Kimberly Elizabeth Stephens

Kimberly Elizabeth Stephens, PhD, MPH is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' College of Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics. Her research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms in cancer-related persistent pain and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

Her work explores chromatin structure modulation in dorsal root ganglia, cell-type specific epigenetic changes in pain pathways, and neuroprotective strategies for cancer patients. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining neuromodulation, epigenetics, and developmental biology.

Key trends in her 15 most recent articles (2021-2025) include:

• Epigenetic regulation of chronic pain pathways
• Neuroimmune interactions in cancer pain
• Developmental influences on pain sensitivity
• Neuromodulation therapies for pain management
• Transcriptional mechanisms in sensory neurons
• Chromatin accessibility in preclinical models

She can be contacted at KESTEPHENS@UAMS.EDU.