Nancy Hopf

Nancy Hopf is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM), University of Lausanne (UNIL), and a key researcher at Unisanté's Department of Health, Work and Environment (DSTE). Since January 1, 2024, she has held the academic rank of Associate Professor, following over a decade as a private lecturer at FBM (2014–2024). She has been Head of the Exposure Sciences Sector at DSTE since 2022, leading innovative research in occupational exposure assessment and biomonitoring.

Education:

• Master's degree in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, University of Oslo, Norway (1996)
• PhD in Biomonitoring (focusing on HAPs and early cancer biomarkers), University of Cincinnati, USA (2005–2008)

Her research lies at the intersection of exposure science and public health, with a strong emphasis on developing and applying methods to assess human exposure to hazardous chemicals in occupational and environmental settings. Dr. Hopf specializes in controlled human inhalation studies and in vitro dermal permeation experiments to determine toxicokinetics and validate biomarkers of exposure and effect, such as micronuclei. Her work addresses health risks related to neurotoxicity, cancer, asthma, and endocrine disruption, particularly among vulnerable worker populations like cleaners.

While no specific publications are listed in the source text, her research consistently advances the fields of occupational hygiene and biomonitoring through methodological innovation, including refining biological monitoring protocols, assessing exposure to chemical mixtures, and improving dermal absorption models for nanoparticles and endocrine disruptors in thermal paper.

Scientific Awards and Certifications:

• Certified Biomonitoring Specialist, University of Cincinnati (2008)
• Certified Occupational Hygienist Specialist (SSHT), Swiss Society for Occupational Hygiene (2016)

Dr. Hopf actively contributes to academic training and public health policy, teaching in UNIL and SSPH+ programs such as the MAS in Toxicology and DAS in Work & Health. Her collaborative, multidisciplinary approach involves close work with clinicians, exposure scientists, and regulatory bodies to translate research into effective risk management strategies. She is deeply committed to using biomonitoring as a tool for identifying at-risk populations, evaluating public health policies, and improving workplace safety.

She leads the Exposure Sciences Sector at DSTE, Unisanté, where her team conducts cutting-edge research on inhalation and dermal exposure, including studies on cement dust, glycol ethers, phthalates, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The lab integrates chemical analysis, toxicokinetic modeling, and biological effect markers to provide comprehensive exposure assessments.