Research Focus
Themes
Fear Learning &
Emotion Regulation
Using novel virtual reality and neuroimaging paradigms, we examine the development of frontolimbic circuits involved in:
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Fear extinction
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Threat processing
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Emotion regulation
Cannabinoids &
Endocannabinoid System
We study how both endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids influence:
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Brain development during adolescence, pregnancy, and adulthood pregnancy
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Stress regulation
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Inflammation
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Psychiatric outcomes (e.g., suicide risk, trauma-related disorders)
Impact of Environmental Exposures
We examine how physical and chemical exposures intersect with social and emotional stressors to affect neurodevelopmental and immune pathways. Areas of focus include:
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Air pollution (e.g., PM2.5)
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Secondhand cannabis smoke
Suicide Risk &
Resilience
Our lab is pioneering work to understand how fluctuations in suicide risk are linked to:
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Stress
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Endocannabinoid signaling
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Frontolimbic dynamics
We focus this work on vulnerable populations, including military veterans and minority youth.
Clinical Intervention
Science
We develop and evaluate behavioral, environmental, and pharmacological interventions to promote healthy neurodevelopment and reduce risk for psychiatric disorders. Areas of focus include:
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Mindfulness
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Exercise
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Cannabinoids
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Techniques
We employ a multi-modal, interdisciplinary toolkit that includes:
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Functional and structural neuroimaging (fMRI, MRI)
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Virtual reality paradigms of fear learning and regulation
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Ecological momentary assessment (EMA)
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Biomarker and lipidomics analyses (including endocannabinoids)
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Behavioral assessments of cognitive and affective function
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Community-based research
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Clinical trials and intervention studies, including pharmacological and behavioral approaches (e.g., cannabidiol, cannabis, exercise, meditation)
