Marie-Anne Dussault Gomez

Mechatronic Systems Engineering master's student in the Faculty of Applied Sciences

I am a Master's student at SFU's Centre for Engineering-led Brain Research and I research technology-based solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric illnesses. My overall motivation for pursuing this line of research is to help improve the lives of those of us who may face a mental health concern. In my free time I enjoy running, hiking, and rock climbing, or really just spending time in BC's beautiful outdoors, especially in the summertime!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose to come to SFU because of the quality of its research. Namely, I value the fact that SFU fosters an interdisciplinary and innovative research approach that actively engages the community in the research process. Additionally, I was drawn to SFU because of my supervisor, Dr. Faranak Farzan. As soon as I learned about the research work she's leading I thought "that's it, that's where I want to study."

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

My research involves using neuroimaging technologies to study how brain activity is disrupted in youth with depression. I am particularly interested in how the activity of global brain networks at rest may be altered in depression and how this may change with depression treatment. The purpose of this research is to help build diagnostic and predictive tools for clinical application, as well to understand how novel treatments (such as non-invasive brain stimulation) lead to therapeutic effects.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I am really enjoying the overall culture at SFU, especially within my lab. Everyone is so kind and inviting and it inspires me to do better work. I also love the fact that our lab is highly interdisciplinary, including both engineers and neuroscientists, as well as the fact that I get to be engaged in the Surrey community through my research.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I am a recipient of CIHR's Canada Graduate Scholarship-Master’s (CGS M) as well as SFU's Special Graduate Entrance Scholarship. This financial support has allowed me to focus more on my research and to have a better work-life balance.