Research Programs
Scientifically, the SCEHSC is organized around six Environmental Health Research Programs. Methods Research Programs identify and respond to methodological challenges posed by the new technologies and data opportunities afforded by investigator research. Investigators from these Methods Research Programs engage with multidisciplinary teams studying the role of environment in disease development, severity, and progression in Health Outcomes Research Programs, which are integrated by a cross-cutting thematic research framework examining critical developmental periods, population vulnerability, and shared molecular and biological processes of disease.
Health Outcomes Research Programs
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Cardiorespiratory
The Cardiorespiratory Outcomes Research Program studies short- and long-term effects of ambient air pollutants on lung development, asthma and asthma symptoms, atherosclerosis in children and young adults, major cardiovascular events in adults, and cardiorespiratory mechanisms, including airway inflammation, immunoregulation, and HDL function.
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Neurological
The Neurological Outcomes Research Program investigates environmental determinants of cognitive decline and associated structural brain changes, Alzheimer’s dementia, and stroke in the elderly as well as the effects of early-life exposures to air pollution, traffic-related air pollutants, and other toxicants in conjunction with a range of cognitive and behavioral health outcomes and trajectories of neurodevelopment among children.
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Metabolic & Obesity
The Obesity and Metabolic Outcomes Research Program has a research focus motivated by emerging studies suggesting that the environment affects development of obesity and metabolic diseases. Investigators are studying air pollution and chemical exposure effects on obesity development, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, glucose intolerance, beta-cell function, and lipid metabolism.
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Cancer
The Cancer Research Program is investigating environmental factors in human cancers and how host factors (genetic, epigenetic, health status, obesity, and other social and behavioral factors) influence the carcinogenic process. Research is focused on air pollution effects on breast and lung cancer etiology and survival, pesticides and hormonally related cancers, and ultraviolet radiation exposures and skin cancers.
Methods Research Programs
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Exposure Science
The Exposure Sciences Research Program focuses on developing innovative methods to integrate the external (macro), personal (micro), and internal markers of exposure across the Health Outcomes Research Programs.
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Biostatistics & Data Science
The Biostatistics & Data Science Methods Research Program focuses on the development of innovative study designs and analysis methods for application to environmental exposures of importance in the Health Outcomes Research Programs.
