Benjamin Lindsey, PhD

Research summary

Dr. Benjamin Lindsey, an assistant professor at the Max Rady College of Medicine, leads the Lindsey Lab in uncovering the mysteries of neural stem cells and their behavior throughout the lifespan of an organism. The lab uses cutting-edge imaging techniques such as fluorescence confocal, live in vivo imaging, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and tissue clearing to study the zebrafish model. By combining these advanced imaging methods with molecular techniques such as transgenics, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, PCR, and RNA-sequencing, the lab is able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the context-dependent changes in neural stem cell behavior from early brain development to senescence and following injury.

The research themes in the lab include understanding how neural stem cells develop and mature within their niche, the connection between neural stem cells, plasticity and animal behavior, and the potential for neural stem cells to repair the nervous system. The lab's research interests include the zebrafish model, environmental and sensory enrichment, brain and spinal cord regeneration and therapeutics, advanced fluorescence and live in vivo imaging, electron microscopy, cell and molecular techniques, and learning and memory. The lab is an affiliated member of the Spinal Cord Research Center at the University of Manitoba, which provides an excellent opportunity for the lab to collaborate and share resources with other researchers.