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Hire Dr. Derek L.

Canada

Profile Summary

Our group investigates the neural circuits mediating the stress responses in the prefrontal cortex. We are particularly concerned with dopamine-, glutamate-, and gaba-sensitive mechanisms that appear to differentially regulate stress responsivity within and between the left and right cortical hemispheres. We utilize electrochemical monitoring techniques together with optogenetics and pharmacological manipulation to characterize acute and chronic stress responses in rodents. This work aims to better understand the mechanisms that underlie maladaptive responses to stressors that feature commonly among many psychopathologies; particularly, depression, anxiety, and disorders of behavioural inhibition.

Subject Matter Expertise

• ☆ Electrochemistry
• ☆ Animal Behavior/Ethology
• ☆ Electrophysiology
• ☆ Neurochemistry
• ☆ Exercise & Fitness
• ☆ Neurology
• ☆ Stress Management
• ☆ Depression
• ☆ Neuropsychiatry
• ☆ Psychopharmacology

Services

• Writing
• Consulting
• Data & AI
• Product Development

Work Experience

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Douglas Mental Health University Institute

August 2013 - Present

Education

Ph.D. Neuroscience

McGill University

November 2005 - August 2013

M.Sc. Physiology

Queen's University

September 2003 - October 2005

B.Sc. Biology, Psychology

Queen's University

September 1999 - May 2003

Certifications

• Certification details not provided.

Publications

JOURNAL ARTICLE

(2010). Interhemispheric regulation of the medial prefrontal cortical glutamate stress response in rats. Journal of Neuroscience.

(2006). Ca2+-dependent regulation of a non-selective cation channel from Aplysia bag cell neurones. Journal of Physiology.