Jenny Ouyang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno , where she also serves as Director of the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology graduate program. She earned her B.S. and B.A. from the University of California, Irvine (2007), followed by M.A. and Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University (2009, 2012). Her research focuses on the ecology and evolution of physiological systems , particularly how hormonally regulated traits enable organismal adaptation to environmental changes like urbanization , light pollution , and endocrine stress responses . Education: Ph.D., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University (2012) M.A., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University (2009) B.S., Biology, University of California, Irvine (2007) B.A., French, University of California, Irvine (2007) Her work integrates neuroendocrine mechanisms with ecological contexts to understand phenotypic flexibility and epigenetic adaptation in birds. Recent projects examine how artificial light at night disrupts circadian rhythms, hormonal profiles, and parental behaviors across urban-rural gradients. She has secured major grants including the NSF CAREER award (2022) for studying urbanization and NIH COBRE funding (2017) as part of a neuroscience team. Key collaborations include Dr. Maria Echeverry at Universidad Pontificia Javeriana in Colombia through her 2023 Fulbright award . The Ouyang Lab combines natural and laboratory experiments to investigate stress physiology, with recent papers analyzing glucocorticoid responses to urbanization, gene expression patterns under light pollution, and epigenetic reorganization in response to environmental stressors. Her publications span top journals like Proceedings of the Royal Society B , Biology Letters , and Ecology Applications , where her 2022 paper on lead pollution and reproduction was highlighted by ESA and Swedish Radio. Scientific Awards & Recognition: US Fulbright Scholars Award (2023) NSF CAREER grant (2022) NIH COBRE grant (2017) as team member Advising students like Valentina Alaasam (NSF GRFP awardee) and Ivan Celso Carvalho Provinciato (Dean's Merit Fellowship)
Kelly Arnold is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Her research integrates systems engineering principles with immunology to investigate variability in immune responses across infection, vaccination, and injury, with a focus on computational modeling and clinical translation. Research Focus Systems-level immune response modeling Vaccination and antibody functionality Vaginal microbiome-host interactions Chronic lung disease progression Computational serology and proteomics Recent Work Her 2025 studies examine SARS-CoV-2 vaccination responses in cancer patients and computational frameworks for vaginal probiotics. Earlier works (2024-2007) span COPD progression, lupus fibrosis, HIV susceptibility, and tissue engineering for fertility preservation. Methodologies include proteomic profiling, network modeling, and microfluidic systems.
Anders Aagaard Rehfeld is a Postdoc at the University of Copenhagen's Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, located at Jagtvej 160 in Copenhagen. His research focuses on reproductive biology and pharmacology, with particular emphasis on sperm function and calcium signaling pathways. His research interests center around the CatSper calcium channel in human sperm and how various compounds affect sperm function. He investigates the impact of pharmaceuticals, environmental chemicals, and natural compounds on male reproductive health. His work combines experimental pharmacology with reproductive biology to understand endocrine disruption mechanisms. Dr. Rehfeld's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on how substances like paracetamol metabolites, pesticides, antidepressants, finasteride, and bisphenol analogs interact with sperm calcium signaling pathways. His research shows consistent patterns in examining chemical interference with the CatSper channel, which is crucial for sperm function and fertility. Scientific Recognition: PhD Cup 2018 Winner His collaborative work extends across multiple institutions in Copenhagen, particularly with Rigshospitalet researchers including Niels Skakkebæk, Anders Juul, and Katharina Main. His media presence includes an interview in Samvirke and a BRIDGE video interview in 2020, indicating engagement with both academic and public audiences. Dr. Rehfeld maintains an active research program with significant contributions to understanding environmental and pharmaceutical impacts on male reproductive health, particularly through the lens of calcium channel physiology in sperm cells.
