CIRCA is an NIH-funded Center of Biomedical Research Excellence focused on the biology of childhood adversity and resilience.
We integrate biological and behavioral science in measuring risk and resilience in the real-world to understand how early experiences shape health across the life course.​​ Located in Oklahoma, CIRCA also plays a critical role in strengthening biomedical research capacity in a state with high need and historically limited NIH investment.
Why CIRCA?
Childhood adversity is a powerful predictor of mental and physical health outcomes across the lifespan. Yet the biological, behavioral, and psychosocial pathways linking early adversity to later disease risk remain incompletely understood—particularly in populations and regions that experience the greatest burden.
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CIRCA was created to address this gap by supporting rigorous, interdisciplinary science while building a sustainable research workforce and shared infrastructure.
What We Do
Discover Biological, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Mechanisms
We study immune, neuroendocrine, and molecular pathways, health behaviors, and psychosocial patterns through which childhood adversity influences development, physiology, and long-term health.
Meaningful Research Design
Our research spans cross-sectional to longitudinal designs and combines biological, behavioral, and psychosocial measures with qualitative research, validated questionnaires and repeated assessments using in-person, remote, and hybrid approaches. We emphasize participant engagement and retention over time. ​
Build Research Capacity
Through shared cores, pilot and project funding, mentorship, and grant development support, CIRCA strengthens biomedical research at the OSU Center for Health Sciences campus.
