People

Dr. Jonathan Cannon is a computational neuroscientist and mathematician. His graduate work at Boston University involved building and studying mathematical models of oscillations in neural circuits and their roles in the generation of stereotyped motor processes like birdsong and in routing communication within the brain. He did postdoctoral research at Brandeis modeling neuronal homeostasis, and at MIT conducting behavioral and electrophysiological experiments exploring predictive cognitive processes in autism. His current research interests are focused on timing and rhythm in perception and action, with particular interest in timing-related neural dynamics in the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and supplementary motor area. This interest is rooted in his experience as a performing musician: outside of his academic and teaching career, he has spent much of his time playing traditional Jewish, Celtic, and Romanian music on violin and guitar.

Dr. Martin (March) Miguel is a computer scientist (B.Sc. and M.Sc.) from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He started researching rhythm cognition interested in how the timing of events can produce affective responses in a listener. To that aim, he developed models and formalisms for the analysis of beat expectation and ambiguity, with focus on producing observations of relevance for experimental research. He joined TRIMBAlab as a Postdoc in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University to continue working on questions regarding rhythm perception. Outside (and nearby) research, his interests include biking, music, social dance, tap dance, rock climbing, politics, economics, video games and board games.

Matin Yousefabadi earned his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering at the University of Tehran in in 2019, and his M.Sc. in AI and Computational Neuroscience in the Computer Engineering Program at Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran in 2022. He is studying at McMaster University as Ph.D. student in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University, focusing on Rhythm perception. His hobbies include adventures and photography, and he spend his free time traveling, cooking, reading books, and listening to music.

Yassaman Ommi earned her bachelor’s degree at Amirkabir University of Technology, writing her thesis on application of deep learning in generation of drug molecules. She earned her Master’s degree in Computational Science and Engineering in the METRE lab, and is now staying on as a Research Assistant.

Sahir Dhalla earned his H.BSc in neuroscience and philosophy at the University of Toronto. He is studying at McMaster University as a PhD student in the Neuroscience program. His interest in the neural basis of perception, action, and subjective experience led him to focus on studying the role of the cerebellum in active inference and predictive processing in the brain. Outside of the lab, Sahir’s hobbies include close up magic, reading, camping, and photography.

Amy Lau is a fourth-year thesis student in the Psychology, Neuroscience & Behavior program. Her previous research experience in music cognition has deepened her interest in exploring rhythm priming and beat perception. Outside of school, she enjoys reading and playing music. Amy holds an ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music and is also actively learning to play the guitar.

Rasam Zakeri is an undergraduate student in the Hons. Neuroscience program at McMaster University. His interest in sound perception and Auditory cognition led him to complete a brief study project in the MAPLE Lab at McMaster University. He is now a member of the TRIMBA lab, aiming to further study rhythm perception under the supervision of Dr. Cannon. His interests outside of academia include playing a range of percussive instruments, listening to music, playing basketball, hiking, and canoeing.

Abigail Hanna is a fourth year thesis student in the Integrated Science program, concentrated in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour. Her research interests include music cognition, the use of music as a therapeutic, and biostatistics. Outside of school, she works as a piano accompanist and has a strong connection to the local theatre community, both on stage and backstage.  She enjoys sports, the outdoors, and challenging herself on new instruments.

Fasika Ghetnet is a fourth-year thesis student in the Psychology, Neuroscience & Behavior program. Her research interests lie in understanding the effects of auditory influences on one’s behaviours and well-being, and the exploration of musical integration in psychological interventions. Outside of academia, she enjoys going on hikes, making oddly specific playlists, and watching movies. 

Jacob Duda

Hongu Xiao

Jessica Jalbert

Davina Premraj