University of Iowa · PhysiologyChildhood Trauma and Cardiovascular Health Lab
Nathaniel D.M. Jenkins · Iowa City, Iowa
Research Focus
Dr. Nathaniel D.M. Jenkins' lab at the University of Iowa focuses on understanding how adverse childhood experiences, like abuse or neglect, can lead to cardiovascular disease in adulthood through mechanisms such as poor sleep. The research aims to explore the connection between sleep quality and vascular function, particularly in young adults who have faced these traumatic experiences. By improving sleep, the lab hopes to find ways to enhance heart health for those affected by these early life stressors.
Adverse Childhood Experiencescardiovascular diseasesleep qualityvascular dysfunctionCognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
Research Aims
4AIM 01Investigate how sleep quality relates to vascular health in young adults with a history of adverse childhood experiences.
AIM 02Examine the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the connection between sleep disturbances and vascular dysfunction.
AIM 03Test the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in improving sleep quality and vascular function.
AIM 04Identify behavioral mechanisms that could be targeted for improving cardiovascular health in individuals exposed to ACEs.
Skills the Lab Values
Polysomnographyactigraphyflow-mediated dilation testingbiopsy techniquesdata collection and analysisbehavioral sleep interventionsoxidative stress measurementinflammation assaysclinical research methods
Output against the department
Publications219top 29% of dept.80th of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations2.9kbottom 23% of dept.220th of 286
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.