Shawn Hayley

Shawn Hayley is a Full Professor and previous Canada Research Chair in the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University. Some of his research examines how the immune system influences neuroplasticity of the brain and consequently, how could be important for the development of new antidepressant drugs. As well, Dr. Hayley has been focused on how inflammation within the brain can cause neuronal degeneration and contribute to the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease. The Hayley lab is...See more

Shawn Hayley is a Full Professor and previous Canada Research Chair in the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University. Some of his research examines how the immune system influences neuroplasticity of the brain and consequently, how could be important for the development of new antidepressant drugs. As well, Dr. Hayley has been focused on how inflammation within the brain can cause neuronal degeneration and contribute to the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease. The Hayley lab is involved in studies in assessing how chemical (e.g. pesticides) immunologic (e.g. viral, bacterial agents) and even psychological environmental stressors can contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease, as well as it comorbid states (e.g. depression, anxiety). Much of this research is focused on how the brain's specialized immune cells, the microglia, are involved in the generation of neuronal pathology, as well as possibly recovery from pathology. See less