WISDOM EXCHANGE PROJECT
THE TEAM
SIVANIYA SUBRAMANIAPILLAI
Founder
Sivaniya was inspired to initiate the Wisdom Exchange Project to connect research trainees with older adults to form meaningful intergenerational friendships. These relationships are rare to find but often spark an exchange of different stories, perspectives, and ideas!
DANIELLE D'AMICO
President
Danielle is a PhD student in Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University studying the effects of healthy lifestyle behaviours on cognitive health among older adults. Specifically, her research aims to determine whether engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours can minimize the harmful impacts of chronic stress on cognitive function. Danielle is also interested and actively engaged in knowledge translation and community outreach.
Giulia is a PhD candidate at McGill University working with Prof. Nathan Spreng. Her research interests lie in understanding mechanisms of inter-regional communication in the brain and their behavioural relevance. Specifically, she is investigating whether and how large-scale network architecture interacts with BOLD signal variability patterns, in healthy aging and preclinical Alzheimer’s populations. Giulia is involved in several community outreach and science communication projects, aimed at getting the public excited and involved in science. WEP is a wonderful opportunity for her to keep sharing the love of science with the community.
GIULIA BARACCHINI
Vice President
KELLY PERLMAN
Recruitment Officer
Kelly is a PhD candidate in McGill’s integrated program in Neuroscience, studying the impact of early life stress on the cellular and molecular properties of brain white matter, and how this biological embedding of trauma might predispose individuals to mental illness. Furthermore, she looks at how the lipid profile of brain white matter changes across the age span. She is passionate about promoting evidence-based strategies for mental wellbeing, including fostering social connections in the aging population.
ADVISORY BOARD
DR. FLORIS VAN VUGT, PHD
Meaningful Social Connections
Assistant Professor, Université de Montréal
CEZARA HANGANU, RN
Later Life Mental Health
Geriatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Jewish General Hospital
PAST TEAM MEMBERS
Emma Conway, Prior Ontario Co-Lead
Lauren Bechard, Former Ontario Co-Lead
Alicia Duval, Former Quebec Co- Lead
Monica Vaillancourt, Former Quebec Co-Lead
Natalie Slavat, Former Toronto Co-Lead
Rhiannon Ueberholz, Former Content Manager
Want to join our team?
Send us an email about how your unique talents, experiences, and expertise can support the Wisdom Exchange Project.