Research Interest Groups

CIEHS brings together a broad spectrum of researchers to investigate environmental contributions to human health and disease. The CIEHS investigators are broadly grouped into three Research Interest Groups (RIGs) focused on cardiometabolic/renal disease, cancer, neurodevelopmental toxicology, and pulmonary disease. These RIGs promote collaborations both within each RIG and across RIGs and with the community (latter mediated by the IHSFC and CEC). The interactions in the RIGs between healthcare providers (physicians and nurses), basic scientists and engineers fosters transdisciplinary research.

Understanding the relationship between toxicant exposure (i.e., pollution) and human disease from the bench (molecular and cellular mechanisms using in vitro and in vivo models) to the clinic (patient studies, therapies, epidemiology, societal contributions) informs development of remediation strategies and interventions to improve the health of our local community, as well as impact global efforts to prevent toxicant-induced pathologies.

To achieve these goals, CIEHS formed three disease-focused RIGs. The RIGs serve as focal points for gathering together basic scientists, clinicians, population scientists, and community engagement into interdisciplinary hubs for collaboration.

The three Research Interest Groups are as follows.

Multi-Organ Toxicology Research Interest Group

The research interests of the group include the impact of environmental exposures on diseases of the heart, circulatory system, liver and kidney. The group investigates a wide variety of toxicants including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, and particulates. In addition to direct effects, this group also examines the interaction of environmental toxicants and life style factors such as diet.

Click here for the Multi-Organ Toxicology Interest Group Members 

Cancer Research Interest Group

The research interests of the group include environmental carcinogenesis as well as ethical, legal and social implications of technological innovations in collection of personal exposure data.

Click here for the Cancer Research Interest Group Members 

Neurodevelomental Toxicology Research Interest Group

The research interests of the group include the impact of environmental exposures and interactions with genetics on neurodevelopmental and toxicology disorders including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, autism spectrum disorders and fetal alcohol syndrome. Investigators focus on early life exposures. 

Click here for the Neurodevelomental Toxicology Research Interest group members