Courtney Roper

Courtney Roper is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Toxicology in the BioMolecular Sciences Department at the University of Mississippi’s School of Pharmacy. She is also a Research Assistant Professor at the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her lab focuses on understanding air pollution mixtures using environmental chemistry and developmental toxicology techniques, with a special emphasis on community engagement in the Mississippi Delta region.

Dr. Roper holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Toxicology from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Oregon State University. Her educational background includes a B.S. in Pre-Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh (2007), an M.Sc. in Biology from New York University (2011), and her doctoral degree in Toxicology (2015).

Her research interests span air quality assessments (indoor/outdoor), chemical characterization of pollutants, developmental toxicity studies, and community-driven environmental health initiatives. Key projects include analyzing PM2.5 composition, black carbon toxicity, and zebrafish behavioral responses to pollution.

Dr. Roper has authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications and 2 textbook chapters. Her awards include the JPB Foundation Environmental Health Fellowship and 15+ regional/national honors. She collaborates with experts in community engagement to address air quality challenges in Mississippi’s Delta region.

Her lab (Roper Lab) specializes in improving environmental health through transdisciplinary approaches, focusing on chemical characterization of PM2.5 and identifying pollutants affecting human health. Current studies involve seasonal PM2.5 variations in Tennessee, black carbon health risks in Mississippi cities, and indoor pollution linked to fuel sources.