Jon Thacker
Scientific Associate @CAMH
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WORK HISTORY
Scientific Associate @CAMH
Toronto, ON, CA
Developing an integrated translational research program focused on synaptic adaptability, circuit responsiveness, and cognitive resilience in aging and neurodegenerative disease.• Building a cross-site preclinical-to-clinical research platform linking mechanistic neuroscience with biomarker-driven human studies to identify biological states that govern responsiveness to intervention.• Leading the conceptual development of precision-timed intervention strategies that leverage exercise as a catalyst for neural adaptation.• Establishing interdisciplinary collaborations across clinicians, neuroscientists, and research cores to align molecular discovery with patient-centered cognitive outcomes.• Contributing to CAMH’s strategic vision of integrating basic and clinical neuroscience within emerging research infrastructure.
EDUCATION
University of Waterloo
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Honors, Kinesiology and Exercise Science
University of Waterloo
Master of Science (M.Sc.), Kinesiology - Human Systems Neuroscience
University of Waterloo
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Neuroscience & Physiology
ABOUT JON THACKER
Can you really build brains from brawn?I am a translational neuroscientist exploring how targeted experiences shape the biology of memory. A central focus of my work is understanding how physical exercise acts as a catalyst for neural adaptation, capable of shifting the brain into states of greater responsiveness to learning and memory formation. During these responsive brain states, brain connections engage more readily, circuits adapt more efficiently, and experiences are more likely to be retained.Over the past decade, I have worked across molecular neuroscience, systems plasticity, and human clinical research to understand how memories are stabilized and strengthened. Today, I lead an integrated preclinical-to-clinical research program that uses exercise as a model to uncover the biological states that govern brain adaptability, with the goal of enhancing cognitive resilience in aging and neurodegenerative disease.At its core, my work centers on identifying the biological conditions that determine how responsive the brain is to change. By understanding and leveraging these states, we can begin to design precision strategies that empower people to shape the trajectory of their cognitive health across the lifespan.I am passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and translating complex neuroscience into ideas that are clear, engaging, and impactful for diverse audiences.
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