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Dr. Erez Freud

Principal Investigator

Erez is the head of the lab. His interests are neuropsychology of the visual system, object recognition, visuomotor control and developmental Psychology.

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email: efreud@yorku.ca

Dr. Zoha Ahmad

Postdoctoral researcher

I am a postdoctoral researcher student i. I completed my PhD in Biology at ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ. My current research interest is focused on alterations in the development of visuomotor representations. In my free time, I love to travel, try new foods and learn about the human mind!

Dr. Yadurshana Sivashankar

Postdoctoral researcher

Yadurshana Sivashankar is a cognitive neuroscientist whose research sits at the intersection of memory and visuomotor processes. Her doctoral work examined the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying successful retention of spatial representations. During her graduate career, she developed expertise in virtual reality, fMRI, neuropsychological assessment, and eye-tracking. In her current postdoctoral research, she is investigating the lifespan development of visuomotor processes in healthy populations, with extensions to autism spectrum disorder. She aims to leverage insights from visuomotor research to inform understandings of higher-order functions such as memory. Her research has received funding from NSERC, Mitacs, CPA, WiCS, and Connected Minds.  In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, cooking, and watching thriller and horror films.

Tasfia Ahsan

PhD Student

I am a PhD student in the Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science stream. Currently, I am investigating how depth information modulates perceptual precision using behavioural and neuroimaging techniques. On the side, I really enjoy watching trashy tv shows and talking about my multiple plant babies.

Felicia Tassone

PhD Student

Hi there! My name is Felicia and I’m a PhD student in the Freud lab. My PhD research focuses on perceptual and visuomotor abilities in aging, stroke, and ASD. Outside of research, I love to spend time with friends, travel, watch films/shows, draw and paint, read, and work out.

Mario Costantino

Master's Student

I am a Master's student in the Freud's lab. I am interested in understanding how the brain processes visual information and how changes in the visual environment can impact perception and action. My research focuses on investigating action prediction in individuals with autism. In my free time I love watching movies, swimming, and making food!

Nathaniel Goldstein

Master's Student

I’m a Master’s student (Brain, Behaviour, and Cognitive Sciences) co-supervised with . I've been honing my research skillset through an Hons. BSc ('24) and certificate in statistics, further supplemented by two NSERC USRAs (’22 & ’23). As a current Connected Minds trainee, I'm inspired by neuroscience research informed by modern technology, especially through machine learning (ML) and other data science tools. In my spare time I love running and studying foreign languages.

Ilana Tulbovich

Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am a third year undergraduate student in the Neuroscience program. My interests include the way our perception of visual stimuli is affected by different environmental and developmental factors, as well as how this leads to the way we act upon the stimulus. I am also interested in how our research in this field translates into both everyday and clinical contexts. In my free time, I enjoy working out, playing guitar, and spending time with my family and friends.

Batya Urowitz Kaufman

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hi! My name is Batya Urowitz Kaufman and I am a third year neuroscience student. I am especially interested in studying neurodivergent versus neurotypical people, and the different ways in which they perceive specific stimuli, such as body cues, and how those stimuli affect their actions. In my spare time I enjoy singing, and am a part of York's a cappella group, being active, and value my time with loved ones. 

Shaun Jethro Lim

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hi! My name is Shaun and I am a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Specialized Honours Psychology program concentrating in Neuropsychology and Applied Analysis. I am working on my thesis with Dr. Freud, investigating the role of binocular vision in naturalistic hand-to-mouth movements. Outside the lab, I also contribute to research on pharmacology and epidemiology with the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network. I enjoy traveling, surfing, swimming, and freediving. 

Yigal Bruk

Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am a former professional athlete now studying neuroscience at ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ. I am fascinated by the neural mechanisms that shape thought, movement, and behaviour. My academic passion lies in clinical applications of research, particularly motor and cognitive function disorders. Beyond my studies, I run a nationwide charity that educates senior citizens about fraud. Outside of volunteering and the library, you’ll often find me country line dancing or spending time with family and friends.

Daniel Naghavi

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hi! My name is Daniel and I’m a fourth-year Psychology student at ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ. I am interested in perception and action, particularly how our visual system processes information to guide movements and interactions with the world, and I’m excited to continue exploring these questions in the future. Outside of research and school, you will most likely find me playing beach volleyball, working out at the gym, or hopefully exploring a new country and trying new foods!