Emily Somers

Emily Somers is a Professor at the University of Michigan, cross-appointed in the Departments of Internal Medicine - Rheumatology, Environmental Health Sciences, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her research focuses on the epidemiology and public health impact of autoimmune diseases, particularly lupus, with expertise in clinical trials, epigenetics, and reproductive health.

Dr. Somers leads NIH- and CDC-funded studies on environmental exposures (e.g., metals, PFAS) and immune dysfunction, alongside establishing a longitudinal lupus cohort and biobank in Michigan. Recent work investigates serum fatty acid profiles in SLE, longitudinal ANA titer analysis, and CD70 methylation in T cells as a biomarker.

Her publications address COVID-19 outcomes in rheumatic patients, thrombotic risks from antiphospholipid antibodies, and cost-related treatment barriers in lupus. She collaborates on global outbreak research and interdisciplinary team-building initiatives.

Contact: emsomers@umich.edu | Lab: Michigan Lupus Epidemiology & Surveillance (MILES) Program