Sc.D. Harvard University, Social Epidemiology, 2007
M.A. Columbia University, Teachers College, Psychology, 2000
B.A. University of Chicago, Psychology and Sociology, 1999

• Minority Health and Health Disparities
• Social Inequalities, Racism, and Health
• Racial Discrimination and Group Identity
• Psychoneuroimmunology and Cell Aging
• Stress Physiology

HUSC 5930/6930: Society and Health
HUSC 5950/6950: Seminar on Health Ecology and Equity

2019   Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award, Auburn University
2018   Fellow, Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research (elected 2018)
2018   Editor’s Choice Article, Psychoneuroendocrinology
2015   University of Maryland, College Park 17th Annual Research Leaders Luncheon, Honoree
2015   University of Maryland, Open Access Fund Recipient

Psychosocial Stress and Lupus Among African American Women
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Principal Investigator: Chae, David H.

The purpose of this study is to study the impact of stress on disease progression and severity among African American women with lupus. This study examines the role of racism-related factors in exacerbating SLE in this population, in addition to identifying social factors and psychological resources that are protective or buffer the effects of stress on SLE outcomes. As part of this research, psychobiological pathways engaged by stress are explored, in particular those related to inflammation and the telomere maintenance system.

Psychobiology of Racial Minority Stress and Cellular Aging
National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging
Principal Investigator: Chae, David H.

This project aims to integrate research on biomarkers of inflammation, endocrine stress markers, and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in epidemiologic studies of racial minority stress and health. The aims of this project are: (1) to identify inflammatory and endocrine markers of stress that cluster with LTL and subsequently predict aging-related health outcomes; (2) examine whether racial discrimination is associated with LTL shortening; and (3) explore additional psychosocial factors, such as affective and cognitive responses to racial discrimination, coping, racial identity, and implicit in-group racial bias, which may moderate such associations.

Chae, D. H., Epel, E. S., Nuru-Jeter, A. M., Lincoln, K. D., Taylor, R. J., Lincoln, K. D., Lin, J., Blackburn, E. H., & Thomas, S. B. (2016). Discrimination, mental health, and leukocyte telomere length among African American men. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 63, 10-16.

Chae, D. H., Drenkard, C. M., Lewis, T. T., Lim, S. S. (2015). Discrimination and cumulative disease damage among African American women with systemic lupus erythematosus. American Journal of Public Health, 105(10), 2099-2107.

Chae, D. H., Clouston, S. Hatzenbuehler, M., Kramer, M. R., Cooper, H. L. F., Wilson, S. M., Gold, R. S., Stephens-Davidowitz, S., & Link, B. G. (2015). Association between an Internet-based measure of area racism and Black mortality. PLOS ONE, 10(4), e0122963.

Chae, D. H., Nuru-Jeter, A. M., Adler, N. E., Brody, G. H., Lin, J., Blackburn, E. H., & Epel, E. S. (2014). Discrimination, racial bias, and telomere length among African American men. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 46, 103-111.

Chae, D. H., Nuru-Jeter, A. M., & Adler, N. E. (2012). Implicit racial bias as a moderator of the association between racial discrimination and hypertension: A study of midlife African American men. Psychosomatic Medicine, 74, 961-964.

Chae, D. H., Nuru-Jeter, A. M., Lincoln, K. D., & Jacob-Arriola, K. R. (2012). Racial discrimination, mood disorders, and cardiovascular disease risk among Black Americans. Annals of Epidemiology, 22, 104-111.

Chae, D. H., Lincoln, K. D., & Jackson, J. S. (2011). Discrimination, attribution, and racial group identification: Implications for psychological distress among Black Americans in the National Survey of American Life (2001-2003). American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 81, 489-497.