About Holly
A Passion for the Brain
Holly Bardutz, PhD, is the founding director and principal researcher at the Brain Health and Wellness Lab, University of Regina.
Her main areas of research include:
How to maintain and improve brain health across your lifespan
The relationship between the brain and the heart
The relationship between the brain and sleep
A Modern Approach
Holly’s research focuses on brain health and wellness across different populations, delving into areas such as the Default Mode Network, the connections between brain and heart health, and the impact of sleep on brain function. As a Principal Investigator, Dr. Bardutz leads her own research initiatives and collaborates with esteemed colleagues at institutions like the University of Regina, the University of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Health Association, the Brain Centre at University of British Columbia and McGill University.
Dr. Bardutz has also developed an approachable eight-week Brain Health and Fitness Course, drawing on the latest scientific research. She actively teaches this course and has woven its content into her ongoing research projects.
In addition to her research, Dr. Bardutz is passionate about teaching linguistics, particularly to students pursuing careers in Speech Pathology and related fields. Her enthusiasm for the brain and language intersects in her courses, such as Neurolinguistics and First Language Acquisition, where she explores the fascinating overlap of these disciplines.
Speaking Engagements
Brain Health and Fitness
Summer 2023 - Presentation for the Parkinson Society of Saskatchewan Support Group - Sandra Schmirler Library in Regina
Spring 2023 – “Brain Health Mini-Series” - Weekly Sessions for the Regina Public Libraries
Winter 2023 – “Brain Health and Fitness Eight-Week Series” – Lifelong Learning Centre – University of Regina, College Avenue Campus
November 2017 - Speaker at luncheon given at Al Ritchie Community Centre
Exercise and the Brain
October 30, 2022 – Presentation for the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association – Sandman Hotel Conference Room, Regina, Saskatchewan.
You and Your Aging Brain
November 1, 2021 – Presentation at the Monthly Meeting of the Probus Club of Regina. – Living Spirit Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan.
Resilience and the Brain
July 2020 – Part of a Panel of Presenters – Fielding Graduate University Summer Session Conference – Chicago, Illinois.
The Benefits of Physical Exercise on the Brain
February 8th, 2020 - Presentation for Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre.
How to Survive (and Even Thrive!) During and After Your Doctoral Journey.
January 9, 2020 – A presentation for PhD students at Fielding Graduate University Winter Session – Santa Barbara, California.
Women, Exercise and Neurological Changes
April 17, 2019 - Open House Presentation for the Lifelong Learning Centre
The Brain at Play
April 8, 2018 – Presentation for the Regina Public Library
Homework Tips and Study Skills Based on Brain Research
Regina Catholic Schools Parent Convention – March 2007
The Teenage Brain
Parent Teacher Association at Campbell High School – 2009
We Bleed Green Here: How our Idioms can Startle New Canadians
Talk given to Saskatchewan Government Employees about Cultural Awareness. – Prior to 2010. Conexus Art Centre. Hanbidge Hall.
High Students Culture and Idioms in English: We Bleed Green Here
Prior to 2010. A presentation about how English and our Idioms might raise questions to high school students. Presentation at Teacher Education Days at Miller High School.
The Importance of Idiom Awareness in Second Language Teaching
Prior to 2010. A Presentation at the Conference of Heritage Language Teachers in Regina, Saskatchewan. At the Travelodge Hotel Conference Room.
Brain-Based Learning Applied to Packing Surgical Packs for the Operating Rooms
Prior to 2010. A seminar given to the staff at the Saskatchewan Health District about the timing of the training of new staff regarding packing surgical packs for the OR. – Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, second floor.
Awards & Recognition
Reach out to Holly for Public Speaking
Unlock Your Mind’s Potential