Stress Science

The Stress Science Laboratory (SSL) was established in the Fall 2016 and is housed within the College of Nursing Research Laboratory. The SSL is comprised of faculty and students whose research includes a focus on the relationships between physiological stress and health and well-being as well as methodological research to advance the validity and reliability of stress biomarkers. The SSL also provides methodological and laboratory training and consultation in stress science research in group workshops and one-on-one sessions; a small seed grant program for College of Nursing researchers to support pilot research using stress biomarkers; and networking opportunities to enhance research collaboration. Please contact us for general questions about the SSL and the individual faculty affiliate for specific questions about their research.

 

Faculty affiliates of the SSL include:

Research Focus

Effects of social adversity on the neuroendocrine and immune system; chronic physiologic stress via hair cortisol; cell-mediated immune function via reactivation of latent herpes viruses and vaccine response.

Research Focus

Epigenomic biomarker discovery and clinical application in preeclampsia and future risk for cardiovascular disease across the lifespan.

Research Focus

Dr. Gillespie’s research focuses on developing and clinically validating biologically-informed screening tools for the prediction and targeted prevention of complications of pregnancy, with special emphasis on psychosocial stress-associated preterm birth.

Research Focus

Stress management intervention for overweight and obese pregnant and postpartum women.