Joel S. Hayworth is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Auburn University's College of Engineering. His research focuses on environmental and ecosystem restoration, particularly in estuarine, terrestrial, and freshwater systems. He leads the Estuarine Environments Research Program (EERP), which investigates the fate of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), PFAS, and oil spill residues in coastal environments. Dr. Hayworth's educational background includes a PhD in Civil Engineering (Hydrology/Hydraulics) from Auburn University, an MS in Hydrology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas via the Desert Research Institute, and a BS in Geophysics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He previously worked at the Tennessee Valley Authority Engineering Laboratory and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, and founded Hayworth Engineering Science in 1999 before returning to academia in 2010. His research interests span environmental engineering, hydrology, hydraulics, estuarine science, pollutant fate and transport, and chemical fingerprinting. He has developed advanced analytical methods for detecting EDCs and PFAS in water, sediment, and biota. His work integrates field studies, laboratory experiments, and environmental modeling to understand complex hydrologic, geologic, chemical, and biological processes in human-impacted ecosystems. The 15 most recent articles highlight a strong trend in environmental contaminant analysis, particularly focusing on PFAS, oil spill residues, and endocrine disruptors. His research combines analytical chemistry with environmental modeling and field monitoring, often in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. Key themes include the development of UHPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS methods, fate and transport modeling of pollutants, and ecological risk assessment in estuarine systems. Dr. Hayworth's scientific contributions are supported by funding from agencies such as the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council). His work has led to significant publications in journals like Science of the Total Environment , Marine Pollution Bulletin , and Water . He actively mentors students and collaborates with researchers like T.P. Clement, G.F. John, and V. Mulabagal. His projects, such as the restoration assessment of Cotton Bayou and Terry Cove, demonstrate applied science for environmental problem-solving. He has developed state-of-the-art analytical laboratories and partnered with coastal communities for long-term monitoring. His laboratory, the Estuarine Environments Research Program (EERP), conducts multi-year studies on endocrine disruptors in estuaries, develops innovative sampling and analysis methods, and trains the next generation of environmental engineers and scientists. The team works across disciplines to address complex environmental challenges in the Gulf Coast region.
Professor Lorraine Maltby , OBE, is a distinguished academic at the University of Sheffield , specifically within the School of Biosciences and the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences . She currently serves as the Deputy Vice-President for Research at the university (2017–2022). With a career spanning over three decades at the University of Sheffield, she has held various significant roles including Head of the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences (2008-2012) and progression from Lecturer to Professor of Environmental Biology (2004). PhD – University of Glasgow (1984) BSc – University of Newcastle (1981) Research Interests: Professor Maltby is a leading expert in freshwater ecology and ecotoxicology , focusing on the impacts of anthropogenic activities on freshwater ecosystems. Her research examines how pollution and climate change affect these delicate environments and the ecosystem services they provide. She aims to develop a mechanistic understanding of key ecosystem services and the ecological processes that underpin them, particularly how they are affected by human inputs and activities. Her recent publications reflect her research focus on topics such as spatial variation in macroinvertebrate sensitivity to chemicals, linking ecotoxicity to ecosystem service damage , and heterogeneity in biological assemblages for chemical risk assessment. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Environmental Biology and Animal and Plant Sciences (2020) Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (2021) Elected Fellow of the Freshwater Biological Association (2019) Portrait of a Woman Exhibition (2017) Elected Fellow of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (2016) Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Environmental Education Award (2009) Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Exceptional Service Award (2005) Professional Activities: Professor Maltby has significant leadership and service roles in her field, including: Chair of UK-SCAPE Programme Advisory Board Chair of Irish Research Council COALESCE International Review Panel Member of NERC peer review panels Member of European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals Scientific Committee (2010-) Member of European Food Safety Authority Stakeholder Bureau (2023-) Member of SETAC Panel on Chemicals Management (2023 - )
Dr. Markus Brinkmann is an Associate Professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, and Director of the Toxicology Centre. He holds the Centennial Enhancement Chair in Mechanistic Environmental Toxicology. His research focuses on exposure and risk assessment modeling, toxicokinetic modeling, and aquatic ecotoxicology, with an emphasis on understanding contaminant effects under realistic environmental conditions. Affiliations: Associate Professor, University of Saskatchewan Director, Toxicology Centre Member, Global Water Futures Program Member, Global Institute for Water Security Education: Ph.D. (Biology) - RWTH Aachen University, Germany (2015) M.Sc. (Ecotoxicology) - RWTH Aachen University, Germany (2011) B.Sc. (Biology) - RWTH Aachen University, Germany (2009) Research Interests: Dr. Brinkmann develops computational models to predict contaminant uptake, effects, and cross-species extrapolation. His work integrates toxicology, environmental chemistry, and hydrology to address challenges like flood-related contaminant remobilization and dioxin-like compound toxicity. Key areas include: Mechanistic toxicology of emerging contaminants (e.g., 6PPD-quinone, PFAS alternatives) Sediment toxicity and bioavailability Wastewater surveillance for public health monitoring Grant Highlights: Global Water Futures Program (2018-2023): Hydrological-exposure models for environmental risk assessment Genome Canada (2016-2020): EcoToxChip for chemical prioritization Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (2016-2018) Awards: Friedrich-Wilhelm-Award (2016) SETAC GLB Young Scientists Award (2016 PhD, 2012 MSc) Borchers medal (2016) Leadership: He advises on strategic research partnerships between Canada and Germany and collaborates globally on projects like the EcoToxChip and Project House Water . His work bridges academic research with practical environmental management solutions.
