Currently, her research group utilizes advanced separations and novel software capabilities to examine how chemical exposure affects human health.

Human-made chemical pollution is one of the biggest threats to both our planet and our health. Over the past few decades, the number of chemicals created and used in products around the world has exploded with numbers ranging from 40,000 to more than 350,000 depending on the reporting agency. Yet, we only have toxicity data for a small fraction of these chemicals. Since little is often known about how these chemicals will affect humans and our surrounding ecosystem, scientists often look for warning signs such as high rates of cancers, infertility, and chronic diseases in certain regions. However, even when indications are observed, regulations to limit exposure often lag greatly behind, leaving people and the environment vulnerable to both short-term and long-term health issues. This presentation will highlight how analytical chemistry is being used to find new chemicals of concern in order to limit the production of chemicals with toxic effects and push for smarter use and disposal worldwide.