Kim Hellemans

I have a 15 year background in understanding the neural basis of drug addiction. Specifically, my research focus has been on exploring how early life trauma re-wires key neural circuits to render an individual more prone to later life mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. At Carleton, I am a teaching professor and as such, my main expertise is in the scholarship of teaching and learning/higher education pedagogy. In addition, I also engage in human research, where I study mental health among university students; for example, how cannabis use/problematic social media relate to mental health and academic outcomes, and how specific biomarkers such as immune factors and/or gene polymorphisms might moderate or mediate this relationship. Finally, I have a podcast (Mindingthebrainpodcast.com) and produce free animations on topics related to the brain and addiction on YouTube. I am a champion and ally of individuals with lived/living experience with addiction, and am part of a national campaign to end stigma related to substance use and addictions (#stigmaendswithme).