Lucy Javorcikova
MSc Student
​(2023-present)

Contact: [email protected]​

Research. My research investigates the biomechanical effects mild traumatic brain injuries have on the brain in an adolescent rodent model. Specifically, I am curious about the role the endocannabinoid system plays in protecting the brain after a concussion and investigating how endogenous cannabinoids can mitigate post concussive symptoms.   ​​​

​Hobbies. My hobbies include painting, yoga, skiing, and I am always up for karaoke. I have two silly cats that love to play and always keep me laughing. ​​

Favourite paper. Song et al. (2022). Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury Following Treatment with Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Is Associated with Increased Expression of Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor and Other Neurotrophic Factors. Cannabis Cannabinoid Research, 7(4): 415-423. This paper was one of the first paper’s I read in relation to my research and was fascinated with the results. They demonstrated that administering Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC) improved recovery post traumatic brain injury (TBI) along with increasing certain neurotrophic factors that can aid in brain healing following TBI. I really enjoyed this paper, and it sparked a lot of ideas and interest in my current project to understand the complex nature of TBIs.

Publications

SELECT PUBLICATIONS

​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.​

Awards

Select Awards:​

• Alex Rutherford Scholarship (2016), University of Calgary
  
• Jason Lang Scholarship (2021), University of Calgary
  
• Alberta Innovates Summer Research Studentship (2022), University of Calgary
  
• Alberta Graduate Excellence Award (2023), University of Calgary

Funding:​

• Branchout Neurological Award (2023-Present), University of Calgary

education

I graduated from Mount Royal University In 2022 with a B.Sc. in Human Anatomy and Physiology and a minor in Anthropology. During my degree I undertook an independent research project where I investigated the Alberta sexual health curriculum and advocated for more informative teaching. During my undergraduate research at the Hill lab, I assisted in studies that assessed the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on various physiological parameters of the offspring as well as social behaviour.