Jessica Scheufen
MSc Student
​(2022-present)

Contact: [email protected]​

Research. Currently, I am investigating the effects of cannabis on adolescent neurodevelopment. Using a rat model, I administer vaporized cannabis and look for neuroanatomical and behavioural changes following cannabis treatment. This experiment uses MRI, behaviour, and pharmacokinetic methodology.​​​

​Hobbies. ​​​Skiing, climbing, hiking, biking, reading, baking, & eating.

Favourite paper. Rubino & Parolaro. (2016). The Impact of Exposure to Cannabinoids in Adolescence: Insights From Animal Models. Biological Psychiatry, 79(7): 578-585. This review paper highlights the historically heterogenous literature on cannabis use during adolescence in both humans and rodents. Here, the authors synthesize relevant findings and suggest future directions for a translationally appropriate model of cannabis use during adolescence.

Publications

SELECT PUBLICATIONS​

Aukema RJ, Baglot SL, Scheufen J, Lightfoot SHM, Hill MN. (2024). Circadian Influence on Acute Stress-induced Changes in Cortico-limbic Endocannabinoid Levels in Adult Male Rats. Neuroscience, 537: 84-92. 

Hume C*, Baglot SL*, Javorcikova L, Lightfoot SMH, Scheufen J, Hill MN. (2023). Prenatal exposure to THC vapor influences feeding, bodyweight and glucose metabolism under both basal conditions and following high fat diet. BioRxiv.

FULL LIST OF PUBLICATIONS​

Awards

Select Awards:​

• HBI Conference Travel Award (2023), Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary
• Senate Medal (2021), Carleton University
  
• I-CUREUS Scholarship (2020), Carleton University
  
• Helen & Douglas Nicholson Science Leadership Entrance Bursary (2017/18), Carleton University
  
• Mary A. Maclean Bursary (2017), Owen Sound District Secondary School
  

Funding:​

• Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (2023/24), University of Calgary
• Alexa W. Church Graduate Scholarship in Medical Sciences (2023/24), University of Calgary
• CIHR Scholarship (2022/23), Canadian Institute of Health Research, University of Calgary,
• HBI Graduate Recruitment Scholarship in Neuroscience (2022/23), University of Calgary

education

I completed my undergraduate degree at Carleton University in Ottawa in 2021. During this time, I received a B.Sc Honours in Neuroscience & Mental Health, working under Dr. Alfonso (Alfie) Abizaid. With Alfie, I completed my Honours research project, which investigated the ability of tanycytes to regulate blood-CSF barrier permeability.