Our goal is to explore and investigate mechanisms of environmental lung diseases (asthma, fibrosis, cancer) caused by emerging toxicants that pose a threat to human health and the environment. Our work is focused on investigating mechanisms of pulmonary toxicity caused by engineered nanomaterials (ENMs); tiny particles or fibers designed at the atomic scale that are increasingly used in a variety of consumer products. Of particular interest is determining the toxic potential of ENMs in susceptible populations and individuals with pre-existing disease, especially asthma. New efforts are also aimed at exploring the mechanisms through which ENMs interact with allergens in the environment to exacerbate allergic asthma. Our research, funded by The National Insitute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and The National Science Foundation (NSF), is integrated with national and international consortia of other scientists to collectively understand the health risks associated with emerging nanotechnology. Our goal is to conduct research that provides fundamental information for the prevention of future disease that might occur from emerging technologies. Our research also provides basic knowledge on mechanisms of fatal or debilitating environmental lung diseases to further progress for treatment and therapy.
Front Row (L-R): Jade Prioleau, Astrid Roberts, Vanessa Aruogu
Back Row (L-R): Jamie Bonner, Ryan Bartone, Logan Tisch