The ENP lab is engaged in a number of research activities that span diverse aspects of the physical environment and brain health and mental health. Below are a few examples of our recent projects now underway. This list is not inclusive of all our on-going or planned work, so please reach out if you'd like to learn more. We take a team approach to science and always welcome new collaborations at the intersection of the environment, neuroscience, and psychology.
Projects
The exposome and human health and aging
We are exposed to tens of thousands of chemical compounds in our daily lives which have been under-studied with regards to potential health impacts. In the latest phase of the longitudinal Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Study we are contributing to an international effort to understand how our everyday chemical exposures may influence diverse health outcomes, from emotion regulation to brain structure and the pace of biological aging. One aspect of this work involves deploying new environmental exposure assessment techniques, including silicone wristband passive air samplers, in collaboration with scholars at Oregon State University.
Neuropsychological sequelae of environmental disasters
Environmental disasters, both natural and human-caused, are on the rise globally as a result of our changing climate, urbanizing communities, and aging infrastructure. Through collaborations with colleagues at other universities, including the Medical University of South Carolina, we are trying to improve our understanding of the mental health sequela of these disasters and inform community resilience efforts. Recent efforts include the use of community mental health surveys in Flint, Michigan after the water crisis, East Palestine, Ohio after the train derailment, and western North Carolina after hurricane Helene.
Nature exposure and youth mental health
Today's young people suffer from mental health disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, at high and increasing rates. Emerging evidence suggests that nature exposure and regular time outdoors can help ward off or elevate symptoms of diverse mental disorders. We are working with colleagues at multiple universities to understand the role that time outdoors might play in fostering improved mental health among university students.
Investigating the long-term consequences of lifespan lead exposure
Millions of children around the world are exposed to high levels of lead, a developmental neurotoxicant. The ENP lab is pursuing a variety of research projects seeking to understand the long-term consequences of lead exposure across the lifespan, for important outcomes like mental well-being, physical health, cognitive health, and aging.