Archived Content
This student profile has been archived and is no longer being updated.
Shunya Yagi
Research topic
Sex differences in adult neurogenesis and learning&memory
Faculty
Home Town
Oguchi
Country
Japan
Selected Award(s)
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I decided to pursue a graduate degree because I'd like to further deepen my knowledge in neuroscience, especially about neural mechanisms of higher cognition such as learning and memory.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I visited Vancouver for the first time when I was 14 years old and I loved the city. Since then, I had been eager to study at UBC someday. When I was looking for a graduate program after I completed my undergraduate degree, I decided to apply to UBC and was very excited when I received an acceptance letter.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The graduate program in Neuroscience at UBC is an interdisciplinary program which allows me to learn many different aspects of neuroscience. It also gives me the opportunity to work closely together with excellent researchers like my current supervisor.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I expected a very cold winter in Canada, so I was rather surprised by how mild it was during that season.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I love to play soccer. As we don't have much snow here, I can play soccer year round. Kicking something is a good way to release my stress.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Finding a good way to release your stress is important for your success.
Learn more about Shunya's research
Overall objective of my research project will focus on sex difference and the effect of estrogens on adult neurogenesis and hippocampus-related cognition in rodents. Firstly, I am looking at sex differences in cognitive flexibility and the effect of estrogens on the ability of memory encoding with examining neural plasticity and learning related cell signaling pathways. Secondly, I am looking at sex differences and the role of estrogens on adult-born neurons in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus. Thirdly, I am interested in sex-dependent, age-related cognitive decline in rats examining the ability for cognitive flexibility and the capacity of neural plasticity in aged males and females.
