Deborah J Watkins

Deborah J Watkins is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She leads research on environmental exposures during critical life stages (pregnancy, early development, puberty, menopause) and their impacts on maternal and child health, focusing on phthalates, phenols, flame retardants, pesticides, and other contaminants. Her work spans Mexico City and Puerto Rico birth cohorts.

Education:

• PhD, Boston University (2011)
• MPH, Boston University (2007)
• BA, University of Maine - Orono (1994)

Research Interests include environmental epidemiology, exposure assessment, maternal and child health, and neurodevelopment. She investigates molecular mechanisms linking chemical/non-chemical stressors to growth, neurodevelopment, and aging.

Article Trends show a focus on phthalates, metals, PAHs, and PFAS in Puerto Rico and Mexico City cohorts. Recent work examines epigenetic susceptibility, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers in maternal-child health.

Contact:
Email: debjwat@umich.edu
Address: 6611C SPH I, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109