Dr. Leslie Kerr

Biology and Psychology Departments

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I am a behavioural neuroscientist whose preclinical research investigates the influence of stress and coping on physiological mechanisms underlying illness and disease. Specifically, my research examines how stressors influence physiological and cellular mechanisms involved in mammary gland development, cancer growth and chemotherapeutic efficacy. To date, my research has been preclinical, that is, conducted using infrahumans (mice and rats) and the stressors used were either more physical (slight footshock) or physical and psychological (e.g. odour of a conspecific, social housing, maternal care). My current research is funded by NSERC and CBCRA. 

I am currently also working on several a project with Dr. Elaine Scharfe assessing the health and relationships of individuals with Breast Cancer. For more information please see my research page.