Dr. Erin Dunn Receives $2.2 Million NIH Grant to Advance Research on Childhood Adversity and Depression

Purdue sociologist Dr. Erin Dunn and her interdisciplinary team have received a $2.2 million award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to examine how family and community environments influence biological pathways linked to depression risk.

Dr. Dunn’s research explores how childhood adversity, a key risk factor that can double the likelihood of developing depression later in life, interacts with protective factors such as supportive caregiving and strong community networks. While adversity is clearly harmful, Dunn’s work highlights that not all children respond the same way, suggesting that certain environments may buffer against negative outcomes.

“Our goal is to identify not just the windows of vulnerability when adversity and biological changes are most harmful, but also the windows of opportunity when family and community resources can make the most impact,” said Dr. Dunn. “By pinpointing these moments, we can better inform interventions that promote resilience and mental health across the life course.”

The Dunn Lab’s research focuses on DNA methylation, a key epigenetic process that may explain how early experiences become biologically embedded. Findings from this project aim to uncover modifiable targets for intervention, helping scientists and policymakers design programs that strengthen family environments and improve long-term mental health outcomes.

Two recent publications from Dr. Dunn’s team, supported by previous phases of this award, include:

• DNA methylation mediates the link between adversity and depressive symptoms. Lussier, A.A., Smith, B.J., Fisher, J., Mannan, L., Cerutti, J., Schneper, L., Smith, T., Cecil, C.A.M., Felix, J.F., Mitchell, C., Notterman, D.A., Ressler, K.J., Schaid, D.J., Simpkin, A.J., Suderman, M.J., Walton, E., Smith, A.D.A.C, Dunn, E.C. (2024). Nature Mental Health.
• Examining the epigenetic mechanisms of childhood adversity and sensitive periods. Zhu, Y., Lussier, A.A., Smith, A.D.A.C., Simpkin, A.J., Suderman, M.J., Walton, E., Relton, C.L., Dunn, E.C. (2022). Psychoneuroendocrinology.