PI: Delia M. Vazquez, M.D. Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases Professor, Department of Psychiatry Research Associate Professor, Center for Human Growth and Development (CHGD) Research Investigator, Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute Director of Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship Program Interim Director Brain Research Program, CHGD

Dr. Delia Vázquez is Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, and Research Scientist at the Center of Human Growth and Development. Dr. Delia Vázquez’ research focuses on clinical and pre-clinical studies. In view of the link of psychosocial stressors, growth failure and hormonal regulation, Dr. Vázquez’ laboratory focuses on the basis of stressed induced growth arrest and the vulnerability to psychopathology. Her animal studies investigate the effects of stress on the developing HPA axis, serotonin and corticotropin releasing hormone circuits. She studies the brain elements of the HPA system at different levels during normal development (neuronal circuitry, gene expression, protein expression and function) and how this regulation is altered by stress and by different pharmacological manipulations. Most recently her laboratory is exploring the relationship between serotonin receptor regulation in brain by early steroid exposure as it is typically done to premature infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units worldwide. Animals treated with glucocorticosteroids early in life show generalized anxiety in adulthood. There is also a body of literature that suggests that physical and emotional stressors may be intimately linked to psychopathology and drug seeking behavior. Several components of the LHPA axis have been identified as important in these processes and are also a source of investigation at the Vazquez laboratory. Ultimately, Dr. Vázquez applies the basic science knowledge acquired in her lab to develop protocols to study and implement therapeutic interventions in children.

Dr. Vazquez was the recipient of Curt Richter 1997 Award of the International Society of Psychoneuroendocrinology, the 2004 Kenneth J. Povish Service Award. She is a member to the Society for Pediatric Research and an elected council member. She is also a member of the Society for Neuroscience, serving in the Minority Education, Training, and Professional Advancement Committee.