UCSF Center for Health & Community

Dr. Epel’s ground-breaking research examines behavioral health interventions that support the mental health and long-term physical health of vulnerable women living with high levels of adversity, and also intergenerational transmission of health. Her longitudinal studies examine the role that race and adverse life experiences play in gene expression, epigenetic aging, telomere shortening, endocrine and metabolic health. Dr. Epel is passionate about testing and disseminating natural and salutary practices for bolstering wellness in the face of adversity and slowing the aging process.  While medication is critical in addressing significant mental illness, there are myriad natural interventions that may alleviate stress and suffering related to anxiety, ADHD, and depression. It is possible to empower women with stress resiliency through these interventions, particularly during important life stages. This information will be incredibly powerful in creating scalable interventions that reach vulnerable populations, preventing and reducing dramatic health disparities that often start at birth or early in life.

 “Women are the gatekeepers of health of the family and of future generations. We are studying root causes of poor health, underlying racial disparities, and working to ameliorate them. We focus on women who are carrying a tremendous burden of stress – such as caregivers of children with special needs, and women during pregnancy. Our studies examine the impact of stress resilience interventions on the aging, epigenetics, and cellular aging of individuals, including specifically on Black women. I am thankful for Lisa Stone Pritzker, whom I have known for almost 20 years. She has been instrumental in our studies of women’s health. She inspires me with her wisdom and kindness. She studies problems closely and listens carefully. Our research world would not have flourished as it has, without the support of the LSPFF.”

—Dr. Elissa Epel