Research Interests

PsychoEpiGenetics Lab (PEG Lab) focuses on understanding how psychosocial and genetic factors interact to influence our behavior and health through epigenetic mechanisms. Of particular interest, we investigate the impact of early life experiences on different levels of analysis, starting from gene expression to neuroendocrine and immune responses, and social behavior. Among these experiences, we focus primarily on the lifelong effects of different early life stressors, while also searching for protective psychosocial resources to attain resilience. In an attempt to understand the underlying mechanisms of gene-environment interactions, we examine the role of epigenetic modifications as potential mediators. Considering these research goals, PEG Lab is an interdisciplinary research environment that welcomes members from different backgrounds, utilizing research methods from psychosocial paradigms to genetic and epigenetic analyses.