The Center for Integrative Research on Childhood Adversity (CIRCA) advances translational science to understand how childhood adversity shapes developmental trajectories and to identify conditions that promote thriving across the lifespan. By integrating biological, behavioral, and social perspectives, CIRCA investigates how early experiences influence health, neurodevelopment, and resilience, and translates these insights into interventions and policy-relevant solutions.
Based primarily on the OSU-CHS campus, CIRCA supports a vibrant network of investigators, including faculty in psychology on both the OSU-CHS and Stillwater campuses. Collaborative partnerships with the Office of Research of the OSU system, University of Oklahoma Integrative Immunology Center, and Community Facing Organizations strengthen and facilitate multi-disciplinary investigations.
CIRCA’s mission is to develop independent research capacity, fostering investigator-led studies, pilot projects, and early-stage investigators who go on to secure extramural funding. To date, this work has generated numerous publications, grants, and collaborative initiatives, contributing to both scientific understanding and community impact.