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 7/29/2026

    Abbasi H, Hawn SE, Javanbakht A, Seedat S, Bourassa K, Sinnott SM, Seligowski AV, Hemmings S, Kimbrel NA, Wolf E, Smith AK, Brick L, Mehta D. From molecules to minds: Integrative multi-omics in psychiatry. J Mood Anxiety Disord. 2026 Sep; 15:100194. PMID: 42598558.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 7/29/2026

    Hawn SE, Sinnott SM, Smith AK, Bourassa K, Brick L, Hemmings S, Seedat S, Javanbakht A, Smith L, Seligowski AV, Kimbrel NA, Mehta D, Abbasi H, Wolf E. Best practices for using biological data in psychological research. J Mood Anxiety Disord. 2026 Sep; 15:100197. PMID: 42598529.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 7/2/2026

    Smith AK, Katrinli S, Moran JL, Mansilla Dubon KD, Garth SN, Simmond M, Cobb DO, Brashear M, Trapido EJ, Wolf EJ, Rung AL, Nugent NR, Peters ES. The role of epigenetic age acceleration and social disadvantage in cardiometabolic health in southeast Louisiana women. Clin Epigenetics. 2026 Jul 02; 18(1). PMID: 42387657.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 6/17/2026

    Wolf EJ, Zhao X, Hao S, Lawhorn C, Carbaugh J, Fortier CB, Milberg WP, Logue MW, Miller MW. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Severity-related Accelerated Aging, Hippocampal Volume, and CLDN5 DNA Methylation. Biopsychosoc Sci Med. 2026 Sep 01; 88(7):644-654. PMID: 42300138.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 6/9/2026

    Grillo AR, Wallander SE, McCormick BM, Zhao X, Logue MW, Miller MW, Wolf EJ. A longitudinal study of CLDN5 DNA methylation and PTSD. J Behav Med. 2026 Jun 09. PMID: 42262642.

    Read at: PubMed

View All 154 Publications:   View Full Profile in BUMC

Other Positions

  • Psychologist, National Center for PTSD
    VA Boston Healthcare System

Websites

Education

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

View all profiles