Muskaan Muse Laroyia holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with distinction, and is currently an MSc candidate in Neuroscience at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the University of Calgary. Throughout her academic journey, Laroyia has demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership by examining how climate-driven environmental stressors affect neurological conditions in equity-denied communities across Canada.

Laroyia exemplifies professional wisdom through advancing understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying memory, with a particular commitment to addressing critical gaps in female-specific neuroscience. In particular, her graduate research investigates the female-specific neurological mechanisms of memory and dementia, addressing critical gaps in understanding why women are disproportionately affected by these conditions. In recognition of her research excellence, she was awarded the prestigious Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s program (CGS-M) by the Government of Canada.

A cornerstone of her academic portfolio is the co-founding and leadership of the Brain Climate Equity Collaborative (Brain-CE Collab), a foundation addressing the critical intersection of brain health, climate justice, and health equity. This initiative is Canada’s first national effort focused on climate-resilient brain health through an equity lens, a pioneering response to an underrecognized public health crisis. Laroyia’s ability to translate complex research into actionable strategies is evident in her four-pillar framework (Generate Evidence, Raise Awareness, Drive Systemic Change, Foster Innovation), which has mobilized over 40 fellows, secured competitive grants, and forged partnerships at local, national, and international levels.

This strategic, evidence-based approach reflects a deep understanding of systemic challenges and a commitment to creating sustainable, inclusive solutions in science and health. Laroyia has secured strategic alignment and funding opportunities by representing the collaborative at national conferences and engaging with major foundations, establishing Brain-CE as a leading voice in the neuro-climate equity field.

Within academia, Laroyia proactively serves as the Faculty Representative on the Department of Clinical Neuroscience’s EDIA Committee, advocating for inclusive practices and ensuring that women and diverse voices are represented in research and leadership. By advancing institutional change through EDIA, promoting female-focused neuroscience, and founding a forward-thinking organization, she is actively overcoming interdisciplinary and systemic barriers and opening doors for the next generation of women in science and social innovation.

Outside the laboratory, Laroyia is deeply dedicated to community-engaged scholarship and mentorship. This commitment is reflected in her work as a Curriculum Developer with the Stardale Women’s Group, where she has helped translate more than a decade of Indigenous youth mental health programming into a culturally grounded digital curriculum. Her passion for community impact is further exemplified through her successful fundraising efforts for the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.

Laroyia ensures that her scientific work remains connected to human stories, amplifying community voices in public dialogues about climate health and advocating for policies that protect women and equity-denied communities. Her leadership is consistently guided by an ethic of care, striving to make communities healthier, more equitable, and more supportive for all, particularly women and marginalized individuals.