Projects

Our work addresses several broad questions:

  • image of a brainHow does the brain regulate our cardiovascular and autonomic nervous systems during stressful experiences?
  • How do our cardiovascular and autonomic nervous systems influence the function and structure of our brains?
  • Are there particular patterns of brain function or structure that relate to our risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease?
  • How does socioeconomic disadvantage relate to brain health across the lifespan?
  • How does physical activity influence brain and cardiovascular function during stressful and emotional experiences?

By addressing these questions, our ultimate goal is to expand our understanding of the neurobiological pathways linking stress and other biopsychosoical factors to our physical health.

Right now, we are conducting several lines of research to examine how stress and affective processes instantiated in the brain relate to the longitudinal progression of preclinical cardiovascular disease among midlife adults. We are also examining the biological and behavioral pathways linking stress- and affect-related brain activity to preclinical disease using multimodal, laboratory, and daily-life field monitoring methods. More information about this work can be found here: healthyheart.pitt.edu

We are also conducting research on the neurobiology of social health inequalities, with a focus on inequalities patterned by socioeconomic position.