Principal Investigator

I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, a Full Member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, and the Parker Research Chair in Psychedelics. My research focuses on developing novel pharmacological interventions for stress-related mental health disorders, such as substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. My group has a particular focus on cannabinoid- and psychedelic-based therapeutic opportunities, which we explore using behavioral pharmacology, psychophysiology, and neuroimaging. Beyond developing novel treatment strategies, my group is also interested in gaining mechanistic insight into stress and social processing in healthy and clinical populations.

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Research Coordinator

I have been working as a Research Coordinator in the lab since March 2023. I facilitate the clinical trial exploring the effectiveness of psilocybin for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. I previously worked in the non-profit/harm reduction sector, supporting individuals navigating houselessness and substance use and am currently completing my Master’s in Social Work. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, camping, hiking, canoeing and paddleboarding.

Post-Doctoral Fellow

My research investigates how the endocannabinoid system regulates stress-related emotions and social processing. Specifically, I explore how varying levels of natural cannabinoids influence social behavior, anxiety, and physiological markers of stress. My current project involves pharmacologically activating the cannabinoid receptor to examine its effects on social functioning, emotional regulation, and the stress response. I completed a PhD in Neuroscience focused on the role of endocannabinoids in stress-related disorders. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending my time in the mountains.

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Post-Doctoral Fellow

I have been working as a postdoctoral associate in the lab since October 2023. In the lab, I use neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, dMRI, MRS) to investigate the brain mechanisms underlying psychedelics, endocannabinoids, and psychiatric disorders. I completed my PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary with Dr. Signe Bray, studying individual differences of brain function in young children using fMRI. Prior to this, I graduated with my BSc in Biology & Psychology from the University of Victoria. In my spare time, I volunteer with the campus radio station, read, knit, and spend time with my cat!

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Post-Doctoral Fellow / Physician-Scientist

I joined the lab in Spring 2025 as a postdoctoral associate, bringing the perspective of a child and adolescent psychiatrist. As a physician-scientist, I support clinical trials in the lab on psychedelics, cannabinoids, and more. My focus is on biomarker-driven, personalized treatments for stress-related disorders and on the role of the endocannabinoid system in developmental psychopathology. I previously worked at University Hospital Ulm, Germany, where I also completed medical school. Outside the lab, I enjoy good food and time with friends, many found right here!

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Post-Doctoral Fellow

I joined the PaCT lab as a postdoctoral associate in June 2025, co-mentored by Dr. Matthew Hill. My preclinical research combines in vivo neuronal monitoring, behavioral assays, and molecular analyses to understand how "set and setting" influence psilocybin's efficacy in treating stress-related disorders. I earned my PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Colorado studying synaptic CaMKII regulation in learning and memory, and spent two years in industry developing behavioral screens for novel psychedelics. Outside the lab, I enjoy practicing yoga and exploring the Rocky Mountains.

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PhD Student

I am a PhD student in Medical Sciences at the University of Calgary, studying how expectations shape outcomes in psychedelic-assisted therapy. I’ve worked with the PaCT Lab since 2023, supporting the launch of a psilocybin trial for alcohol use disorder. I completed my MSc in Translational Neuroscience at Imperial College London and my BSc in Pharmacology at the University of Alberta. In my free time, my life pretty much revolves around music. I produce, DJ, and jam with friends.

PhD Student

I have been a Neuroscience PhD student in the PaCT lab since September 2023. My current research focuses on elucidating the role of the subjective psychedelic experience in facilitating positive outcomes following psilocybin administration. Prior to stating my PhD at the University of Calgary, I completed a MSc in Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Amsterdam, where my research focused on the impact of meditation on neural markers of wakefulness and on comparing resting state fMRI data collected under different altered states of consciousness. In my free time, I like rock climbing, reading, and spending as much time in the mountains as possible.

