2024 Owerko Centre Conference
Insights and Advancements in ADHD
Join us May 14 for the 2024 Owerko Centre Conference
The Owerko Centre conference is an annual event hosted by the Owerko Centre at The Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute. Attendees can explore important areas of brain and mental health research through engaging speakers, panel discussions, trainee presentations and networking. The 2024 Owerko Conference will explore ADHD.
Details
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Conference: 9:00 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.
Reception: 3:35 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Theatre 4, Health Sciences Centre,
Foothills Campus, University of Calgary
Registration Deadline: May 6, 2024: 12:00 p.m. (MST)
Questions? Email owerko.centre@ucalgary.ca
Program
Dr. Susan Graham, PhD, RPsych, Director, Owerko Centre
Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment for ADHD
Dr. Cortese will review the evidence base for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment based on randomized controlled trials and observational studies. He will discuss how, and to what extent, evidence informs daily clinical making and highlight key perspectives in the field.
About Dr. Cortese
Samuele Cortese is currently NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Research Professor, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Southampton, and Honorary Consultant for Solent NHS (National Health Service) Trust. Professor Cortese’s main research interests are around neurodevelopmental disorders. He has published more than 350 peer-review papers.
He has secured funding as main/co-applicant for more than £13M. In 2022, he was included in the top 1% scientists in the field of psychiatry/psychology (Web of Science). Since 2022, he ranked #1 worldwide in terms of expertise on ADHD (Expertscape).
Canada Research Chair in Adult Clinical Neuropsychology, Associate Professor, Psychology, Faulty of Arts, University of Calgary
ADHD After Childhood: Emerging Findings About ADHD Into Later Life
At least half of childhood cases of ADHD are now known to persist into adulthood and old age, but very little is known about how ADHD evolves into late life. Emerging literature suggests ADHD may have adverse impacts on cognitive aging and potentially increase risk for dementia in older adults. The objective of this presentation is to introduce the available evidence linking ADHD to cognitive outcomes in middle and late adulthood and review the brain health profiles that have been associated with ADHD across the adult lifespan.
About Dr. Callahan
Brandy Callahan is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Adult Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Calgary. She is clinically trained as a geriatric neuropsychologist with expertise in cognitive aging and brain health. Her research focuses on ADHD in adults and older adults and aims to understand the factors unique to this demographic that may impact relationships between ADHD symptoms, cognitive health, and psychosocial functioning.
Led by Dr. Kara Murias, the panel will discuss perspectives on supporting children with ADHD.
Moderator:
Dr. Kara Murias, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Assistant Professor, Departments of Pediatrics, Clinical Neurosciences and Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary; Pediatric Neurologist, Alberta Children's Hospital.
Panelists:
Dr. Heather Baker, PhD, RPsych
Director, Clinical Services, CanLEARN Society
Dr. Elaine Bland, MD
Family Physician, Mental health Lead, Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network
Dr. Iliana Ortega, MD, FRCPC
Division Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary
Dr. Gabrielle Wilcox, PsyD, NCSP, RPsych
Associate Professor, School and Applied Child Psychology, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
Lunch will be served in the HRIC Atrium
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto; Clinical Psychologist and Health Clinician Scientist, Department of Psychiatry, SickKids Hospital, Toronto; Senior Associate Scientist, Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute
Spit for Science: A population approach to disentangling the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders
Spit for Science is a large population-based study investigating how genes and environment impact mental and physical health with a focus on neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). The study collected DNA, quantitative mental health traits, physical health information, cognitive biomarkers, oral microbiome, as well as environmental risk and protective factors such pollution, access to parks (green space) and water (blue space), and economic disparities. The presentation will summarize key findings and highlight how the integration of population and clinical-based approaches can catalyze precision-based approaches for NDDs.
About Dr. Crosbie
Dr. Crosbie’s program of research utilizes clinic and general population approaches to investigate the relationship between genes and environment on mental health and cognition. She has a particular interest in neurodevelopmental disorders and associated traits in children and youth. Dr. Crosbie’s research includes the development and validation of novel technology-based, cognitive-based interventions using video games and virtual reality.
Jennifer Williamson; Supervisor: Dr. Carly McMorris
Understanding the Mental Health Experiences of Autistic Students in Higher Education in Canada: A Mixed Methods Approach
Oghenefejiro Erome-Utunedi; Supervisor: Dr. Morris Scantlebury
The Role of CCL2 and its Receptor CCR2 in Vagal Heat Sensitization as Possible Mechanism for Febrile Seizures
Shefali Rai; Supervisor: Dr. Signe Bray
How Much is Enough? Optimizing Data Collection for Pediatric Functional Connectivity Research
Lilit Antonyan; Supervisor: Dr. Paul Arnold
Polygenic Risk Score Analysis of Structural Brain Changes as Candidate Endophenotypes of Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors
Catherine Lowe; Supervisor: Dr. Emma Climie
Miss Diagnosed: Girls and Women with ADHD
Dr. Meaghan Perdue, PhD; Supervisor: Dr. Catherine Lebel
Altered Markers of Brain Metabolism and Excitability are Associated with Executive Functioning in Young Children Exposed to Alcohol In Utero
Associate Professor, Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
Personalized Prescribing of ADHD Medications
Medications used to treat ADHD help many children and adolescents but some experience minimal to no benefit, while others experience intolerable side effects. If a personalized prescribing strategy were available to improve the use of ADHD medications, we could prevent suffering and negative outcomes. In this talk, Dr. Bousman will introduce a personalized prescribing strategy, know as pharmacogenetics, and describe the current state of the evidence for its use in the clinic.
Dr. Bousman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of Calgary, where he leads the Psychiatric Pharmacogenomics Laboratory. His program of research spans pharmacogenomic discovery and clinical implementation, with particular attention given to improving prescribing for mental health conditions across life stages.
About Dr. Bousman
Dr. Bousman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of Calgary, where he leads the Psychiatric Pharmacogenomics Laboratory. His program of research spans pharmacogenomic discovery and clinical implementation, with particular attention given to improving prescribing for mental health conditions across life stages.
Trainee Presentations
Owerko Centre Trainees are invited to present their research through an oral and/or poster presentation. The presentation should be geared towards a broad audience outside of your field of study who may know little about your research area. All oral presentations will be a 3-minute thesis format, followed by a two-minute question and answer period.
For trainees interested in presenting, please follow the same registration link above, identify yourself as 'Trainee' in the registration form and select 'Yes' under Do you plan on presenting? This will prompt further questions about your presentation.
Questions? Please contact owerko.centre@ucalgary.ca.
Deadline to submit an abstract for a poster presentation: Wednesday May 1, 11:59 p.m. (MST)
Deadline to submit a PowerPoint presentation: May 13, noon (MST)
Instructions and Resources for Trainee Presenters
All presentations:
Please include the Owerko/ACHRI logo on your posters and in your oral presentations.
Poster Presentations:
Refer to this scoring sheet that will be used by session judges to help you prepare your poster and presentation.
Guide to creating a research poster
Poster design tips and tricks tips and tricks presenting your poster
Oral Presentations:
Flash talks are 3 minutes in length with an additional 2 minutes provided for Q&A
Past Conferences
Since 2017 the Owerko Centre has explored a variety of themes and topics related to neurodevelopment and child mental health.
Keynotes:
Dr. Laura Graham, PhD, Associate Professor, Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York
Addressing the needs of LGBTQIA+ youth on the spectrum: A call to action
Dr. Kristen Gillespie-Lynch, PhD, Associate Professor, Psychology, College of Staten Island and the Graduate Center, and Director, Advanced Certificate Program in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Building Bridges Project REACH, The City University of New York, New York
Dr. TC Waisman, EdD, MA, Leadership, Policy & Governance; Leadership and Training Coach, Autism Training Academy, Vancouver, BC
Talk Title: Neurodiversity & Intersectionality: It Matters
Grant Bruno, PhD Student, Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta
Insights into Autism and First Nations People: Perspectives from a Parent, Community Member, and Researcher
Internal Speaker:
Dr. Meredith Maroney, PhD, RPsych, Assistant Professor, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
Dual spectrums: The intersectional experiences of sexual and gender minority autistic individuals
Academic & Community Panel:
- Moderator: Dr. Carly McMorris, PhD, Associate Professor, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
- Melia Wylie, Two-Spirit and LGBTQINAP+ Programs Facilitator, Centre for Sexuality
- Jess Lopez, Neurodiversity Support Advisor, Student Wellness Service, University of Calgary
- Dr. Caroline Westwood, Psychologist, Child and Adolescent Addiction & Mental Health Specialized Services, Alberta Health Services
- Dr. Kristin Lalji, Psychologist, Mood, Anxiety and Psychosis Service (MAPS), Alberta Health Services
- Dr. Shylo Cliffe, Social Worker, Child and Adolescent Addiction & Mental Health Specialized Services and Psychiatry Program Community Clinic, Alberta Health Services
- Emily Coombs, Autistic Researcher and Advocate, Graduate Student, University of Calgary
3-minute Trainee Flash Talks:
- Samarpreet Singh, Supervisor: Gerald Giesbrecht, PhD, Dept. of Paediatrics; Associations and Interactions of Delivery Mode and Antibiotic Exposure with Infant Cortisol level: A Correlational Study.
- Ceilidh MConnell, Supervisor: Deinera Exner-Cortens, PhD, Depts. of Psychology and Psychiatry; Preventing Youth Suicide with a Virtual Human Training: Best Practices for Establishing a Youth Advisory Group.
- Madison Long, Supervisor: Catherine Lebel, PhD, Dept. of Radiology; Trajectories of gray matter volume development in toddlers and young children with prenatal alcohol exposure.
- Mashiat Zaman, Supervisor: Dr. Tim Shutt, PhD, Dept. of Medical Genetics; Investigating the mechanistic basis of Mitofusin2 variants leading to disease.
- Dr. Stephanie Chipeur, JD, DCL, Supervisor: Jennifer Zwicker, PhD, School of Public Policy; Paying Family Caregivers of Children with Disabilities.
- Stefan Kurbatfinski, Supervisors: Nicole Letourneau, PhD and Aliyah Mawji, PhD, Dept. of Community Health Sciences; Stalking and Harassment Manifest Uniquely Within 2SLGBTQQIA+ and Rural Women Intimate Partner Relationships: Albertan Victim/Survivor and Service Provider Experiences.
Keynotes:
Dr. Stelios Georgiades, PhD McMaster Children’s Hospital Chair in Autism and Neurodevelopment, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences
Autism Chronogeneity: What does it mean for Research, Policy, and Practice?
Dr. Lucy Lach, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Faculty of Arts; Associate Member, Departments of Paediatrics, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University
Dr. David Nicholas, PhD, Professor, Associate Dean, Research and Partnerships, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary
Considering Social Determinants of Health When Navigating Access to Services and Supports: Implications for ALL Stakeholders
Internal Speakers:
Dr. Carolyn Emery, PhD Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology, Chair Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre; Professor, Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences at the Cumming School of Medicine and Dr. Brianne Redquest, Postdoctoral Associate, Werklund School of Education
Evidence-informed Adapted Physical Activity Programs for Youth with Disabilities: Calgary Adapted Hub Research Opportunities
Child Development Centre Community Panel:
- Karen Orser, CEO, Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre
- Tanya McLeod, President, The Sinneave Family Foundation
- Nicki Wilson, Associate E.D, Renfrew Educational Services
Trainee Collaborative Translational Research Presentation
Anything you can do, I can do better! Comparing and contrasting questions asked by model organism research and human neuroimaging studies to better understand the developing brain.
- Dr. Kathyrn Manning, PhD, Human imaging researcher
- Dr. Gillian England-Mason, PhD, Child neurodevelopmental researcher
- Dr. Deepika Dogra, PhD, Zebrafish/human organoid researcher
- Dr. Jing Zheng, PhD, Mouse/human imaging researcher
3-minute Trainee Flash Talks
- Kaylan Burns, Supervisor: Dr. Guang Yang, Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Solving the mystery of a rare neurodevelopmental disorder
- Dr. Parisa Moazen, Supervisor: Dr. Deborah Kurrasch, Dept. of Medical Genetics: Battle of the sexes for vasopressin development
- Christiane Roth, Supervisor: Dr. Jennifer Zwicker, School of Public Policy: Measure what matters - identifying key indicators to align policy and service delivery with child health and well-being
- Sarah Williams, Supervisor: Dr. Kelly Schwartz, Werklund School of Education: Changes in student mental health and adaptive functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic: does age matter?
- Dr. Elnaz Vaghef Mehrabani, Supervisor: Dr. Gerry Giesbrecht, Dept. of Paediatrics: The association between maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and child behavior: The role of inflammation
- Rayyan Zuberi, Supervisor: Dr. Chad Bousman, Dept. of Medical Genetics: Impact of cannabinoid use on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor efficacy and tolerability in adolescents
Keynotes:
Dr. Joanne Weinberg, PhD, Cellular & Physiological Sciences, UBC
Dr. Michael Kobor, PhD, Medical Genetics, UBC
"Epigenetic Embedding of Early Life Experiences - How Environments Get "Under the Skin"
Internal Speakers:
Dr. Ben Gibbard, MD, Alberta Children's Hospital & Christina Tortorelli, MA, RSW
"Understanding the Complexity of Adverse Exposures in the Lives of Children and Families."
Dr. Deborah Kurrasch, PhD, University of Calgary
"Sensing Maternal Challenges in the Developing Rodent Brain."
Keynotes:
Dr. Russell Schachar, MD, FRCP, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto
"Genetics of ADHD: Scientific Progress and Clinical Implications."
Dr. Yona Lunsky, PhD, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto
"Family Mental Health and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Challenges and Innovations."
Internal Speakers:
Dr. Catherine Lebel, PhD, University of Calgary
"Altered Brain Development in Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure."
Dr. Carly McMorris, PhD, RPsych, University of Calgary
"Anxiety in Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Effectiveness of Facing Your Fears."
Keynotes:
Dr. John F. Cryan, PhD, University College Cork, Ireland
"A Gut Feeling About the Brain - Microbiome as a Key Regulator of Neurodevelopment and Behaviour."
Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, MD, Bloorview Research Institute, Toronto
"Thinking Differently About Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Lumping vs Splitting."
Internal Speakers:
Dr. Jane Shearer, PhD, University of Calgary
"Dietary Modulation in Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Translational Perspective."
Dr. Gerald Giesbrecht, PhD, University of Calgary
"‘Sins of the fathers’ and the Psychobiology of Stress: How Good Triumphs over Adversity in the Intergenerational Transmission of Stress."
Keynotes:
Dr. Erik Willcut PhD, University of Colorado, Boulder
"Neuropsychological and Neurobiological Studies of ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Their Comorbidity: Implications for Clinical Diagnosis and Translational Research."
Dr. Jonathan Weiss, PhD, York University, Toronto
"Thinking Differently About Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Lumping vs Splitting."
Internal Speakers:
Dr. Richelle Mychasiuk PhD , University of Calgary
Dr. Tamara Pringsheim, MD, FRCPC, Alberta Children's Hospital