Samuele Zilioli

Samuele Zilioli is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences at Wayne State University (WSU). He holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive and Neural Sciences from Simon Fraser University and has conducted postdoctoral research in health psychology at WSU. His research focuses on psychosocial stressors related to socioeconomic status (SES) and race/ethnicity, glucocorticoid mechanisms, and their effects on immune, cardiovascular, and metabolic systems. His work bridges social/health psychology and psychoneuroendocrinology to address health disparities. Key awards include the Neal E. Miller New Investigator Award and the WC Young Recent Graduate Award.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Cognitive and Neural Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 2014
  • M.A., Developmental and Communication Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 2009
  • B.A., Psychological Sciences, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 2006

His research lab, the Biopsychosocial Health Lab, investigates bidirectional relationships between psychosocial processes (e.g., stress) and endocrine function. Recent grants include NIH and NIJ funding. Notable publications explore stress biomarkers, asthma gene-environment interactions, and the John Henryism hypothesis in African American elders.

Awards highlight his contributions to health psychology and behavioral neuroendocrinology, including the Rising Star Award from the Association for Psychological Science. His courses include Health Psychology and Research Methods for Public Health Professionals, reflecting his commitment to bridging research and practice.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Biopsychosocial Health Lab at WSU, focusing on interdisciplinary health research addressing systemic inequities and biological pathways.