PhD Student

I recently earned my MSc in Neuroscience from Carleton University, where I was co-supervised by Dr. Kim Hellemans and Dr. Alfonso Abizaid. My MSc research explored the biological mechanisms linking early life trauma to high-risk cannabis use in young adults, specifically investigating endocannabinoids and diurnal cortisol levels in blood and saliva as potential biomarkers. Prior to my MSc, I completed a BSc in Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology at Carleton University, under the supervision of Dr. Kim Hellemans and Dr. Zachary Patterson. I am now moving to Calgary where I will begin my PhD in Neuroscience in the PaCT lab, supervised by Dr. Leah Mayo and co-supervised by Dr. Matt Hill. While I plan to continue some cannabis-related research, my primary focus will be on psychedelic research.

PhD Student

I started my Master’s degree in the lab in September 2023 and am now a PhD student. Currently, I investigate the relationship between childhood maltreatment, endocannabinoids, and social processing. Previously, I completed a BSc in Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge, where I studied neuroinflammation in animal models of PTSD and potential psychedelic therapeutic interventions. Beyond the lab, I love to be in the mountains or under a mountain of books.

MSc Student

I am a first-year neuroscience MSc student in the PaCT lab, completing my degree under the co-supervision of Dr. Stephanie Borgland and Dr. Leah Mayo. My current research focuses on investigating potential pharmacotherapies for Cannabis Use Disorder. Specifically, I am looking at the intersection between cannabis use and sleep. I previously completed my BScH in Life Sciences at Queen’s University, which was where I first developed an interest in mental health, addiction, and pharmacology. Outside of school, I love reading and spending time with my tuxedo cat, Mabel.

Clinical Research Therapist

As one of the clinical research therapists for the PaCT Lab, my goal is to walk alongside you in trusting your inner knowing and intuition, learning how to connect with yourself before others and gaining clarity on the tools you already have. With over 13 years of experience in the field of social work, I have expertise in working with individuals, adolescents, couples, families, BIPOC folks and those experiencing chronic pain and illness. My training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Solution-Focused Therapy, Functional Family Therapy and as an ATMA trained Psychedelic-assisted Therapist allows me to provide flexible and responsive support to meet your unique therapeutic needs throughout the journey of psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Clinical Research Therapist

I have been a registered psychologist since 2007, and have worked in private practice since 2012, providing evidence-based psychotherapy to individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use challenges, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. My clinical interests include the integration of emerging therapeutic approaches with established psychological practice. I have completed advanced training in psychedelic-assisted therapy and remain committed to ongoing learning and mentorship in this evolving area of practice. Outside of my professional work, I maintain a regular meditation practice and enjoy yoga, sport, reading, and time in nature.

Clinical Research Therapist

I completed a BA in psychology in 2006, a BSW in 2009, an MSW in 2013 as well as a Clinical Social Work designation in 2019. I am a proud Registered Clinical Social Worker in Alberta and have worked in various areas such as domestic violence, addictions treatment, inpatient psychiatry and working with first responders. In addition to my work with the PaCT Lab, I currently work in private practice, seeing individuals and couples. My curiosity and interest in learning more about the potential usefulness of psychedelics to help treat and manage mental health issues brought me to the lab. Working in research has been fascinating and I am grateful to be constantly learning from my colleagues.

Clinical Research Therapist

I hold a Master of Counselling in Counselling Psychology and became a fully registered psychologist in 2014. I’ve worked across many areas, including domestic violence, mental health, substance use, immigrant and refugee mental health, concurrent disorders, crisis intervention, capacity assessment, graduate education, and clinical supervision. I’m especially excited about the evolving field of psychedelic medicine and its potential to support individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Before becoming a psychologist, I earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. I have taught in Calgary, Mexico, Egypt, and Indonesia. Travel is a passion of mine, and my experiences abroad have deepened my understanding of diverse perspectives on life. When I’m not working, you can find me enjoying time with my family, cuddling my fur babies, or fidgeting with a Rubik’s cube.

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Undergraduate Honour’s Student

Undergraduate Honour’s Student

Undergraduate Honour’s Student

Undergraduate Honour’s Student

Undergraduate Honour’s Student