PhD
Professor, Epidemiology
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Epidemiology
Area of Interest
My research is focused primarily on environmental and occupational risk factors for a range of chronic diseases, including neurological conditions, kidney injury/disease, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer, with emphasis on molecular and disaster epidemiology. I have pursued research in the following key areas:
- body burden of persistent organic pollutants in relation to risk of several cancers
- pesticides and risk of breast cancer, renal disease, and biomarkers of effect; and
- genetic polymorphisms in selected pathways as predictors of mutational “signatures” in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
I have been a co-PI on the NIEHS-administered Gulf Study since its inception; this long-term, prospective cohort study is investigating a range of health outcomes among ~33,000 individuals involved in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response in the Gulf of Mexico. This study collected a range of biospecimens and extensive clinical, mental and physical health, exposure, and demographic/lifestyle data at baseline and is collecting more such biospecimens and data during periodic follow-up clinical exams and telephone interviews. In addition to long-term follow-up for cancer and other chronic diseases, this study is investigating short- and medium-term biological markers of effect that may be related to cardiometabolic injury and other adverse health outcomes. I am also conducting research into chemical and microbial contamination sources and health outcomes following hurricanes and related flooding in North Carolina.
Awards and Honors
- NIH Director’s Award for the Gulf Long-term Follow-up (GuLF) Study, 2011
- National Institutes of Health Merit Award, 2010
- Outstanding Poster Award, Annual Mtg of the Soc. for Epidemiologic Rsch, Salt Lake City, UT, 2004
- National Cancer Institute Technology Transfer Award, 2001
- National Cancer Institute Fellowship Achievement Award, 2001
