Meet the new IBI Global Exchange Fellows hosted by Connected Minds
The IBI is pleased to introduce two new Fellows selected for its IBI Fellowships in Global Exchange program, who will be hosted by Connected Minds.
Dr. Yuto Makino
Dr. Yuto Makino is a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Emily Oby's lab at Queen's University and a Connected Minds Postdoctoral Fellow. He received his PhD from the University of Tokyo in 2024 under the supervision of Prof. Daichi Nozaki.
His research focuses on understanding how the brain enables us to efficiently learn a wide variety of motor skills. His current work uses brain-computer interfaces to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying this remarkable learning ability. Through this research, he aims to uncover fundamental principles of learning that could inform the development of more efficient artificial intelligence and robotic systems.
Dr. Yadurshana Sivashankar
Dr. Yadurshana Sivashankar is a cognitive neuroscientist whose research lies at the intersection of memory and visuomotor processes. In her doctoral work, she investigated the cognitive and neural underpinnings of successful spatial memory during navigation in virtual reality. She is currently a Connected Minds Postdoctoral Fellow at York University’s Centre for Vision Research, where she works with Dr. Erez Freud.
Her postdoctoral research examines how the brain coordinates vision and action, characterizing motor trajectories across the lifespan in typically developing individuals and comparing them to autistic individuals. She uses eye tracking and ATHENA motion tracking to capture visuomotor behaviours. Her earlier work on the role of movement in memory was featured in Scientific American. She has collaborated with researchers in Canada, the United States, and France, and her work has been funded by NSERC, Mitacs, the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), and Women in Cognitive Science (WiCS).
Through the Connected Minds Postdoctoral Fellowship award, both candidates will receive $70,000 CAD per year, plus benefits for 2 years, and an $8,500 CAD research and networking allowance per year for 2 years.
The IBI congratulates the two newly selected Fellows and extends its sincere appreciation to Connected Minds for supporting the program as a host institution. We look forward to following the Drs. Makino’s and Sivashankar’s journeys and sharing updates on their experiences, research, and collaborations.
The IBI Fellowships in Global Exchange program fosters international collaboration and knowledge exchange in neuroscience by creating opportunities for researchers to connect with host institutions, share expertise, and develop new research perspectives. Through these placements, the program supports the development of global research networks and strengthens connections across disciplines and scientific communities.
As a host institution, Connected Minds offers an interdisciplinary environment that brings together researchers to explore the relationships between people and technology. This collaboration presents an opportunity to advance conversations and research at the intersection of neuroscience, emerging technologies, and society.
The selection of these two Fellows marks another step in the IBI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international research partnerships and support opportunities for scientific exchange. By connecting researchers with institutions and expertise beyond their home environments, the program aims to encourage new collaborations and contribute to the continued advancement of brain science worldwide.
To learn more about Connected Minds, please visit: https://www.yorku.ca/research/connected-minds/postdoctoral-fellowships/
To learn more about the IBI Fellowships in Global Exchange, please visit: https://www.internationalbraininitiative.org/fellowships