HEALTH Research Institute

Stress Neurobiology

There is substantial evidence that links physiological processes and the nervous and immune system. We conduct research focusing on stress and its effects on the immune system. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we merge disciplines such as physiology, neuroscience, immunology, psychology and genetics to better understand how diseases emerge in humans under an immense amount of stress.

Featured Publications

Heart Rate Variability and Anxious Arousal: Unique Relations With Sleep-Related Problems in Stress-Exposed Adolescents
Poor Sleep and Emotion Dysregulation Mediate the Association Between Depressive and Premenstrual Symptoms in Young Adult Women
Factor structure and validation of the mental health checklist (MHCL) for use in isolated, confined and extreme environments
Sleep-related Problems and Suicide Behavior and Ideation Among Black and White Trauma-Exposed Psychiatric Inpatients
Sleep Fears, Sleep Disturbance, and PTSD Symptoms in Minority Youth Exposed to Hurricane Katrina

Latest News

Four Pilot Grants Awarded to HEALTH-RCMI Researchers and Early-Stage Investigators

To nurture the research paths of early-stage investigators, pilot project grants are tailored to…

Empowering Smokers to Quit: UH researcher’s MASP App now in development to help African American smokers

Crushing the craving to smoke is no easy feat—perhaps a herculean task for many who have key…

Effective Mentorship: UH researcher lands cancer equity paper in international journal

Landing a pivotal publication in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health…

"Suffering in Silence: Suicide Warnings Hidden in Plain Sight” Rates of Suicide During Pandemic Rise Among Black Americans

Within the African American community, the devastating number of high-profile suicides in 2022 has…

“Gray Area Drinking” Spikes During the Pandemic: The Warning Signs and How to Treat it

The jarring reality of a COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the stressors of job loss and increasing…