Current Students

My passion for toxicology and biomedical research is vested in my interests in cell and molecular signaling, translational science, and my desire to improve the health of communities and reduce health disparities through the lens of scientific research. I am particularly interested in maternal health and child development.

The role of inhaled iron in neurodegenerative disease processes

The roles of placental extracellular vesicles, and their contents, on fetal neurodevelopment and the how these vesicles and their cargo are perturbed after exposure to toxicants.

The relationship between the immune system and neuronal activity. 

Investigating the role of B cells in autoimmune disease

Investigating the effects of developmental exposures to environmentally relevant toxicants on glia and neurons

Investigating the immune modulatory effects of environmental exposures.

My research focuses on gene-environment interactions in neurodegenerative diseases, with an emphasis on Parkinson’s Disease. My dissertation work is on elucidating a mechanism for interactions between genetic risk factors for PD and relevant environmental toxicant such as Paraquat, a widely utilized herbicide, and how this can modulate one’s risk of disease, and its progression.

Studying the effects of exposure to perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) on immune system development and response to viral infection

Investigating ovarian insulin signaling and the role of dietary glycotoxins in polycystic ovary syndrome