Stress Biomarkers Summer 2026 Virtual Workshop

Street Biomarkers
Please note this event occurred in the past.
June 08, 2026 10:00 am - June 11, 2026 12:30 pm ET
Methodology Workshop

This  virtual workshop will introduce participants to the field of biomarkers of acute and chronic stress. The workshop will begin with an overview of the stress concept and the incorporation of allostasis theory and allostatic load to the field of stress research. We will then introduce the main theme of biomarkers for measuring stress reactivity. Topics include

  • Why you should include biomarker measures in your research
  • What you can measure
  • Where different endocrine, immune, epigenetic, and physiological markers can be detected and measured (including types of fluid, cell, or tissue samples where relevant)
  • How to measure your markers of interest

Specific biomarkers to be discussed include the HPA axis hormones cortisol and ACTH, adrenomedullary hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, salivary alpha-amylase, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, c-reactive protein (CRP), and cardiovascular measures that are sensitive to acute and chronic stress. Additional sections cover the complex relationships between stress and epigenetic marks (e.g., DNA methylation and histone modifications) and telomere length dynamics during early development as well as later in life. For endocrine markers, types of samples suitable for measurement will be discussed, including hair and nail samples for measuring long-term cortisol secretion. Laboratory demonstrations will show participants some of the instruments and techniques used for biomarker measurement. This workshop should be of interest to faculty members, postdocs, and grad students who wish to learn more about biomarkers and how to incorporate such measures into their stress research programs.

Date: Monday, June 8, 2026 - Thursday, June 11, 2026

Time: Monday - Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: Virtual via Zoom

Pricing: Faculty - $900, Graduate Students & Post-Docs - $600

Register here!

Instructors: Jerrold Meyer, Katherine Dixon-Gordon, Lisa M. Troy, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Richard Hunter, University of Massachusetts Boston