Libby Myles

Background

About Libby Myles

I am currently an Instructor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University. My doctoral thesis work studied the impact of probiotic treatment, combined with unhealthy or healthy diets, on the risk of developing obesity and anxiety in both males and females. My previous research has focused on human motivations for self-harm and substance use, hormonal effects of stress and other environmental factors, and sex-specific health effects of experimental manipulations such as diet and probiotics. I have specific experience with avoidant-approach behavioural assays (e.g, the Light Dark Box, the Novelty Suppressed Feeding Task), rat maternal care and feeding observations, syringe feeding rats probiotic and placebo solutions, and specific organ collection and microdissection of brain regions for molecular analysis. My research is complemented by a background in molecular biology, with familiarity with performing extraction techniques (DNA, RNA, and protein). I also have experience with ELISAs for studying changes in protein levels and RT-qPCR analysis for studying changes in the expression of specific genes related to mental and metabolic health. In addition to my behavioural and molecular neuroscience research experience, I have a certificate in Adobe Illustrator Essentials for graphic design and experience with scientific illustration as it relates to my own research. In my free time, I enjoy piano playing, hiking, yoga, and spending time with my two dogs, Darwin and Rufus.