Faculty of Science
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA | CANADA B3H 4R2 | +1 (902) 494-3540

Benjamin Rusak, FRSC

University Research Professor
Psychology/Psychiatry

Education

  • 1970, B.A., University of Toronto
  • 1975, PhD, University of California, Berkeley

Research interests
Neural control of circadian rhythms; gene regulation in the circadian system; behavioural aspects of circadian rhythms; medical applications of biological rhythms; sleep functions; sleep disorders; physiological control of motivated behaviour.

Honours

  • 2002-2007, University Research Professor, Dalhousie University
  • 2002, Miguel Aleman Foundation Lecture, National Institute for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico
  • 2003, ALPCO/Buhlmann Distinguished Lecturer, Society for Light Therapy and Biological Rhythms
  • 1999, Fellow, Royal Society of Canada, Academy of Science
  • 1995-2000, Faculty of Science Killam Professor in Psychology, Dalhousie University

Professional organizations

  • Society for Neuroscience
  • Society for Research on Biological Rhythms
  • Canadian Sleep Society
  • Canadian Association for Neuroscience

Editorial Boards

  • 2002-, Editorial Board Member, Sleep
  • 1998-2000, Reviews Editor, Journal of Biological Rhythms
  • 1994-2002, Editorial Board Member, Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
  • 1994-2004, Editorial Board Member, Journal of Biological Rhythms
  • 1985-1994, Founding Editor, Journal of Biological Rhythms

Publications
More than 100 refereed journal articles, 22 book chapters, 103 published abstracts, 116 presentations.

Webpage
Faculty page, Department of Psychiatry

 E-mail: Dr. Benjamin Rusak

Dr. Benjamin Rusak

Tick tock of the 'circadian clock'

Dr. Ben Rusak’s primary area of research is the circadian (daily) rhythmicity that controls the timing of our physiology and behavior, including our daily cycle of sleep and waking. His research also includes investigations into neural plasticity, stress, effects of sleep loss and psychiatric illness.

Dr. Rusak employs a variety of approaches in his research including behavioral, neurophysiological, anatomical, and molecular biological studies to investigate both basic and applied aspects of the regulation of biological rhythms and sleep. Through research ranging from cellular mechanisms to clinical studies, Dr. Rusak integrates across the brain sciences, making valuable contributions to the research of the Brain Repair Centre.

Dr. Rusak’s research methods include behavioral studies, molecular analysis, immunohistochemistry, single-cell electrophysiology, MR brain imaging in humans, and sleep analysis. His contributions were acknowledged in 1999 by his election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.