Elizabeth Wattenberg

Elizabeth Wattenberg is a Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, where she also serves as Associate Dean of Education and Student Engagement. She is a member of the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Wattenberg holds a PhD in Toxicology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BS in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University.

Dr. Wattenberg's research spans molecular toxicology, environmental health, and public health. Her primary focus is on molecular toxicology, particularly the mechanisms by which carcinogenic agents modulate cellular signal transduction pathways. She has also conducted significant research in risk assessment and environmental regulation. Her expertise encompasses chronic diseases, environmental exposures, cancer, and toxicity. Her work bridges laboratory-based molecular research with population-level environmental health investigations.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals an evolving research trajectory from fundamental molecular toxicology mechanisms toward broader environmental public health applications. While her earlier work focused on palytoxin and signal transduction pathways, her more recent publications examine temperature-related health impacts in Vietnam, anthropogenic contamination in everyday products, and hydraulic fracturing fluid hazards. This demonstrates a progression from molecular mechanisms to population-level environmental health concerns.

• Member, Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health
• Charles N. Hewitt Creative Teaching Award, School of Public Health
• Faculty Excellence Award in Environmental Health, School of Public Health

Dr. Wattenberg's work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly evident in her recent projects examining environmental health impacts in Vietnam and contamination issues in consumer products. Her role as Associate Dean of Education and Student Engagement suggests significant involvement in academic program development and student mentorship within the School of Public Health.