Shawn Gerstenberger

Shawn Gerstenberger, Ph.D., is Professor and Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he also directs the Environmental and Global Health Laboratory. He leads statewide initiatives on childhood lead-poisoning prevention and healthy housing, founding the Nevada Healthy Homes Partnership and collaborating with the Southern Nevada Health District, City of Henderson, and Nevada State Health Division.

Education:

• Ph.D. (field not specified in text)

Research Focus:
Dr. Gerstenberger’s work integrates environmental toxicology and public-health practice, concentrating on childhood lead exposure, mercury contamination in wildlife and humans, and the built environment’s impact on health. His laboratory evaluates housing hazards, designs community-level interventions, and tests innovative control strategies for invasive quagga mussels in Western U.S. waterways.

Publication Trends:
Over 50 peer-reviewed articles (2008–2024) reveal three converging themes: (1) comprehensive assessment of toxic metals (lead & mercury) in vulnerable populations and ecosystems; (2) mixed-methods evaluation of healthy-homes and lead-hazard-control programs; and (3) development of radiation- and bio-based tools for managing invasive aquatic species. These studies span laboratory toxicology, large-scale biomonitoring, community-engaged research, and policy analysis.

Scientific Awards & Recognition:
While specific named awards are not listed in the provided text, Dr. Gerstenberger’s sustained federal funding from the CDC, HUD, and EPA underscores national recognition of his impact.

Grants & Community Partnerships:
He has secured multiple collaborative grants, including:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Healthy Homes & Lead Hazard Control
• Environmental Protection Agency – Environmental Health Research
• Southern Nevada Health District – Screening & Intervention Programs
• City of Henderson – Local Housing Assessments
• Nevada State Health Division – Statewide Public Health Initiatives

Laboratory & Teams:
Dr. Gerstenberger directs the Environmental and Global Health Laboratory at UNLV, mentoring graduate students and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams across environmental sciences, epidemiology, and community health. The lab serves as the academic hub for the Nevada Healthy Homes Partnership, translating research into policy and practice across the state.