Assistant Professor of Environmental Health and Engineering

Inaugural President of International MPS Society

My goal is to develop human-relevant in vitro models (New Approach Methodologies, NAMs) of the brain to understand how environmental stressors shape neurodevelopment and brain health. My work focuses on developmental neurotoxicity, brain organoids and microphysiological systems, and the molecular mechanisms of gene–environment interactions that contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. At the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), we advance next-generation safety science that reduces reliance on animal experiments while increasing relevance for human health. By integrating stem cell–derived brain models, systems toxicology, and engineering, my lab aims to build robust test batteries that can detect subtle disturbances in brain development and inform regulatory decision-making. I am particularly driven by the idea that understanding vulnerability early in life allows us not only to identify hazardous chemicals, but also to design healthier environments and more responsible technologies for future generations.