Neuroscientist Breanne Kearney Explores Trauma’s Impact on Memory

A remarkable journey in neuroscience reached a milestone this month as Breanne Kearney graduated from Schulich Medicine & Dentistry with her PhD, earning the prestigious Governor General’s Gold Medal for outstanding academic achievement. Kearney’s research delves into how trauma affects the brain’s sensory-motor networks, providing new insights into therapeutic interventions.

Kearney’s fascination with neuroscience began unexpectedly during her studies at the University of New Hampshire, where she trained as an occupational therapist. Her interest was ignited during a challenging neurology course that her classmates dreaded. After six years working with children and adolescents facing neuro-developmental challenges in Portland, Kearney pursued a master’s degree in cognitive neuroscience at University College London.

Her current research, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Ruth Lanius, employs functional MRI technology to study adults living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Kearney’s work aims to uncover how trauma manifests physically, often leading to symptoms such as tension and pain. “Many people with trauma feel it in their bodies—tension, pain, or visceral unease. We wanted to know what parts of the brain correspond with this sense of reliving things somatically in the body,” Kearney explained.

Kearney’s research also investigates an innovative psychotherapy known as deep brain reorienting. This approach focuses on the most primitive, reflexive responses to trauma, addressing the shock response generated by the brain’s lower regions before cognitive processing occurs. “It backs things up to a very early sensory motor response,” she noted.

In clinical trials, Kearney and her colleagues observed significant improvements in participants’ symptoms, particularly among those who did not benefit from traditional therapies. “It offers another option for people, especially those who don’t do well with exposure or talk therapy,” she said. This advancement could provide a lifeline for individuals struggling to find effective treatment for trauma-related conditions.

Kearney’s journey from Long Island to academic excellence exemplifies the potential for personal transformation through dedicated research. Reflecting on her path, she remarked, “The more I’m involved in research and the more I learn about the brain, I realize how little we actually know. That’s what is so cool about science. It forces you to be comfortable with the unknown.”

As she completes her doctorate, Kearney plans to continue her research at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry as a postdoctoral scholar while pursuing the final stages of licensure in Canada. She aims to balance her time between research and clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a connection with patients. “I’m passionate about having a foot in research while still keeping myself in the reality of seeing people in the clinic. It just gives me such a richer understanding,” she said.

Kearney’s commitment to clinical practice, particularly working with children, remains at the heart of her professional aspirations. Her journey reflects a growing understanding of the complex interplay between trauma, memory, and the body, paving the way for future innovations in therapeutic practices.