Stroke Animal Models Neuroprotection Therapeutic Hypothermia Edema Intracranial Pressure Rehabilitation Neuroplasticity
I have been a faculty member at U of A since 2000. Prior to this I completed post-doctoral training at the University of Lethbridge and the University of Calgary. I completed my PhD (Basic Medical Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine, 1995) and undergraduate degrees (Hons. Psychology, 1991) at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
For fun outside the lab, I enjoy nature (hiking, camping, and photography: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fred_colbourne/).
My students and I study the ischemic and hemorrhagic brain injuries that result from stroke and related conditions. We use animal models and a wide array of research techniques and tools to better understand the pathophysiology of cell damage (e.g., the role of brain edema) and dysfunction (e.g., alterations in cell volume). Furthermore, our primary goal is to comprehensively test potential therapies in our translationally-oriented studies. This includes seeking ways to reduce cell death through the use of neuroprotective therapies (e.g., hypothermia and various drugs), and attempting to augment brain plasticity to further improve behavioral recovery (e.g., rehabilitation therapies). Our publications are listed below, with some available through the links provided, or they can be obtained by emailing Dr. Colbourne.
Current set of awesome graduate students:
+ volunteers, psyco496 and honor's students from psychology and the NMHI.
Interested in joining the lab? Please e-mail Fred and provide a brief statement on what you are interested in (e.g., psyco496, honor's, summer studentships, grad school), what you hope to learn and how this may benefit you (e.g., career ambitions), and a brief summary of your experiences and grades (e.g., overall GPA, and past research experience). Please note that I aim to only supervise students who have a strong GPA (e.g., 3.5 or better), are dedicated and hard working, and have a genuine interest in research. Learning and advancement opportunities include:
Lab methods we use (Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can be obtained by emailing your request to Dr. Colbourne):
Lab Research Funding:
Current Operating Grants: CIHR.
Past Operating Grants: CIHR, HSFC, NSERC, NCE.
Past Salary Support (FC): Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions, and Canada Research Chairs (Tier 1).
Recent Publications from My Lab by Graduate and Undergraduate Students (Past 6 Months):
Recent Grad and Undergrad Student Awards (Past 6 Months):
Recent Graduates: