Azrieli Accelerator Research Exchange
Connect with researchers, hear about the impact, discover ways to collaborate.
The Azrieli Accelerator Research Exchange will bring together researchers, thought leaders and partners that have helped shape the Azrieli Accelerator since launching in 2022. Attendees will hear from investigators about their Azrieli Accelerator-funded research, learn about the progress of the priority research areas, and connect with experts from across UCalgary who are exploring neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental conditions across the lifespan.
This event is a way for our community to come together, celebrate the Azrieli Accelerator’s impact, learn what other researchers are doing and discover collaboration opportunities.
Date: Wednesday October 14, 2026
Time: Program: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; Lunch: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Azrieli Atrium and Theatre 4, Health Sciences Centre, Foothills Campus, UCalgary
2026 Speakers
Keystone Program Directors
Hear from leads of the three Keystone Programs: Brain Circuitry, Microbiome Influences and Supports, Services & Systems
Dr. Deborah Kurrash, PhD
The Characterization of Ventricular Cells and Their Roles in Neurodevelopment
Program Director, Brain Circuitry
Professor, Departments of Medical Genetics and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine
Dr. Kathy McCoy, PhD
Contribution of the Gut Microbiome to Symptoms Spanning Distinct Neurodevelopmental Conditions in Children
Program Director, Microbiome Influences
Professor, Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine; Director, International Microbiome Centre
Dr. Carly McMorris, PhD
Bridging Gaps Together: Co-Designing Supports, Services and Systems for Youth with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
Co-presented with Dr. David Nicholas and Dr. Jennifer Zwicker
Program Director, Supports, Services & Systems
Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Neurodiversity and Mental Health, Werklund School of Education
Dr. David Nicholas, PhD
Program Director, Supports, Services & Systems
Professor, Faculty of Social Work
Dr. Jennifer Zwicker, PhD
Program Director, Supports, Services & Systems
Associate Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology; Director, Health Policy, School of Public Policy; Canada Research Chair (II) Disability Policy for Children and Youth
Catalyst Grant Projects
These investigators will share about their research projects that have received Azrieli Accelerator Catalyst Grant funding.
Dr. Tamara Bodnar, PhD
Investigating the Microbiota in Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Models: Relevance for Children
Azrieli Accelerator Assistant Professor in Transdisciplinary Neurodevelopment Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science
Dr. Ning Cheng, PhD
Frozen in Fear: Circuit Mechanisms Underlying Cortical Network Activity During Innate Defensive Response
Associate Professor, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Emma Climie, PhD
Miss. Diagnosed: Social-Emotional Wellbeing and Strengths of Canadian Girls and Women with ADHD
Associate Professor, Specialization, School and Applied Child Psychology, Werklund School of Education
Dr. Jiami Guo, PhD
Primary Cilia Safeguard Neuronal Development
Associate Professor, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine
Dr. Julia Kirkham, MD
Neurodevelopmental Conditions and Aging in Alberta: Understanding Transitions to Supportive Living and Long-Term Care
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine
Dr. Alan Martino, PhD
Autistic Voices, Inclusive Choices: Shaping the Future of Sexual Health Education
Associate Professor, Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine