Tijana Simic, PhD

Background:

Dr. Simic obtained her Ph.D. from University of Toronto’s Rehabilitation Sciences Institute. Her dissertation investigated predictors of post-stroke aphasia recovery, with a particular focus on the role of executive control in treatment outcomes. Dr. Simic then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre de Recherche de l’Institut de Gériatrie de Montréal, affiliated with the Université de Montréal, where she worked with Dr. Simona Brambati and Dr. Karine Marcotte. During her postdoctoral fellowship, her research focused on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-based analyses of the neural biomarkers of both spontaneous and treatment-induced language recovery following stroke.

Professional Interest:

Dr. Simic’s primary research interest lies in understanding the behavioural and neurological predictors of recovery in individuals with language deficits due to acquired neurological damage (e.g., post-stroke aphasia, primary progressive aphasia). Dr. Simic’s research has focused on how principles of learning and neuroplasticity may be harnessed to improve treatment outcomes, as well as the role of executive control (EC) in language processing. The overarching aim of her research is to develop individualized treatment protocols that will maximize neuroplasticity and functional outcomes in those living with acquired neurogenic communication disorders.