We study the neuro-immune basis of emotional regulation and how this is shaped by the ecosystem throughout development.

Mast cells are multifunctional innate immune cells that are found in the brains of all vertebrate species studied to date, yet their role is still largely a mystery. We aim to significantly expand our understanding of the nature of brain mast cells, why they exist, and how they can be targeted to improve human and non-human animal psychological well-being.

Environmental contaminants can have a significant impact on the immune system, with long-term physical and mental health consequences. Our research focuses on expanding basic knowledge of the underlying biological pathways, which could lead to the development of targeted interventions at the individual level while also raising public and environmental health awareness.

A growing body of human and animal research suggests that our emotions play a critical role in our biology. Emotions, as we define them, are evolutionary conserved functional brain states that drive organismal responses to stimuli. As a result, emotions exist and can be studied throughout the animal kingdom. We are particularly interested in learning about positive affective states, which are key but often overlooked contributors to psychological and physical health.