Research Interests
My research program investigates the mechanisms of spontaneous and intervention mediated rehabilitation in pre-clinical models of neonatal ischemic stroke/cerebral palsy, adult cortical ischemic stroke, and spinal cord injury (SCI). My translational research program directly address two of the most challenging problems in stroke and neurological disease research: how do we prevent widespread neuronal cell death immediately after a stroke or spinal cord injury and how do we promote functional rewiring in surviving neural networks to yield the greatest possible functional recovery for patients?Techniques: My research makes use of cutting-edge molecular (RNA-Seq, q-PCR), anatomical (immunohistochemical, histological), functional (whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology) and pharmacological (novel venom peptides) approaches with a strong focus on translational capacity.
Teaching Interests
I have a strong track record of teaching excellence in the areas of human anatomy with specialist expertise in neuroanatomy and musculoskeletal anatomy.
I am committed to pursuing excellence in anatomy teaching through educational leadership and development of novel digital teaching and assessment resources. I am especially passionate about technology driven teaching for large (600+) cohorts of students. My teaching practice uses novel and engaging techniques, including digital anatomy resources such as virtual and augmented reality, and 3D anatomy apps to enhance student learning and increase engagement. I am committed to excellence in anatomy teaching and providing an innovative and technology driven learning experience for all students.
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Michelle Rank's highlights
FEATURED Journal article
Stroke Severity, and Not Cerebral Infarct Location, Increases the Risk of Infection
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Scholarly Works
Displaying the 18 most recent scholarly works by Michelle Rank.
Honours, Awards and Fellowships
Faculty Engagement Award
Sensory Neuroscience Prize for Outstanding New Research
Deputy Vice Chancellor Award for Best ECR Researcher
Award for Excellence in Medical Research by an ECR
Credentials
Positions
Snr Lecturer Topographic Anatomy
Anatomy And Neuroscience
It Access
Florey Department Of Neuroscience And Mental Health
Member
Anatomical Society of Australia and New Zealand
Member
American Association of Anatomists
Member
Australasian Neuroscience Society
Member
Society for Neuroscience
Education
Neuroscience
University of Alberta
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Neuroscience
Brock University