Tracey Woodlief

Tracey Woodlief, Ph.D., is a Research Assistant Professor at the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology of East Carolina University. Her work bridges environmental toxicology and bioenergetic mechanisms in public health.

• B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Biology/Bioenergetics from East Carolina University
• Post-Doctoral Fellowships at University of Pittsburgh, Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes, and East Carolina University

Dr. Woodlief's research investigates how environmental contaminants influence bioenergetic processes across whole-body systems and specific tissues like liver and skeletal muscle, with a focus on mitochondrial function, metabolic fuel utilization, and inflammatory responses. Her work addresses disparities in health outcomes across ethnic groups, age ranges, and disease states (e.g., diabetes, obesity), particularly in populations exposed to PFAS chemicals.

Recent publications highlight two major research trajectories: (1) immunotoxic effects of perfluoroalkyl substances on B-cell metabolism and antibody production (2021–2025), and (2) metabolic regulation in surgical contexts like robotic prostatectomy and post-bariatric surgery recovery (2015–2020). Over 20% of her work explores mitochondrial energetics as a nexus between environmental stressors and disease progression.