Dr. Baram’s studies focus on translational research, bridging basic and human-based studies aiming to understand the influence of early-life experiences on brain maturation and the implications of these enduring changes for cognitive and emotional disorders. Baram’s incorporates principles and mechanisms of brain development at the molecular, cellular, circuit and behavioral levels to investigate how early-life adversity (ELA) impacts functional braln maturation, leading to vulnerabilities to stress-related mental illnesses. Using cross-species and transdisciplinary science within the UCI Conte Center, the group has uncovered a novel type of ELA in humans and experimental animals and identified new ELA-sensitive cell-type specific brain projections within the reward circuit.

Baram’s work is widely cited and internationally recognized leading to NIH and professional societies research awards, and hundreds of national / international invited talks. Baram strives to contribute to the scientific community and is passionate about mentoring. Her former science and physician-scientist trainees, from diverse ethnicities, backgrounds and countries, now contribute independently to our understanding of the brain in health and disease.