Aric A. Prather is a graduate student in the Clinical-Health Psychology doctoral program at the University of Pittsburgh and a member of the Behavioral Immunology Laboratory. Aric’s area of research resides within the field of psychoneuroimmunology. As a PNI researcher, he investigates the biobehavioral mechanisms (particularly inflammatory processes) that link psychosocial factors and disease susceptibility. Aric has been involved in a variety of research projects through the behavioral immunology laboratory, assisting in psychophysiological collection and measurement of immune markers. In addition, Aric recently received a pilot grant from the Pittsburgh Mind Body Center to conduct a laboratory study examining the effects of paced respiration on autonomic and immune functioning (see PITT AIR STUDY). This research is ongoing.

Before moving to Pittsburgh, Aric received his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. He then took a research coordinator position at the University of California, San Francisco where he gained valuable experience in both clinical assessment and basic (wet lab) science. Upon receiving his Ph.D., Aric hopes to continue his PNI research in an academic setting.

When not in the lab, Aric enjoys spending time with his friends and family, sampling the sights and sounds of Pittsburgh.