Thomas G. O'Connor

Thomas G. O'Connor is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Director of the Wynne Center for Family Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia (1995), an MA in Psychology (1991), and a BA in Psychology from the University of Rochester (1989).

His research focuses on mechanisms linking early stress exposures (prenatal maternal anxiety, caregiving stress) to persistent child behavioral and biological health outcomes. Methodologically, he employs epidemiological, observational, and experimental designs, integrating behavioral, physiological, genetic, and immunological methods. Key areas include environmental epidemiology, developmental psychology, and maternal-child health.

His recent publications (2024-2025) analyze the impacts of phthalates, PFAS, flame retardants, and air pollution on child neurodevelopment, asthma, and obesity. These studies leverage the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program across multiple sites.

Scientific accolades include the Association Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology (2004) and the Boyd McCandless Award (2001). His work bridges psychoneuroendocrinology, environmental toxicology, and pediatric epidemiology, with significant contributions to understanding how maternal stress and environmental exposures shape child health outcomes.

Collaborations span institutions like the University of Virginia, Harvard, and Columbia University. Current projects examine gut microbiome development, placental biology, and epigenetic mechanisms in the context of environmental stressors. He also investigates COVID-19 pandemic impacts on maternal-infant health dynamics.