Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a prevalent and debilitating disease predominating in women and minorities. Despite its prevalence and morbidity, the biology of HS is poorly understood, thus limiting the development of effective therapies. Rigorous investigation of cutaneous dysbiosis (abnormal microbial colonization of skin) and immune dysregulation associated with HS is urgently needed to understand their roles in HS pathogenesis, and to guide the development of novel therapeutic approaches for this devastating disease.

People who experience traumatic or enduring psychological stress are more likely to develop psychiatric disorders as well as cardiovascular, autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders. Our research is focused on revealing how psychological stress drives the development of mental and physical disorders. Specifically, we aim to identify the psychological and biological factors that account for the adverse effects of psychological stress, and ultimately to drive the development of targeted interventions to reduce such negative effects of stress.