Lisa Peterson

Lisa Peterson is a Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, and Program Co-Leader for Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention at the Masonic Cancer Center. With a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (University of California, 1985) and BS in Chemistry (Macalester College, 1981), her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of tobacco-induced cancer and environmental carcinogen metabolism.

• PhD: Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California (1985)
• BS: Chemistry, Macalester College (1981)

Peterson investigates how tobacco-specific nitrosamines like NNK cause DNA damage through reactive metabolite formation and DNA repair inhibition. Her work connects furan exposure from food and smoke to liver tumor mechanisms, while team studies demonstrate furan metabolites in human urine among tobacco and e-cigarette users. Current projects explore PFAS bioaccumulation and its health impacts.

Recent publications emphasize tobacco carcinogen mutational signatures in cancer genomes and cross-generational exposure analysis through metabolomics. Key collaborations include the Masonic Cancer Center and Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource (HHEAR).

Scientific recognition includes:

• Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health induction
• American Chemical Society Fellowship (2013)
• Macalester College Alumni Service Award (2016)
• Faculty Achievement Award in Environmental Health (2005)

Her research program combines organic and analytical chemistry with translational toxicology, maintaining active collaborations in epidemiology and environmental policy. Future work will determine furan's role in tobacco-related harm using advanced mass spectrometry techniques.