Ditzy is a health publication and digital platform sharing the nuanced narratives, collective experiences, and scientific insights on ADHD by and for women diagnosed in adulthood. By merging the personal with the precise and the relatable with the researched, we seek not only to inform but to transform, empowering women to reclaim their narratives and reframe their divergence.

Research Coordinator for the Possibility Engineering and Research Lab (PEARL) at the Bloorview Research Institute in Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Research assistant for the Possibility Engineering and Research Lab (PEARL), under the supervision of Principal Investigator Dr. Elaine Biddiss

Intern within the Commercialization Office of Bloorview Research Institute, under the supervision of Commercialization Director Sharon Wong

Working independently and cooperatively with clients on branding and design projects that include website UX/UI design, promotional videos, print media, marketing materials, and sales collateral• Six years of experience with design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, etc.), Autodesk Fusion 360, DaVinci Resolve

Undergraduate Research Assistant in Dr. Steven Laviolette's lab at Western University under the supervision of Dr. Marta De Felice. I gained extensive experience in various experimental techniques, such as neural cell density analysis using ImageJ, in vivo neuronal electrophysiology, cryostat-based brain section preparation for histological analysis, Western blotting, conducting behavioral tests such as the light-dark box and elevated plus maze, and offline analysis using BehaView.The research project I spearheaded investigated how adolescent cannabis exposure increases the risk of schizophrenia via changes in the hippocampal formation. Using behavioral assays and molecular analysis in a rodent model, I found that hippocampal dysfunction and disconnection between its dorsal and ventral subregions are linked to psychotic-like symptoms in adolescent THC-induced schizophrenia. Our findings revealed that adolescent THC exposure causes spatial memory impairment, anxiety-like behaviors, and changes in receptor and neurotransmitter levels, suggesting hippocampal signaling dysfunction as a key factor in THC-induced schizophrenic conditions. My research contributed to a publication in Neuropsychopharmacology, and will support The Laviolette Lab’s efforts in uncovering molecular pathways through which cannabis-based compounds could treat mental health issues like schizophrenia, addiction, depression, and anxiety.

Assistant to Research and Quality Assurance Analyst staff at the Child Development Institute (CDI), a children’s mental health agency focusing on early intervention for youth experiencing mental health challenges. I worked in collaboration with multidisciplinary experts including psychiatrists, social workers and mental health clinicians, to assist with the intake process for their Anxiety Program.• Conducted eligibility interviews• Administered psychometric assessment tools (E.g. Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children) to gauge anxiety levels of participants• Assisted in data interpretation to evaluate the effectiveness of the clinical program• Coded, entered, cleaned, and developed datasets for 200 paper measures using SPSS and ASEBA softwares