Aaron Kucyi
BSc
Aaron Kucyi is a PhD student at the Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto training under the supervision of Dr. Karen Davis at Toronto Western Research Institute. Aaron Kucyi’s research interests include mapping human brain structures and pathways that are involved in pain perception as well as characterizing fluctuations in brain activity that dynamically shape the experience of pain. His current work involves the use of psychophysics as well as structural and functional MRI to investigate human brain mechanisms underlying pain-attention interactions. Aaron Kucyi received a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Biology at York University in 2009 and has had a broad range of experiences in neuroscience/psychiatric research, including work in the areas of mood disorders, visual perception, and multisensory integration.
University:University of Toronto
Principal Faculty:Faculty of Medicine
Principal Department/Program:Institute of Medical Science
Supervisor:Karen Davis
Principal Hospital Appointment(s):Toronto Western Hospital
Telephone:416-603-5882
E-mail Address:akucyi@uhnres.utoronto.ca
Major Research/Education Interests: Pain-attention interactions. Structural and functional MRI
Top Awards:
(1) CIHR Doctoral Award (2012-15)
(2) Invited, Advanced Summer Neuroimaging Program (2011), University of California, Los Angeles
(3) Pain Scientist Scholarship (2011-12), University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain
(4) Institute of Medical Science Open Fellowship (2011-12)
(5) Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2011-12), Ontario Government
(6) Society for Neuroscience Travel Award (2011), University of Toronto Neuroscience Program
(7) CIHR Master's Award (2010-11)
(8) Institute of Medical Science Entrance Award (2010-11), University of Toronto
(9) Invited, Rising Stars of Research Conference (2009), University of British Columbia
(10) NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (2008)
Key Publications:
(1) Kucyi, A., Moayedi, M., Weissman-Fogel, I., et al. (2012). Hemispheric asymmetry in white matter connectivity of the temporoparietal junction with the insula and prefrontal cortex. PLoS One, 7(4), e35589. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22536413
(2) Chan, J.L., & Kucyi, A (2012). What can fMRI tell us about functional variability in the oculomotor system and saccade performance? Journal of Neurophysiology, 107(9), 2295-2297 (Neuro Forum section). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22262824
(3) Salomons, T.V., & Kucyi, A (2011). Does Meditation Reduce Pain Through a Unique Neural Mechanism? Journal of Neuroscience 31(36), 12705-7 (Journal Club section). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21900549
(4) Kucyi, A., Alsuwaidan, M.T., Liauw, S.S. et al. (2010). Aerobic Physical Exercise as a Possible Treatment for Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Bipolar Disorder. Postgraduate Medicine, 122(6), 107-116. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21084787
(5) Alsuwaidan, M.T., Kucyi, A., Law, C.W.Y., et al. (2009). Exercise and Bipolar Disorder: A Review of Neurobiological Mediators. NeuroMolecular Medicine, 11(4), 328-36. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19649751