Dr. Ford is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. His research integrates psychology, neuroscience, and immunology to understand how adverse environmental and mental health conditions alter immune function and lead to poor health, disease susceptibility, and early mortality. His lab is currently investigating how major depressive disorder, childhood trauma, and low-grade chronic inflammation may impact the immune response to COVID-19 vaccinations. His long-term goals are to identify modifiable targets for the prevention or reduction of the negative health repercussions of adversity.