Karen Bernd

Karen Bernd is a Professor of Biology at Davidson College, specializing in cell biology and the impact of environmental pollutants on lung cells. Her research focuses on waterpipe tobacco smoke (hookah), e-cigarette vapor, and toxicants like ozone and DCA, examining their effects on alveolar cell function, inflammation, and oxidative stress. She collaborates with Dr. Cindy Hauser’s analytical chemistry group as part of the Hauser-Bernd Research Group.

• Education: Postdoctoral work in Developmental, Cellular, and Molecular Biology at Duke University
• Ph.D. and M.A. in Molecular Biology from Princeton University
• B.S. in Biology from Franklin & Marshall College

Her research combines microscopy, biochemistry, and molecular biology to explore cellular processes, with recent work analyzing hookah smoke’s physicochemical properties and their role in lysosomal/mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation markers. Findings are reported to the NIH and FDA for policy development.

Supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (RO1, R15), National Science Foundation (TUES, REU), NC Biotechnology Center, HHMI, and others, her lab emphasizes student investment in investigative projects. Courses taught include Molecules, Genes & Cells; Cell Biology; Environmental Health Disparities; and Biotoxicity of Hookah Smoke.