Kelly Bakulski

Kelly M. Bakulski is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She serves as the Data Management and Statistical Core Leader at the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Her research integrates molecular epidemiology and toxicology to investigate environmental and genetic contributors to neurological disorders like autism and Alzheimer's disease.

• Postdoctoral Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University (2015)
• PhD: University of Michigan (2012)
• BA: Colby College (2007)

Her work focuses on environmental neurotoxicants (lead, cadmium), epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation), and genetic risk factors in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. Current projects examine:

• Lead exposure effects across the life course
• Social epigenomics of aging
• Exposome-wide cognitive decline
• Sex-specific methylation patterns
• Epigenetic clocks in dementia

Recent publications span 2023-2025 with emphasis on:

• Neurotoxicant transcriptomic impacts
• Epigenetic aging biomarkers
• Environmental-social interaction effects
• Multi-omics approaches to disease
• Population health disparities

She directs:

• NIH R01-AG070897: Perinatal lead and dementia
• NIH R01-AG067592: Dementia risk in vulnerable populations
• SEAD study on environmental neurotoxicants

Affiliated with:

• PACE Consortium
• M-LEEAD
• COHSE
• GSTP
• RSP
• MiCDA