We are a member of UBC’s Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health.
Our research focuses on steroids and the regulation of behaviour and immunity, using a variety of cutting-edge techniques.
More specifically, we study:
- Steroids synthesized in the brain (“neurosteroids”) and regulation of social behaviour and executive function
- Steroids synthesized in the immune system (“immunosteroids”) and regulation of immune cell development
We integrate multiple techniques, such as liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), brain microdissection, qPCR, tissue culture, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, pharmacology, and operant conditioning.
The Soma Lab actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in science. Excellence in research and education can only be achieved by diverse perspectives and approaches. We welcome anyone interested in neurosteroids or immunosteroids to apply to join the lab.