As a neuroscience researcher and writer, I look at the intersection of brain, behaviour, and therapeutics through a multidisciplinary lens. I'm a critical and creative thinker who specializes in scientific storytelling, tackling complex research questions, and working in collaborative teams. I am passionate about translational research, science communication, knowledge mobilization, and the development of novel therapeutic approaches to improve mental health. My research investigates the mechanisms of action of promising new therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders. I’m particularly interested in the role of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change through growth and reorganization, in the therapeutic action of breakthrough therapies for depression and substance use disorders, such as ketamine and psychedelics. I am currently a postdoc in the Department of Psychiatry at UBC, working with a private biotech company to facilitate the preclinical and clinical evaluation of a natural health product for opioid withdrawal and pain management. In addition, as a way to maintain a healthy balance of enthusiasm and critical thinking around the emerging therapeutic potential of psychedelics from bench-to-bedside-to-community, I’m a freelance science writer and research advisor for the biotech industry, with a specific focus on psychedelic research.I am also the coordinator for the new UBC Research Excellence Cluster, MATRIX-N (Multidisciplinary Alliance for Translational Research and Innovation in Neuropsychiatry). MATRIX-N seeks to bridge gaps between research, clinical practice, and patient needs to facilitate innovative solutions to global mental health challenges. The cluster aims to create new multidisciplinary collaborations between foundational and clinical researchers to increase the translational power of neuropsychiatry research into novel pharmacotherapies and ensure more cost-effective, clinically relevant drug development processes.I have a Master’s degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology from UofT and a PhD in Neuroscience from UBC, as well as 13+ years of research experience in basic neuroscience and clinical research labs. My past research projects investigated breakthrough therapies for depression, particularly ketamine and deep brain stimulation (DBS), in terms of their molecular, neuroplasticity and cognitive effects using preclinical models and a wide range of methodologies (e.g. behavioural neuropsychopharmacology, molecular biology, electrophysiology, neuroimaging, genetics).Contact: lilyraleksandrova@gmail.com