Research Interest Group Updates
Environmental Epigenetics and Genetics Research Interest Group
Leaders: David Aylor and Mike Cowley
Two speakers scheduled for Fall Semester.
Qi Chen, Assistant Professor, University of California Riverside, on August 30 at 1:30 pm
Dr. Chen studies non-genetic modes of inheritance and their significance for environmentally-induced disease. In 2016, Dr. Chen published a landmark study in science describing a novel mechanism of inheritance, specifically the transmission of tRNA fragments through the paternal germline. His work demonstrated that paternal environmental stress could alter tRNA fragment populations in sperm, and that these are responsible for causing metabolic disease in offspring. Dr. Chen's subsequent work has provided more insights into this and other mechanisms of inheritance.
Suzanne Martos, Postdoctoral Fellow at NIEHS on November 16 at 4 pm.
Dr. Martos is the 2020 recipient of the Best Postdoctoral Publication Award from the Society of Toxicology, for her manuscript published in Cell Reports Medicine on the effects of tobacco smoke on the human immune system. In this paper, Dr. Martos described the use of single cell RNA-sequencing to identify a subpopulation of natural killer-like cells that is increased in smokers. Her work also demonstrates that smoking is associated with increased epigenetic aging and immune dysfunction.
Behavior and Neuroscience Interest Group
Leader: Emilie Rissman
This group will focus on research examining the influences of the environment on issues in Neuroscience. Examples of the environment include sensory, diet, behaviors, neurotoxicants, etc. Goals include increasing research collaborations, grant submissions, enhancing trainee presentation skills and our presence at the Society for Neuroscience meeting.
Pulmonary Interest Group
Leader: Vijay Sivaraman
This group will work to establish collaborations between basic and translational scientists and clinicians that are interested in understanding mechanisms behind environmental exposures and lung diseases.
Emerging Contaminants Interest Group
Leader: Jane Hoppin
Carla Ng from the University of Pittsburgh on October 12, 2021.
Dr. Ng's research focuses on developing models to understand the fate of legacy and emerging chemicals in the environment and in organisms, with a particular focus on waterborne chemicals. Her group has expertise in predicting the biological fate and potential hazards of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). They are also involved in model development to better characterize the cascading benefits of green infrastructure networks, particularly with respect to water quality and ecosystem benefits. RIG members can join her for lunch and have opportunities to meet with her throughout the day. More information to follow. Reach out to Jane Hoppin for more details or suggestions about the Emerging Contaminants RIG.
