Biography
Elizabeth K. Wood, Ph.D., M.C.R. is an Assistant Professor of Developmental Psychology with an emphasis in developmental health. Dr. Wood is a developmental psychobiologist whose research focuses on the biological and environmental contributors to health and well-being across development. Dr. Wood’s work bridges fields including developmental programming, immunology, nutrition, and behavioral science to identify early indicators end emerging risks for mental health concerns, with a particular focus on the prenatal and early postnatal periods. Her work investigates how intrauterine factors, including maternal immunology, nutrition, and stress shape infant brain and behavioral development. Dr. Wood is especially interested in how maternal nutrition, placental biology, and immune signaling contribute to neurodevelopment trajectories that may underlie later psychopathology. Her research incorporates longitudinal cohort designs and translational models, using biomarkers, electronic medical records, and behavioral assessments to better understand the developmental origins of mental health. Guided by a vision of building babies a better world, Dr. Wood seeks to strengthen maternal and perinatal health as a foundation for promoting the well-being of both mothers and their children.