Martin Wojtowicz, PhD

Department of Physiology

Dr. Wojtowicz studied at Dalhousie University (BSc) and the University of Ottawa (PhD). He obtained postdoctoral training at the University of California and Toronto Western Research Institute, joining the Department of Physiology at the University of Toronto in 1987 as an Assistant Professor, and progressing through the ranks to Full Professor in 2002 and Professor Emeritus in 2016. He served as a graduate coordinator in Physiology for seven years during 2009-2015, teaching and directing several undergraduate and graduate courses, most recently, Advanced Laboratory Physiology, PSL 374, and Hippocampus From Cells to Behaviour, PSL 1050. He has conducted a laboratory research program in neuroscience specializing in synaptic plasticity and hippocampal adult neurogenesis and gained a leadership position for his fundamental discoveries of the functional roles of new-born neurons in learning and memory.

Reflection
As a faculty member, I have been privileged to be involved in advanced medical research and have tried to convey some of the enthusiasm for fundamental research to my students. Although not many of them will follow scientific careers, the principles of hard work, dedication and team effort will benefit them in their chosen professions. The most rewarding aspect of this process is to observe how my former students thrive in their own careers.