Dr. Tyler Halverson MD, MSc

Dr. Halverson is originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario where he attended Lakehead University and obtained his Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Biomolecular Science. He then pursued a graduate degree from the University of Calgary and completed a Master’s of Science in Microbiology and Infectious diseases. His graduate work looked at the host-pathogen interactions between neutrophils and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In particular, his research examined the role of extracellular DNA in neutrophil extracellular traps and how P. aeruginosa can respond to this DNA and induce various genes allowing it to be more resistant to neutrophil killing. After completion of his graduate degree, he received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Alberta in 2019. From there, he transitioned to the University of Alberta Psychiatry Residency program where he is currently in his 3rd year of training. His current research interests involve exploring the role of the Gut-Brain-Microbiome axis along with alterations in the gut microbiota and their influence on both mental health and neurocognitive disorders. Moving forward, further research can include looking at microbial therapeutics, such as probiotics, as part of the treatment for these conditions.