In one facet of our research program, we study human population epigenetics aimed at deciphering the mechanisms by which environmental exposures and early-life experiences can "get under the skin" to regulate gene activity and contribute to health and disease across the life course. This research aligns with the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, which postulates that the developmental period and early life are particularly sensitive periods where social or environmental insults can influence health long after the insult itself. Our findings support the model that early-life social and environmental factors, including stress and socioeconomic status, leave a biological footprint. We measure this biological embedding of early life exposures through epigenetic patterns and accompanying gene expression changes, many of which are maintained until adulthood and may influence future health. We have extensive interdisciplinary collaborations across Canada and around the world and are affiliated with multiple NCEs (including AllerGen and NeuroDevNet).