Erika J. Wolf, PhD

Professor, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Biography

Dr. Wolf's research focuses on the use of multivariate data analytic techniques, such as confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, latent class analysis, and item response theory, to evaluate trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and related comorbidity. She is currently studying the genetics of latent psychopathology using both twin and molecular genetic methodologies. In particular, her recent work has focused on the idea that PTSD is associated with accelerated cellular aging, as reflected in DNA methylation and as manifested in physical health and neurocognitive decline.

Publications

  • Published 1/12/2026

    Wolf EJ, Zhao X, Madison A, Carbaugh J, Fortier CB, Milberg WP, Logue MW, Miller MW. Trauma exposure, PTSD, and methylation of the blood brain barrier claudin-5 gene. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2026 Apr; 186:107753. PMID: 41547340.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 11/25/2025

    Wolf EJ, Zhao X, Madison A, Carbaugh J, Fortier CB, Milberg WP, Logue MW, Miller MW. Trauma Exposure, PTSD, and Methylation of the Blood Brain Barrier Claudin-5 Gene. medRxiv. 2025 Nov 25. PMID: 41358302.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 9/10/2025

    Miller MW, Zhao X, Wolf EJ, Milberg WP, Fortier CB, Logue MW. Genetic and epigenetic analysis of plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in PTSD. Mol Psychiatry. 2026 Jan; 31(1):352-361. PMID: 40931166.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 5/23/2025

    Wolf EJ, Miller MW. What is latent about trauma exposure? Commentary on the use of latent class analysis for identifying trauma subtypes. J Mood Anxiety Disord. 2025 Sep; 11:100130. PMID: 40657351.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 5/14/2025

    Zhao X, Katrinli S, McCormick BM, Miller MW, Nugent NR, Wani AH, Zannas AS, Aiello AE, Baker DG, Boks MP, Chen CY, Fortier CB, Gelernter J, Geuze E, Koenen KC, Linnstaedt SD, Luykx JJ, Maihofer AX, McLean SA, Milberg WP, Ratanatharathorn A, Ressler KJ, Risbrough VB, Rutten BPF, Smoller JW, Stein MB, Ursano RJ, Vermetten E, Vinkers CH, Ware EB, Wildman DE, Zhao Y, Logue MW, Nievergelt CM, Smith AK, Uddin M, Wolf EJ. PTSD and epigenetic aging: a longitudinal meta-analysis. Psychol Med. 2025 May 14; 55:e142. PMID: 40366073.

    Read at: PubMed

Other Positions

  • Psychologist, National Center for PTSD
    VA Boston Healthcare System

Education

  • Boston University, PhD
  • Boston University, MA
  • Harvard University, ALB