With a Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology and more than 30 years of research experience, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Physiology and completed postdoctoral training in reproductive neuroendocrinology and neuroendocrinology. She specializes in neuroendocrinology and the study of how physiological stressors influence brain function. Her work examines how factors such as nutritional restriction, physical activity, and psychological stress alter neuronal activity and hormonal regulation within the central nervous system, with particular attention to effects during development.

Across a long academic career, she has held professorships in psychiatry, behavioral neuroscience, and reproductive sciences, along with senior scientist roles at a national primate research center. Her research relies heavily on nonhuman primate models to investigate how environmental and biological stressors affect systems governing reproduction, metabolism, emotional regulation, and motor function, using a combination of physiological, pharmacologic, behavioral, and molecular techniques.

Her work also extends to multidisciplinary efforts focused on brain development and early-life experience, contributing to national research initiatives examining how stress shapes neurological and behavioral outcomes. She has authored an extensive body of peer-reviewed literature and provides expert consultation in matters involving neuroendocrinology, stress physiology, and brain development.