Merovitch, Neil

Neil is a research assistant in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto and has an appointment at the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. He earned his HBSc in Biology and MSc in Physiology and Biophysics from Dalhousie University. Subsequently, he completed his PhD in the Neurosciences and Mental Health Program at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the University of Toronto. Neil's research has applied genetic approaches to develop models to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying memory dysregulation in neurodevelopmental disorders. His work has been recognized with awards, including in the field of individualized medicine. Currently, his research interests center around patient partnership in research and advancing precision medicine.

Beyond his research, Neil is actively engaged in promoting accessibility and inclusion. He serves on the SickKids Accessibility Steering Committee and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. He chairs the Access, Accessibility, and Inclusion Employee Resource Group and co-founded the Disability Inclusion Working Group at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Neil has also contributed as an instructor in the Family Engagement in Research Program led by the CanChild Centre for Childhood-Onset Disability Research at McMaster University.

Growing up with multiple rare diseases, Neil spent much of his childhood and adolescence in and out of hospitals on the diagnostic odyssey, underwent numerous complex operations, and faced the difficult transition from pediatric to adult care. This journey has shaped his commitment to advancing research, fostering patient engagement, and addressing health equity issues.