Environmental Exposures

We are interested in local, national and global exposures which lead to lung effects in patients.  CDC reports that 1 in 4 Americans who have Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD) have never smoked.  There is increasing evidence that other environmental pollutants, such as particulate matter, and other aerosolized particles in the atmosphere also effect lung health.   

We are interested in studying the effects of environmental particles on lung epithelium function.   In collaboration with Joe Katz (Mechanical Engineering) and Kristen Kohler (Environmental Sciences) we have developed an  in vitro exposure chamber to expose micron- and nano- sized particles with real-time visualization. 

Our research has the potential to better understand toxicities and health effects of environmental pollutants while being able to contribute to environmental policy.   We hope that our research will help to better protect both people and the environment.