youth have the critical skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive in our increasingly digital world. Melissa is a graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Business and completed her Master’s in Education Policy at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. At age 11, she taught herself how to build websites using HTML and has been coding ever since.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Tackling some of the world’s biggest problems requires a long-term commitment that has many highs and lows. It’s important to identify ‘quick wins’ on the journey and ways you can be connected to positive impact and movement toward your goal.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: The ability to empower others to be the best version of themselves working towards a shared goal.