EHarding

Erika Harding

PhD

Positions

Assistant Professor (Teaching & Research) - Veterinary Pharmacology

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Affiliations

Full Member

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

Contact information

Location

Office: CWPH1E50

Background

Educational Background

BSc Honours Neuroscience and Chemistry, Dalhousie University, 2012

PhD Physiology with Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, University of Toronto, 2018

Biography

Dr. Harding received her BSc at Dalhousie University, her PhD at University of Toronto, and completed postdoctoral training at University of Toronto and here at University of Calgary. Dr. Harding's lab is focused on understanding the neural circuitry and mechanisms by which biological and psychological stressors, including those during childhood, affect pain perception and predisposition. To answer this work, her lab employs techniques such as electrophysiology, in vitro and in vivo optogenetics and chemogenetics, viral vector guided circuit tracing, immunohistochemistry, and behavioural testing. Understanding mechanisms by which the brain becomes rewired for pain susceptibility will help develop treatments or therapies to restore normal function.

Awards

  • Brain Star Award, CAN-CIHR-INMHA. 2024