
Laura M.Vecchio
PhD
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Current Organization
Sunnybrook Research Institute
Biography
Dr. Laura Marie Vecchio is a Toronto-based neuroscientist whose research lies at the intersection of basic neuroscience and translational medicine. With a deep commitment to advancing our understanding of the brain, she works towards the development of innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at slowing disease progression and enhancing neurological recovery.
Dr. Vecchio began her education with a double major in Human Biology and Bioethics, which influenced her approach to her daily work. Under the guidance of Dr. Richard Horner, she obtained a Master of Science degree, exploring the state-dependent impacts of ethanol on breathing during sleep. She credits her time with Dr. Horner as fundamental in shaping her habits as a researcher and for providing her with an appreciation for the ways in which different cell groups uniquely contribute to a larger system.
Next, Dr. Vecchio pursued a Ph.D. under the supervision of Dr. Ali Salahpour, where she developed a novel transgenic mouse model that allowed her to explore oxidative stress in dopamine and noradrenergic cells—two groups of cells especially vulnerable to degeneration in Parkinson’s disease. Through her Ph.D. research, which centered on factors influencing disease onset and progression, her interests shifted towards developing enhanced treatments for diseases.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Aubert, Dr. Vecchio works to develop neurotrophic, antibody, and gene therapies for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Her research strategy incorporates therapies that target disease-associated toxic proteins and those supporting neuroprotective pathways in the brain. Dr. Vecchio uses MRI-guided focused ultrasound, a non-invasive technology, to administer gene therapies to the brain regions most impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. She has also leveraged this same technology in the absence of a therapeutic, examining the ways in which it can elevate neuroprotective factors in sedentary mice and those with access to a running wheel, mimicking conditions of voluntary “exercise” in humans. Dr. Vecchio’s training has provided her with the expertise to use transgenic mice as models for studying diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, and developing treatments. She is passionate about exploring the potential that focused ultrasound offers in treating disease, both as a stand-alone intervention and as a means for providing therapeutic access to hard-to-reach regions of the brain.
In addition to her research, Dr. Vecchio is a passionate advocate for science outreach. During graduate school, she volunteered for community organizations fostering excitement about STEM in children. She is also deeply committed to mentoring junior researchers. In all aspects of her work, Dr. Laura Vecchio brings scientific rigour, empathy, and a clear vision for a future in which brain health is prioritized across all stages of life.