Sara Tremblay, PhD

Sara Tremblay, PhD  

Scientist 
Scientific Director of the Neuromodulation Research Clinic and lead of the NEST (NEuroSTimulation) Lab. 

Affiliations 

• Associate Professor, Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais 
• Adjunct Research Professor, Neuroscience Department, Carleton University 
• Adjunct Professor, School of Psychology/Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa

Research Focus 

My research focuses on developing new ways to make brain stimulation treatments, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), more effective for people living with depression and other mental health conditions. I use advanced brain imaging and physiology tools to better understand how these treatments work, and why some people respond while others do not. 

A Point of Pride  

A key achievement from my lab has been the development of naturalistic clinical trials that provided access to rTMS treatment for more than 150 individuals with hard-to-treat depression. These studies made an effective treatment available to people who would otherwise only have access through private clinics, helping to bridge the gap between research and clinical care. 

How I am Working to Make a Difference for Those Living with Mental Illness 

Through this work, my ultimate goal is to reduce the trial-and-error nature of mental health care. By identifying strategies that improve treatment response and expanding access to innovative therapies, my research is paving the way toward more precise, effective, and equitable care for people with depression and related conditions. Our lab is supported by provincial and national funding agencies, philanthropic partners, and collaborations with clinicians, researchers, and patient partners across Canada.