Jessica A Peterson,

The work from my doctoral and post-doctoral programs have allowed me to contribute to science in several distinct areas; body composition and experimental pain, exercise influences on pain and pain modulation, biological aging in chronic pain (specifically epigenetic aging and brain aging using MRI data and machine learning), and how pain and fatigue leads to physical performance and cognitive function limitations. From this experience, I am broadly interested in pursuing two primary research avenues 1) identify biomarkers as to how pain and fatigue may influence brain aging leading to physical and cognitive decline and 2) develop interventions, particularly exercise, to prevent/slow accelerated cognitive decline in those who are often limited in their physical functioning due to pain and/or fatigue. My most recent publications center around understanding the role of aging that contribute to the pain experience particularly with regards to pain related disability, physical function, and cognitive function in those with chronic pain. Additionally, my future research interests include identifying potential mechanisms found among those who have pain and fatigue symptoms and how that may impact brain changes over time leading to accelerated brain aging, and increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases that may lead to mobility issues.