Stress science event encourages collaboration across disciplines

Stress science researchers from across Auburn University came together at the Auburn Alumni Center recently for a one-day gathering to share ideas and research in a multidisciplinary environment. The April 8 event was part of Auburn's Team Science Series, which offers opportunities to connect and collaborate among researchers across disciplines.

A number of AU faculty members made presentations, including Ford Dyke, associate clinical professor in the School of Kinesiology and Director of Mindfulness@Auburn; Wendy Gordon, professor of human development and family science; and Danielle Wadsworth, professor of kinesiology.

Also included were Haruka Wada, associate professor of biological sciences; Robert Judd, Buris R. Boshell Endowed Chair and head of the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology in the College of Veterinary Medicine; Jennifer Robinson, professor of psychological sciences; and Rita Graze, associate professor of biological sciences.

"Stress involves a strain or pressure due to demanding circumstances and can result in both adaptive and maladaptive outcomes," according to Jennifer Kerpelman, associate vice president for research and one of the organizers of the event. "Auburn researchers across a number of disciplines study environmental, biological, psychological and social stress at the molecular level all the way to the community level in plants, animals and humans.

"This event offered a new opportunity for these researchers to connect, collaborate and create community across those disciplines," Kerpelman continued. "Participants gained valuable insights from experts on effectively securing research grants and were encouraged to share ideas for novel projects, discuss developing interdisciplinary collaborations and contemplate new ways to strengthen stress management efforts on campus and in the community."

"Across disciplines, Auburn researchers apply complementary approaches to conceptualize, measure and understand the effects and mechanisms of stress and stress responses," added Stephen Erath, associate dean and professor of human sciences and another event organizer.

"At the stress science event, we encouraged interdisciplinary conversations that will lead to collaborative proposals and projects addressing major stress science challenges. We will continue to facilitate conversations and collaborations among stress researchers with shared interests in the future."