My current, relevant research interests include investigating systemic chronic inflammation (SCI) during pregnancy and its impact on the developing fetus, particularly neurodevelopment. Using large study consortiums and a systems approach, my research program is examining several maternal exposures that can produce excessive SCI perturbing normal pregnancy immunomodulation both locally and systemically. Exposures include endogenous states, particularly chronic disease (e.g., obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases), selected biological agents (bacterial or viral infections), and selected lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity).