Dr. Acosta is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the St. Boniface Albrechtsen Research Centre and lecturer at the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, MB). Her research spans multiple disciplines, including neurobiology, cardiovascular biology, and pharmacology. With over 10 years of experience working across in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo models, her work focuses on understanding biological systems, drug effects, and uncovering mechanisms that drive disease and potential interventions. Her research has incorporated naturally occurring substances, such as stilbenoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and hemp, to investigate their therapeutic potential and biological effects.

She is particularly interested in the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoids, recognizing the rapidly evolving research field and the growing potential of naturally derived compounds for therapeutic applications. Building on a strong foundation in basic research, she aims to expand her work into translational and clinical applications, focusing on cannabinoid-based therapeutics. Passionate about translating scientific discovery into real-world impact, she is committed to bridging fundamental research with therapeutic innovation to develop meaningful healthcare solutions.

She enjoys the thrill of discovering something new, whether it’s the great outdoors, spontaneous adventures, or the occasional deep dive into a new hobby. If there's something new to learn or explore, she's all in – preferably with a coffee in hand and snacks. Oh, and she's also a legendary napper.

Crystal earned her degrees in Microbiology (BSc), Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSc), and Pharmacology and Therapeutics (PhD) from the University of Manitoba.