Sarah Konefal, PhD
Research and Policy Analyst
Expertise:
Sarah’s expertise includes the biology of the brain, developmental pathways, maternal health and mental health disorders.
Biography:
Growing up in Vancouver, Sarah Konefal had some close personal connections involving friends and family with substance use, poverty and mental illness. These connections inspired her to choose a career that can improve the lives of Canadians experiencing these issues.
Sarah earned a PhD in neuroscience from McGill University, and wanted to work where she could apply her research to the real world. Working at CCSA, Sarah feels she has the opportunity to apply addiction research to real-world problems. She has a strong interest in how biological, behavioural and social factors in early childhood play a role in later-life substance use. Before she joined CCSA in February 2018, she held positions at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal and the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics in Vancouver.
In her spare time, adventure and the great outdoors call to Sarah. She is an avid camper, skier and climber, but her favourite activity is mountain biking.