Dr. Jacinta C. Beehner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology & Psychology at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on sexual conflict theory, reproductive strategies in primates, and the physiological and behavioral mechanisms underlying these dynamics. She directs the Core Assay Facility/Beehner Endocrine Laboratory and co-directs the Simien Mountains Gelada Research Project, Capuchins at Taboga, and the Evolution and Human Adaptations Program. Her work examines non-human primates like geladas, capuchins, and baboons in natural African and American habitats. Key themes include infanticide avoidance, hormonal responses to environmental stress, and the evolutionary implications of reproductive trade-offs. Recent studies highlight the impact of climate change on primate health, the role of social status in parasite resistance, and hormonal adaptations to high-altitude environments. Beehner has contributed to over 60 peer-reviewed articles since 2015, spanning topics from primate social networks to genomic adaptations. Her fieldwork emphasizes integrative methods combining endocrinology, genetics, and behavioral observation. She has presented at international forums like the National Geographic Explorer’s Festival and collaborates across disciplines to advance primate conservation and evolutionary biology.
University of California, San FranciscoUnited States
Iona Cheng is a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she conducts groundbreaking research in cancer epidemiology. She serves as co-Investigator of the SEER Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry and is Principal Investigator of multiple NIH- and foundation-funded projects examining genetics, lifestyle factors, and neighborhood characteristics in relation to cancer risk. Dr. Cheng has developed an extensive research program focused on racial/ethnic differences in cancer risk and leads population-based cancer surveillance studies that document variations in cancer incidence and mortality patterns across diverse racial and ethnic groups. University of California, Davis, BS, 1990–1994, Physiology Yale University, MPH, 1999–2001, Chronic Disease Epidemiology University of Southern California, PhD, 2001–2005, Epidemiology University of California, San Francisco, Postdoc, 2006–2008, Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Dr. Cheng's research spans multiple disciplines within cancer epidemiology, with particular emphasis on understanding how environmental exposures, genetic factors, and social determinants interact to influence cancer risk and outcomes across different racial and ethnic populations. Her work frequently examines the impact of air pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and neighborhood characteristics on cancer development and survival. She has made significant contributions to understanding cancer disparities among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations, bringing attention to the unique cancer risks and outcomes within these understudied groups. Her research often leverages the Multiethnic Cohort Study, one of the largest prospective studies of cancer incidence and mortality across diverse racial/ethnic populations. Analysis of Dr. Cheng's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on environmental and social determinants of cancer risk across multiple organ sites. Her work demonstrates a sophisticated integration of epidemiological methods with environmental exposure assessment, genetic analysis, and health disparities research. Many of her studies examine the intersection of environmental exposures and racial/ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes, particularly regarding breast cancer, lung cancer, and other malignancies. She has published extensively on the impact of air pollution on cancer risk and survival, as well as the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A, parabens, and phthalates. American Association for Cancer Research Scholar-in-Training Award (2007) National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Award (2007) National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Renewal Award (2009) American Association for Cancer Research Faculty Scholar Award (2011) National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Renewal Award (2011) National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Renewal Award (2013) American Journal of Epidemiology/Society of Epidemiology Research Top 10 manuscripts (2014) Cancer Prevention Institute of California Mentoring Award (2015) American Society of Human Genetics Top poster As Principal Investigator of multiple NIH-funded projects, Dr. Cheng oversees substantial research grants focused on cancer epidemiology and health disparities. Her work often involves large interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers across multiple institutions, including the Multiethnic Cohort Study which follows over 200,000 participants from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds. She has demonstrated leadership in mentoring junior researchers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds in science, as evidenced by her Cancer Prevention Institute of California Mentoring Award. Her research program integrates data from cancer registries, electronic health records, and geospatial information to provide comprehensive insights into cancer patterns and risk factors. Dr. Cheng's research is closely connected to the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and leverages collaborations with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, which provides advanced technological resources for cancer research. Her work benefits from access to extensive cohort data, sophisticated exposure assessment methods, and interdisciplinary expertise in genetics, environmental science, and computational biology available through these institutional partnerships. She frequently collaborates with researchers studying the genetic and environmental determinants of cancer across multiple organ systems, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of cancer etiology and prevention strategies.
