Janet Menard

Janet Menard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Queen's University, affiliated with the Cognitive Neuroscience Program. She holds a B.A. (Hons) from the University of Alberta (1992) and a Ph.D. from the same institution (1999). Her research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying fear regulation, particularly how altered brain function contributes to maladaptive fear. Using rat models, she investigates the role of neurochemicals, receptors, and brain structures like the lateral septum and hippocampus in mediating anxiety and defensive behaviors. Her work also explores the long-term effects of early-life adversity (e.g., maternal neglect) and chronic stress on behavioral outcomes.

Key research methods include behavioral testing, maternal care paradigms, neuroanatomical lesions, and pharmacological interventions (e.g., histamine administration). She has extensively studied the differential effects of neuropeptide Y and histamine receptor subtypes in anxiety-related behaviors. Recent studies highlight the interplay between developmental stressors and adult vulnerability to anxiety/depression-like behaviors.

No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the text. Menard has advised multiple graduate students, including Chee S-S A, Trent NL, and Wilkin MM, who contributed to publications on topics like septal neurochemistry and stress effects. Her research integrates neurobiology, developmental psychology, and behavioral pharmacology to address translational questions in mental health.