Mona Faraz

Biography

About me
As a second-year PhD student in neuroscience from Iran with a background in medical physiology, I chose the University of Calgary due to its renowned faculty and diverse scientific environment. Collaborating with exceptional researchers here, I aim to explore innovative directions in neuroscience and build a successful career as a scientist.

My research
My research is focused on the development of human hypothalamic organoids and the identification of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors crucial to their formation. Subsequently, I aim to investigate differences in the development of these organoids among individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome, using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

BRAIN CREATE program aspirations
Throughout the BRAIN CREATE program, I aspire to engage in both industrial placements and academic exchanges. These opportunities not only enhance professional aptitude and competence but also enrich my overall program. By incorporating industrial placements and academic exchanges, I aim to integrate practical experience and diverse perspectives into my research journey.

Commercialization
The outcomes of this research hold significant commercialization potential, as the organoids, pathways, and drugs uncovered will all be valuable assets for companies focusing on related disorders. This aligns perfectly with the mandate of the NSERC CREATE in Neurotechnology, which emphasizes the translation of research findings into practical applications. By identifying these assets, my work contributes directly to fulfilling this mandate and facilitates the development of innovative solutions for neurological disorders within the industry.

Publications

1)    *Faraz M, *Kosarmadar N, Rezaei M, Zare M, Javan M, Barkley V, Shojaei A, Mirnajafi-Zadeh J. Deep brain stimulation effects on learning, memory and glutamate and GABAA receptor subunit gene expression in kindled rats. *co-first author. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars). 2021;81(1):43-57. doi: 10.21307/ane-2021-006. PMID: 33949168

2)    Esfandbod M, Agha bararzadeh F, Faraz M, Zarrabi F,Toogeh Gh.  Comparison of long-acting G-CSF (PD-Lasta) with short-acting G-CSF (PD- Grastim) in neutrophil recovery following consolidation chemotherapy with High-dose Cytarabine in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research (IJHOSCR). 2021 Apr 1;15(2):96-102. doi: 10.18502/ijhoscr.v15i2.6040. PMID: 34466208

3)    Zare, M., Rezaei, M., Nazari, M., Kosarmadar, N., Faraz, M., Barkley, V., Shojaei, A., Raoufy, M. R., & Mirnajafi-Zadeh, J. (2024). Effect of the closed-loop hippocampal low-frequency stimulation on seizure severity, learning, and memory in pilocarpine epilepsy rat model. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 30(3), e14656. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/cns.14656
 

Awards

2014: Achieved 3rd position among undergraduate students in Anesthesiology at Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch.

2014/9 – 2017/7: Received tuition waiver for Master’s degree at Tarbiat Modares University.

2017: Ranked 3rd among M.Sc. students of Physiology at Tarbiat Modares University.

2022: Granted the International Graduate Tuition Award at the University of Calgary.

2023: Participated in BRAIN CREATE program at the University of Calgary.

2024: Received the BRAIN CREATE Travel Award at the University of Calgary.