Endocrine disrupting chemicals, false signals that mimic or block natural hormones, produce unintended effects that threaten the well-being of humans and wildlife. Understanding these systems will provide new approaches to promoting health, a coherent view of the environment, and predictive models for environmental change.

In the Environmental Endocrinology Lab, researchers are investigating the molecular causes of Uterine Fibroids, which affect nearly 25% of women in the U.S., and which may be the result of environmental pollution.  The lab is also examining the use of phytochemicals to prevent and treat breast cancer.

Real-time biosensor technologies, and the development of exposure biomarkers are the center of the “Environmental Signals and Sensors” project. These technologies will help tackle the human health and aquatic impacts of a vast suite of heavy metals, organic contaminants, and other biohazards.