Headshot

Dr. Adrianna Giuffre

PhD
Pronouns: She / her

Positions

Assistant Professor

Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry

Full Member

Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education

Child Health and Wellness Researcher

Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Owerko Centre

Contact information

Phone number

Office: 403.955.2784

Preferred method of communication

adrianna.giuffre1@ucalgary.ca

Background

Educational Background

Doctor of Philosophy Neuroscience, University of Calgary, 2022

Postdoctoral Fellow Neurobiology (Pediatric Epilepsy), Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 2024

BA Honors Specialization in Kinesiology, The University of Western Ontario, 2016

Research

Areas of Research

Brain Stimulation
Mental Health
Neurodevelopment Disorders
Neuroimaging
Epilepsy
Multiple Sclerosis
Activities

My research program focuses on understanding the neurophysiological and neurobiological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders in two distinct populations: children and adolescents and individuals with neurological conditions. 

My interests include understanding brain function and connectivity, neuroplasticity, and the development of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. We use non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, and advanced neuroimaging modalities, to understand neurobiological changes during brain development and identify specific neural circuits related to risk factors associated with these disorders. 

The second focus is to explore the neurophysiological and neurobiological correlates of psychiatric disorders in individuals with neurological conditions, including stroke, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. These conditions often present with a high comorbidity of psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Our research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which neurological conditions and psychiatric disorders interact. By modulating neural activity in a targeted manner, we aim to gain insights into the relationship between specific brain regions and cognitive or emotional processes and understand how non-invasive neuromodulation leads to symptom relief. 

The goal of this research program is to develop and optimize targeted non-invasive neuromodulation therapies to enhance effective treatment options and clinical outcomes of children and adolescents with neuropsychiatric concerns.

Participation in university strategic initiatives

Publications