Thomas Brown

Thomas Brown began his academic journey studying archaeology at the University of Sheffield. During his undergraduate degree, he took a part-time job at a nursing home across the street—an experience that sparked his interest in neuroscience. Motivated to explore the complexities of the brain, particularly in the context of neurodegeneration and regeneration, he pursued a Master’s in Translational Neuroscience at the University of Sheffield before embarking on a PhD at McGill University in Montreal. During his doctoral research in the lab of Dr Michel Cayouette (IRCM), Thomas co-authored a project that identified Pou3f1 as a key gene in the development of binocular retinal projections. He also led a second project which uncovered a role of glial cell exocytosis in shaping light-sensitive neural circuits that regulate circadian rhythms. A passionate enthusiast of glial cells, Thomas has since shifted his focus from the retina to the hypothalamus. Now working in the lab of Dr. Clémence Blouet at the Institute of Metabolic Science, he is helping to investigate a particularly dynamic population of oligodendrocytes—the myelin-producing cells that insulate neuronal electrical signals. Beyond his research, Thomas is a dedicated advocate for science communication and public engagement. He has participated in and coordinated multiple outreach projects, striving to make neuroscience more accessible to wider audiences. He remains actively involved in outreach initiatives at the university, fostering curiosity and scientific literacy in the community.