Lola Zovko, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Why Temerty Faculty of Medicine:
I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Windsor, and was always aware of the impact and variety of research at the University of Toronto. The Temerty Faculty of Medicine is home to many amazing research areas from Speech Language Pathology to Immunology, with connections to some of the country's leading hospitals, mental health resources, and cutting edge technology. The Temerty Faculty of Medicine provides excellent funding opportunities, as well as opportunities to learn a wide variety of hands-on research skills, in addition to the colleagues and connections you make across networking events, conferences, and seminars.
Why this Department:
Throughout my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience, I was fascinated at all of the things the brain could do, including how various pharmaceutical compounds can interact with its functioning. I became increasingly interested in furthering my understanding of pharmacological principles and continuing to develop my skills as a researcher. I chose the department of Pharmacology and Toxicology as it is home to a variety of fascinating research areas such as clinical, molecular, and behavioural pharmacology. The department provided me the opportunity of pursuing research in the area of Pharmacology I was most interested in, while being in the hub of Canada and in the presence of great researchers, supervisors, and collaborators!
Current Research Experience:
I currently study the dopamine system and dopamine transmission, with a focus on the endocannabinoid system and the implications of its pharmacological manipulation in a model of Parkinson’s disease. I seek to understand how cannabinoid compounds can influence the dopamine system using in vivo and in vitro models, in an effort to study alternative and supplemental treatments for Parkinson’s disease in addition to the standard of care.
Future Education Plans and/or Career Goals:
My goals are to make my years as a PhD student as memorable and meaningful as possible by networking and learning from the people in my field and seeking new ways to share my research/ increase science engagement in the community. I am keeping my options open to any opportunities that may arise, whether in academia, industry, or other!
Contact Ambassador Lola Zovko