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

"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…

Latinx Young Adults Who Worry About Heart Conditions at Higher Risk for Mental Health Disorders

HRI fellow, Dr. Michael Zvolensky, is featured in this important UH news article about heart-…

Want to Cut Back on Holiday Boozing? Learn to Hack Your Biology

HRI Director, Dr. Ezemenari Obasi, is featured in this gripping article about stress and its impact…

A Leading Sleep Researcher Addresses Some Important Questions Regarding Stress and Anxiety

2020 has been a year like no other bringing with it trauma and mental health challenges. We did a Q…