Projects

Recent evidence shows that the same brain regions activated during emotion are part of larger networks that play a role in regulating the body; these networks also support a wide range of mental states including cognition, perception, and action. That is to say, understanding how emotions are made helps scientists better understand how the brain makes sense of the world. I am interested in understanding (a) how the brain and body work together to create our feelings (b) how people make sense of their feelings, and (c) how stress "gets under the skin" to affect emotional processes and subsequent health.

Written by Me

Emotion Knowledge

There is considerable variability in how people experience and think about their emotions - this difference predicts mental and emotional health outcomes.

Physiological Basis of Emotion

Folk psychology and modern functional neuroscience tells us that the brain and body are interconnected. I am interested in how the brain and body work together to create emotional experiences across the lifespan.

Social Stress and Health

Historical, systemic, and interpersonal stressors leave a lasting impact on the brain and body. I am interested in the neurobiological mechanisms through which social stress is linked to adverse mental and physical health outcomes.