Shanna Swan is a renowned epidemiologist and Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She holds a PhD in Statistics from UC Berkeley (1963), an MA in Biostatistics from Columbia University, and a BA in Mathematics from City College of New York. Her career spans academia, public health institutions, and research on environmental health impacts. Notable roles include work at Kaiser Permanente, California Department of Health Services, University of Missouri, and University of Rochester. Her research focuses on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), sperm count decline, and reproductive health. Her groundbreaking 2017 study revealed a 50% sperm count drop in Western men over 40 years, later updated to show acceleration since 2000. She authored the influential book Count Down (2021), addressing environmental threats to human fertility. Key contributions include forming California’s reproductive health group and leading National Academy of Sciences committees on EDCs. Swan advocates for science-driven public health policy, emphasizing the need to address chemical exposures. Her work bridges statistical rigor with real-world impact, influencing global discussions on fertility and environmental safety. Awards include the Ward Medal in Logic (CCNY). She remains active in advancing research, education, and community action to safeguard human health and reproduction.
M.T.O. (Chiel) Jonker is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Utrecht University , affiliated with the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) and its Toxicology division . He specializes in exposure assessment of hydrophobic organic chemicals (e.g., PFAS , PAHs , PCBs ), focusing on sorption processes , bioaccumulation dynamics , and passive sampling techniques in both in vivo and in vitro settings. His research emphasizes methodological innovation for high-quality chemical analysis (GC-MS, LC-MS) and environmental risk assessment . Recent work includes PFAS degradation , sediment toxicity testing , and temperature/salinity effects on contaminant partitioning. His 2018-2024 publications highlight passive sampling calibration , mechanistic toxicity models , and bioavailability prediction using polyoxymethylene and silicone rubber samplers .
Dr. Charlotte Kuperwasser is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology at Tufts University School of Medicine . She directs the Tufts Convergence Laboratory and focuses on molecular mechanisms governing breast tissue development, cancer prevention, and organoid technologies. Her work integrates stem cell biology, epigenetics, and environmental influences such as endocrine disruptors. Education: Bachelor of Science (1997), University of Massachusetts Amherst PhD (2000), University of Massachusetts Amherst Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellow (MIT/Whitehead Institute) Research Interests: Her lab develops 3D breast organoid models to study cancer initiation, microenvironmental interactions, and BRCA1-related mechanisms. Recent efforts include analyzing HPV-driven cancers via circulating tumor DNA and studying fibroblast signaling (e.g., DDR1) in tumor progression. Grants & Awards: Howard Hughes Fellowship, Merck Fellowship COG/Aventis Young Investigator Award Natalie V. Zucker Award NIH grants on V-ATPases and obesity-cancer links Professional Contributions: She chairs Tufts’ Sackler Convergence Laboratory and serves on AACR committees. Teaching includes courses on Molecular Cell Biology of Development and Cancer Genetics . Labs/Teams: Leads the Kuperwasser Lab, focusing on translational cancer research with cross-disciplinary collaborations in organoid engineering and clinical diagnostics.
Yeonhwa Park is a Professor and holder of the Francis Chair in the Department of Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research focuses on functional foods, bioactive components, and environmental contaminants' effects on obesity and aging. She investigates food bioactives like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and environmental pollutants like PFAS to understand their roles in metabolic disorders and aging mechanisms. Her work spans multiple models, including C. elegans, zebrafish, and rodent studies, emphasizing translational applications for human health. Teaching responsibilities include courses such as 'Science of Food' (FS150), 'Biology of Food in Human Health' (FS270), and 'Bioactive Food Components' (FS750). Awards include Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2017–2018), Faculty Convocation Award (2015), and the Timothy Mounts Award (2015). Her research has been published in over 150 peer-reviewed articles, with recent emphasis on environmental contaminants' impact on obesity and type 2 diabetes, and the use of C. elegans for screening bioactives. Key findings include CLA's role in fat reduction, PFAS-induced metabolic disruption, and the application of alternative models (e.g., C. elegans) to reduce animal testing. Her lab integrates molecular biology, toxicology, and food science to address global health challenges like the obesity epidemic and environmental toxin exposure.
