Convergent Research Theme

Exploratory Phase - 2023/2024

Developing Analysis Pipelines for Multimodal Digital Data Acquired from Patients At Risk for Psychosis

Overview: The purpose of this Exploratory project will be to identify methods which can be used to analyze multi-modal (digital and physiological) data in patients with early psychosis or psychosis risk, and to begin putting together a methods toolbox to be used in future studies and to be shared with other researchers.

In order to better understand why some people develop serious mental illnesses, such as psychosis, we must understand how to combine different kinds of data collected from behavior (performance on tasks) and biology (for example, eye tracking or imaging). This will allow us to learn more about how to prevent or delay the onset of these conditions and to develop new treatments.

Core Team:

David Benrimoh
Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Deven Parkh
School of Computer Science, Faculty of Sciences
Sara Jalai
McPsyt Lab Manager
Lena Palaniyappan
Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Convergent Research Theme

Exploratory Phase - 2023/2024

Towards a causal inference framework for understanding microbiome etiology and informing interventions

Overview: The main goal of this project is to develop, test, and implement a casual inference framework for analyzing complex microbiome data, to inform the development of effective population-level interventions.

Our research design employes a group model building approach to develop a causal inference framework applicable to microbiome studies. The framework will help advance our understanding of relevant etiologies and related modifiable pathways of the gut microbiota, particularly during pregnancy. The application of causal inference methods in microbiota research is a strategic approach to mitigate bias when investigating the causal impact of microbiota and microbiota-mediated exposures or health interventions.

Core Team:

Tibor Schuster
Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Albina Tskhay
Family Medicine and Health Sciences
Cristina Longo
Université de Montréal, Faculté de pharmacie
Celia Greenwood
Oncology,Faculty of Medicing and Sciences
Stan Kubow
Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Roxana Behruzi
Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences