Jibran Khokhar
London, Ontario
Position: Associate Professor
Organization: Western University
Dr. Khokhar completed his undergraduate training at Queen’s University, and his PhD in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Toronto and CAMH, under the supervision of Dr. Rachel Tyndale. He then completed a post-doctoral fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry at Dartmouth College with Dr. Alan Green. Dr. Khokhar was recently hired as an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Translational Neuropsychoparmacology in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Schulich School of Medicine at Western University. His research interests include genetic and neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities to substance use and psychopathology, and he uses cutting-edge neuroimaging and neuroscience methods to answer these questions.
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My Work
What I do:
I am an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Translational Neuropsychopharmacology at Western University. My research focuses on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying substance use and psychiatric disorders, with a particular emphasis on cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine. My lab uses preclinical models and cutting-edge techniques like chemogenetics, in vivo electrophysiology, and imaging to study how these substances affect brain circuits involved in cognition, motivation, and reward processing. I am passionate about bridging basic neuroscience with clinically relevant questions, ensuring that our findings translate into meaningful impacts on mental health and addiction treatment. A key focus of my work is understanding individual differences in substance use vulnerability, including the role of genetics, neurodevelopment, and environmental factors. My mission is to advance our understanding of substance use and mental health disorders to inform better prevention and treatment strategies. I am also deeply committed to mentorship, training the next generation of neuroscientists, and engaging in public outreach to promote evidence-based substance use education, particularly for youth. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, I aim to contribute to policies and interventions that reduce the burden of addiction and mental illness in our communities.
Ask me about:
My specialty is translational neuropsychopharmacology, with a focus on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying substance use, addiction, and psychiatric disorders. I use preclinical models, neuroimaging, in vivo electrophysiology, and behavioral neuroscience to investigate how substances like cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine impact brain function, cognition, and motivation. A major part of my work also involves studying genetic and neurodevelopmental factors that contribute to individual differences in substance use vulnerability.
Why me:
What makes me stand out in my field is my translational approach—I bridge basic neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and clinical relevance to better understand substance use and psychiatric disorders. My research uniquely combines preclinical models with imaging and electrophysiology, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of how substances like cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine, especially via emerging routes like vaping and edibles, impact brain function and behavior. Additionally, I prioritize studying individual differences in substance use vulnerability, integrating genetic, neurodevelopmental, and environmental factors to move beyond one-size-fits-all models of addiction and mental health. My work on CADM2 genetic variation and cannabis use disorder (CUD) is an example of this innovative direction. Beyond research, I am deeply engaged in science communication and outreach, particularly around youth substance use education. With a strong global research network and an active social media presence, I ensure that cutting-edge findings reach both the scientific community and the public. My commitment to mentorship and training the next generation of neuroscientists further reinforces my impact in the field.
Fun facts:
I did not know that being a Professor was a career option until I went to University.
About Me
Sector: Academia (Post Secondary)
English proficiency: Read, Write, Speak
Other Language(s): Arabic, Punjabi, Urdu
Title: Dr.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Gender: Male
Demographic: South Asian