Our Facilitator

Valeria Rytova – Neuroscientist, Ph.D.

I am a Russian-born, Montreal-raised Neuroscientist, now based in Melbourne. I’m passionate about yoga and kitesurfing, being a mom and contributing to others. I first discovered the benefits of yoga 15 years ago, primarily as a way of staying sane whilst pursuing a double bachelor’s in Anatomy and Anthropology. That wasn’t enough to satisfy my curiosity about human beings, so I went on to pursue a Ph.D. in Behavioural Neuroscience. During this time, I met my partner (a professional kitesurfer) and we had a baby – all of which were complemented by yoga practice (from pre-natal to Bikram – you name it)!

In my Ph.D, I studied the neural circuitry and neurochemistry of social and emotional behaviour, such as anxiety. I am currently a Post-doctoral Fellow at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. My research focuses on the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Motor Neurone Disease…and – I still practice yoga! It is my priviledge to share my knowledge about the intricacies of the brain with you, while we explore the neuroscience of yoga.

Qualifications

BA&Sc, McGill University

MSc in Oncology, University of British Columbia

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, University of Melbourne

Certificate in Teaching for Graduate Researchers, University of Melbourne