Martha Susiarjo

Martha Susiarjo, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She is a member of the Environmental Health Sciences Center and leads a research laboratory focused on epigenetics and gene-environment interactions. Her work is supported by R01 grants from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).

Research Interests: Dr. Susiarjo's research centers on the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), particularly how environmental exposures such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like bisphenol A (BPA) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) affect epigenetic regulation during fetal and placental development. She uses imprinted genes as epigenetic markers and investigates maternal metabolic health, nutritional supplementation (e.g., vitamin B6), and immune responses during pregnancy. Her lab employs bisulfite sequencing, mouse genetics, embryology, and next-generation sequencing.

Publications and Research Trends: Her recent publications (2024–2018) reflect a strong focus on environmental toxicology, epigenetics, metabolic disease, and reproductive health. Key themes include BPA exposure effects, DNA methylation, gestational diabetes, transgenerational consequences, and immune modulation in pregnancy. Collaborative studies also explore mobile health interventions in aging cancer patients.

• Scientific Awards:
• Susan Heyner Award for Excellence in Research
• Departmental Symposium Best Poster Award
• Departmental and University Honors, magna cum laude
• Russell M. Lawall Prize for Excellence in Biology
• Phi Beta Kappa
• ASEAN Student Research Award
• University Dean's High Honor (1995–1999)

Advising and Grants: Dr. Susiarjo mentors graduate students in Toxicology, Biomedical Genetics, and Genomics. Her lab has trained numerous postdoctoral and graduate researchers now in academic and industry roles. Her research is funded by NIH/NIEHS R01 grants. She actively collaborates with researchers in immunology, oncology, and environmental health.

Labs and Teams: The Susiarjo Lab is part of the Environmental Health Sciences Center and contributes to interdisciplinary research on environmental impacts on human health, especially in vulnerable populations. The lab emphasizes reducing health disparities linked to disproportionate environmental exposures in low-income and minority communities.