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States
Jessie P. Buckley, PhD, MPH is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health. She serves as Director of Chemical Exposure Methodology for the NIH Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, focusing on data harmonization and pooled analyses of chemical exposures in children's health. Education: PhD in Epidemiology (UNC Chapel Hill, 2014) MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health (George Washington University, 2007) AB in Biology and English (Bowdoin College, 2002) Her research investigates environmental toxicants' health effects, particularly: Exposure assessment of environmental chemicals Methods for estimating effects of exposure mixtures Environmental influences on cardiometabolic and bone health Endocrine-disrupting chemicals Children's environmental health Recent publications analyze: PFAS exposure trends in adolescent bone health Chemical mixture effects using item response theory Perinatal exposure to melamine analogues Diet-exposure interactions in ultra-processed foods Scientific Awards: Teaching Innovation Award (UNC Gillings, 2025) NIEHS ONES Award (2019) Pediatric Loan Repayment Program Awards (2020, 2022, 2023) Dr. Buckley contributes to academic service as: Member of the PhD Admissions Committee (2024-present) Co-Chair of the North America Chapter, International Society of Environmental Epidemiology (2023-present)
Cheryl Walker, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medicine, and Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine. She serves as Director of the Center for Precision Environmental Health and Co-Leader of the Chromatin Biology Program at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research focuses on gene-environment interactions, epigenomics, and the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer, fibroids, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Key areas include the role of chromatin remodelers like SETD2 in genomic stability and their dual functions in cytoskeletal dynamics. She has pioneered studies on how early-life environmental exposures, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), reprogram the epigenome to increase disease susceptibility later in life. Dr. Walker’s work is funded by NIH and DOD grants, including leadership of the TaRGET II Consortium for environmental epigenomics. Her lab employs cutting-edge technologies like ChIP-seq and RNA-seq to study epigenetic reprogramming. Notable contributions include discoveries linking SETD2 methylation to microtubule stability and genomic integrity, and identifying epigenetic signatures of environmental exposures in health disparities research. Education: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology Affiliations: Baylor College of Medicine, Gulf Coast Center for Precision Environmental Health Her awards include election to the National Academy of Medicine and fellowships in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and American Thoracic Society (ATS). The lab actively collaborates on translational projects, including biomarker development and disaster-related health studies following events like Hurricane Harvey. Key Research Themes: Epigenetic drivers of cancer and fibrosis Environmental epigenomics and disease risk Chromatin-cytoskeleton cross-talk in disease
Helen Suh is a Professor at Tufts University, jointly appointed in the departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Community Health . As an internationally-recognized expert in air pollution health effects, she combines environmental epidemiology , exposure science , and data analytics to investigate how pollutants impact human health. Sc.D. , Harvard University (1993) M.S. , Harvard University (1990) S.B. , Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1985) Her research focuses on three areas: air pollutant impacts on cognitive performance and child development , multi-pollutant health effects , and GIS-based spatio-temporal modeling for epidemiological studies. Recent publications highlight her work on PM2.5 measurement error correction , hormonal disruptions in pregnancy , and machine learning applications in environmental health analysis. Current trends include: Advanced statistical methods for exposure assessment Multi-omics approaches to cardiometabolic health International comparative studies (e.g., Tehran, Puerto Rico) Long-term mortality analysis in Medicare populations Pollution-immune system interactions in vulnerable groups Policy-relevant modeling for air quality standards Helen Suh has served as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology and advised major U.S. and international health organizations. Her work spans over 150 publications and integrates multidisciplinary team leadership in environmental health science. Her laboratory develops large-scale data analytics tools and spatio-temporal exposure models to support population-level health research. Current projects include air pollution and aging cohorts , urban environmental noise measurement , and epigenetic responses to pollutants .
