Welcome to Vera’s Lab

 We study sex-specific and sex-differentiating brain mechanisms of stress-related psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, and functional neurological/conversion disorders. We specifically focus on the endocannabinoid system and its interplay with the immune system and the gut-brain axis. Recently, we have also expanded our research to investigate the cross-talk between the gut and vaginal microbiota, and its effects on inflammation and brain health. Our goal is to provide a mechanistic foundation for novel sex- informed novel therapeutics for stress-related psychiatric disorders.