By Nayaab Punjani

Graphic design by Anaiah Reyes

Dr. Jenny Rabin’s path to academia, and to the fields of women’s brain health and neuromodulation, was anything but linear. Originally from Toronto, she began her undergraduate studies in philosophy at the University of Kings College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, drawn by the appeal of a smaller campus community. Although she eventually realized that philosophy was not the right career path for her, the program’s strong emphasis on essay writing proved invaluable in developing the writing skills she would later rely on as a scientist.

Her academic focus shifted when a biology course piqued her interest in the brain, prompting her to take courses in neuroscience and psychology. Four years later, she graduated with a BSc in Psychology and a growing interest in cognition and dementia. She then worked as a research assistant at Baycrest under the mentorship of the late Dr. Don Stuss, a renowned neuropsychologist. Inspired by this formative experience, she pursued an MA/PhD in Clinical Psychology at York University, specializing in neuropsychology under the supervision of Dr. Shayna Rosenbaum.

Following her time at York University, she completed a clinical residency in neuropsychology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston. Eager to bridge her academic training with real-world clinical challenges, she remained at MGH as a postdoctoral fellow, where her research focused on Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Specifically, she investigated the risk and protective factors that influence the onset and progression of AD using multimodal imaging and sensitive cognitive tests. Throughout this period, she was fortunate to be mentored by several leading experts in the field, including Drs. Reisa Sperling, Jasmeer Chhatwal, and Trey Hedden. 

Almost three years into her postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Rabin learned of an exciting opportunity that would mark a turning point in her career.  In 2019, Dr. Rabin joined the Sunnybrook Research Institute, as a scientist and the neuropsychology lead of the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation. The following year, in 2020, she was appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine (Neurology) at the University of Toronto.

Reflecting on the early days of her role at Sunnybrook, Dr. Rabin recalls being told her position was “a blank slate”—a prospect that was both exciting and daunting. “There was no blueprint,” she explains. “The only guidance was to help move the neuromodulation research program forward.” “What I’ve come to understand,” she notes, “is that if you really listen to patients, they’ll point you toward the most important research questions.”

In addition to her work in neuromodulation, Dr. Rabin’s research program places a strong emphasis on addressing disparities in AD, particularly those related to racial/ethnic background. As part of this commitment, she launched the Canadian Multi-Ethnic Research on Aging (CAMERA) Study, a longitudinal, observational study designed to investigate the risk and protective factors for dementia across three of Canada’s largest ethnic groups: individuals who identify as Chinese, South Asian, and White. By focusing on these diverse populations, the CAMERA study seeks to fill critical gaps in dementia research, which has historically underrepresented non-White communities. To date, the study has enrolled over 200 participants. A key feature of the study is its emphasis on reciprocity: participants receive personalized feedback, including their blood work results, cognitive testing outcomes, and MRI findings. The research team also maintains ongoing communication through newsletters and has established a community advisory board. This board plays an essential role in shaping the study’s direction—helping to ensure that the research questions are meaningful, relevant, and grounded in the needs and perspectives of the communities being studied.

Another aspect of her work focuses on women’s brain health, an area that has long been overlooked in neuroscience. Most brain research has been conducted on male participants and male animals, which has left critical gaps in understanding how brain conditions manifest, progress, and respond to treatment in women.  One of the central questions Dr. Rabin investigates is why women are at greater risk of developing AD. Emerging evidence from her lab suggests that earlier onset of menopause—and the corresponding loss of ovarian hormones, particularly estradiol—may be a key factor. Estradiol helps protect the brain, supporting synaptic function, reducing inflammation, and promoting resilience against neurodegeneration.

Dr. Rabin is not only advancing impactful science but also shaping the next generation of scientists. Reflecting on her own experience as a graduate student, she is intentional about the kind of mentor she strives to be, one who creates space for curiosity, growth, and open communication. “I think there are a lot of things grad students don’t ask for, but still need or want,” she reflects. “So, I try to think: how can I bring that into my supervision?” She makes a point of checking in regularly with her students—not just about their projects, but also their well-being and professional development. She encourages her trainees to ask questions, admit when they’re unsure, and view uncertainty as a normal part of scientific learning.

As a female scientist, Dr. Rabin recognizes the unique challenges women in academia continue to face. In response, she founded the Toronto Women in Science Talks (TWIST) initiative, a platform designed to foster a supporting and empowering community for women in science. TWIST events are held quarterly and aim to create space for open, solution-focused conversations about navigating academic careers. The first TWIST event, held in February 2025, featured a panel of accomplished female scientists who candidly discussed their academic journeys, the challenges they encountered, how they overcame them, and the lessons they learned along the way. In June, they hosted their second event, focused on self-advocacy, as women are often less likely than men to ask for promotions, resources, or recognition. The discussion provided practical tools for speaking up, setting boundaries, and negotiating with confidence. Future events will focus on mentorship, imposter syndrome, and parenthood.  Dr. Rabin emphasizes that allyship is essential to creating systemic change. She hopes that more men will attend future TWIST events—not only to better understand the barriers their female colleagues face, but to play an active role in advancing equity within academia.

Dr. Rabin ends by sharing some advice for students. She reflects on the many points in her own career when the next step wasn’t clear. She encourages students to find peace in not having all the answers.  

“I hope students can feel settled, even in times of uncertainty. I hope students can learn to feel grounded, even in times of uncertainty. I often see students so eager to figure out their next step—sometimes years in advance. But I’ve come to realize that it’s often pointless to plan too far ahead, because so much can change along the way. There’s a lot of luck, serendipity, and timing involved in finding the right path. As much as we try to plan, we simply can’t predict everything. That’s why it’s important to enjoy every step of the journey, not just focus on the finish line. A master’s or PhD is a long road—it’s far too long to spend just waiting for it to be over. You have to find value and joy in the process itself.” 

Lastly, she shares this mantra with her students: “never worry alone.” She values openness and believes that fostering honest, early communication is essential to addressing challenges before they escalate. “If something isn’t going well,” she says, “don’t keep it to yourself—share it, so we can work together to find a solution.”