Cindy (Cynthia) McDowell (she/her) studied Psychology and Behavioural Neuroscience as an undergraduate at Simon Fraser University. She then received her Masters of Science in Psychology from the University of Victoria, where she is currently a PhD Candidate in Experimental (Research) Psychology. Cindy works as a researcher and data scientist for the Brain Aging and Neurocognitive Lab, where her research concentrates on risk and protective factors for healthy and pathological aging and social determinants of health, with a particular emphasis on dementia prediction and prevention.

Cindy is an accomplished Speaker, having provided talks for employees and executives at the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia, Low Tide Properties, Leadbox, Perler Financial Group, and more. She hopes that accessible education regarding cognitive and biological changes in later life will alter the ways in which aging is spoken about in our society (especially in the media!) and will provide people with tangible tools to protect their brain health as they age. Cindy is a highly accomplished researcher-scientist and has authored several peer-reviewed research papers in her field, presented at numerous national and international conferences, contributed to interviews, collaborative blogs, and helped create the Call to Mind Podcast, which focuses on the experiences and perspectives of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. She has received several awards in recognition for her research and community engagement accomplishments - including a doctoral research fellowship for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and being named as one of Canada’s 2023 Women Leaders in Digital Health.  

In her spare time, you’ll find Cindy reading a book, playing soccer, or enjoying the great outdoors by camping, hiking or kayaking!