Andrew Loughlin

Published preclinical pharmacologist with a seven-year research background in addiction and habit formation; offering a unique perspective in broad understanding of the life sciences, and particular insight into the design and interpretation of animal behavior studies. Seeking a challenging position where a talent for scientific storytelling and a deep interest in the mechanisms behind behavior can contribute to the production of engaging scientific content.

Behavioral Neuropharmacologist (Doctoral Student)

University of Toronto – Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology | Toronto, ON

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health – Neurobiology of Alcohol Lab | Toronto, ON

Jan 2016 – Sept 2020

• Designed, proposed, planned, and executed over 10 pre-clinical studies investigating how stress affects habit formation
• Conducted a wide variety of tasks with hundreds of lab rodents, including care, aseptic surgery, and behavioral assays
• Drafted and submitted 4 separate research protocols, all approved by CAMH’s Animal Care Committee
• Authored 3 peer-reviewed articles (including 1 first-author publication) which have accumulated over ~50 citations; honed critical-thinking & writing experience with extensive use of Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases
• Developed a wide range of scientific knowledge through attending over 50 departmental seminars, and completing PhD breadth modules in neuroimaging, oncology, and clinical pharmacology (i.e. the effects of cannabis on driving) 
• Communicated complex scientific results to large and varied audiences, including at: lab meetings, departmental talks, a local school as a guest speaker, and as a poster presenter at 1 international and 2 domestic academic conferences
• Managed, trained, or otherwise mentored a total of 2 graduate and 3 undergraduate students
• Gained familiarity with WHMIS, good laboratory/clinical practice (GLP/GCP), Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 (TCPS2), and International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines through professional development activities

Master of Science | University of Toronto – Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health – Neurobiology of Alcohol Lab | Toronto, ON

 Sept 2013 – Nov 2015

Thesis: Provided one of the first empirical demonstrations that nicotine reward can habitize instrumental behavior, by innovation on the intravenous nicotine self-administration model; included a comprehensive and critical literature review