B. Paige Lawrence

Dr. B. Paige Lawrence is a Professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, with appointments in the Department of Environmental Medicine and the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. She serves as Chair of the Department of Environmental Medicine and holds the Wright Family Research Professorship. Her research investigates how environmental exposures impact immune system development and function, particularly during early life.

• University: University of Rochester
• School: School of Medicine
• Department: Department of Environmental Medicine
• Academic Rank: Professor

Dr. Lawrence earned her B.A. in Biology and Chemistry from Skidmore College (1986) and her Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology from Cornell University (1993). She completed postdoctoral training in immunology and toxicology at Oregon State University. Her research focuses on pollutants such as PFAS, PCBs, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligands, and their effects on antiviral immunity, allergic responses, and autoimmune diseases. She employs mouse models, flow cytometry, and molecular techniques to explore cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Her recent publications highlight the impact of environmental chemicals on immune cell populations, T cell function, and responses to viral infections like influenza and coronavirus. Themes across her work include developmental immunotoxicity, transgenerational effects, and the dual role of AHR in immune regulation. She has contributed significantly to the conceptual framework of immunotoxicology, including consensus definitions of immunotoxic agents.

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Senior Investigator Award (2021)
• Fellow (2019)
• Wright Family Research Professorship (2019)
• Outstanding Training Program Award (2018)
• Fellow (2017)
• Faculty Mentoring Award (2012)
• Service Recognition Award for Excellence in Mentoring (2007)
• Outstanding Young Investigator Award (2006)
• Independent Scientist Award (K02) (2004)
• Advisor Excellence Award (2003)
• National Research Service Award (NRSA) Postdoctoral Fellowship (1995)

Dr. Lawrence has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have gone on to successful research careers. She is actively involved in peer review for NIH and scientific journals, and serves on editorial boards including Toxicological Sciences and American Journal of Physiology - Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology. She leads a vibrant research lab focused on environmental influences on immunity and collaborates with biochemists, clinicians, and epidemiologists.

Research Affiliations:

• Environmental Health Sciences Center
• Institute for Human Health and the Environment
• James P. Wilmot Cancer Center
• Lung Biology and Disease Program
• NIH T32 Training Grant in Immunology
• Immunology, Microbiology, and Virology Ph.D. Program
• Toxicology Ph.D. Program