The Biological Embedding of the Environment and Stress (BEES) Lab, directed by Dr. Kate Webb, is dedicated to the prediction and prevention of trauma-related disorders.

Trauma affects millions of people worldwide, but not everyone responds in the same way. We study how socioenvironmental factors become biologically embedded and influence mental health after a traumatic event. By identifying early biological and behavioral indicators of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, we aim to understand who is most at risk and why, ultimately guiding interventions that can prevent long-term individual and community suffering.

Our current research focuses on:

1. Identifying early biological markers of trauma-related disorders;

2. Understanding how environmental exposures influence risk for adverse trauma outcomes;

3. Examining mechanisms that promote resilience after trauma and how protective factors operate across different contexts.

To address these research themes, we use multimodal neuroimaging, geospatial techniques, intensive longitudinal assessments, and (epi)genetic approaches to uncover the mechanisms linking environment, biology, and mental health.

Interested in joining our team? Learn more about openings in our lab and how to contact us.

Thanks to the generous support of our past and present funders, the BEES Lab advances research exploring how trauma and stress impact the brain. Our funders have included: