PhD
My research focuses on the neural correlates of drug cue-reactivity, and my currently held Vanier funded project looks specifically at what happens in the brains of nicotine dependent individuals when they view stimuli that are highly associated with smoking behavior. By having subjects complete this paradigm while their event-related potentials (ERPs) are recorded, I hope that I will be able to identify biological markers that predict relapse in smokers who are attempting to quit. By doing so, the ERP technique could be regarded as a valid and reliable assessment and monitoring tool for use in clinical settings where the focus is on helping smokers quit the habit. Using an objective measure that assesses relapse vulnerability/treatment efficacy has far reaching implications, one of which would be a major improvement in smoking cessation success rates locally and globally.
Deyar holds/has held the following major awards:
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
CIHR Frederick Banting and Charles Best Master’s Award
NSERC-USRA
Arthur and Ancie Fouks Graduate Entrance Scholarship in Public Service
CCDP Certificate of Teaching Excellence
SFU Provost Prize of Distinction (PPD)
2008 SFU Terry Fox Gold Medal and Prize
