Ciara Halvorson

PhD Candidate at University of Victoria

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

About

I am a Ph.D. candidate in neuroscience studying the biological underpinnings of major depressive disorder (MDD). My research focuses on neuroimmune alterations in depression and chronic stress, and the involvement of the endogenous protein, reelin, in these processes. Reelin is decreased in mood disorders like depression and our lab has consistently shown that reelin has rapid antidepressant-like effects following chronic stress in rodents. Director of Communications for the University of Victoria Neuroscience Graduate Student Association

Experience

  • Pre Doctoral Fellow at National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
    Sep 2025 - Present · 10 mos

  • University of Victoria (3 yrs 10 mos)
    • PhD Student
      Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

    • Director of Communications- Neuroscience Graduate Student Association
      Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

    • Pharmacology Teaching Assistant
      Jan 2024 - Apr 2026 · 2 yrs 4 mos