We are a team of researchers working to understand the mechanistic drivers of health inequities towards new ways to prevent and cure disease in those most susceptible. To accomplish this, we work at the interface of toxicology, epidemiology, and bioinformatics, performing experimental studies that test the health effects of exposures relevant to human populations. Because our research centers around health disparities, public health translation, and the early stages of disease, we cannot rely exclusively on existing cell lines or animal models. Rather, our preferred experimental model is culturing primary tissue samples collected from well-characterized study participants. We prioritize the compounds we study in the lab based on exposures identified in human population studies. In parallel, we test agents for disease prevention in high-risk patients using patient-derived organoids, animal models, and clinical trials. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of our work, we rely on and embrace the expertise and experience of individuals from diverse backgrounds to guide our approach in tackling health disparities.

Lab Mission

Our mission is to improve public health by understanding environmental and dietary risk factors for chronic diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, with a focus on dysregulated development and stem cell biology. Our long-term goal is to develop interventions, whether policy-based, behavioral, or clinical, to prevent disease and reduce health disparities. We aim to provide a highly collaborative research and training environment where we each are invested in the success of all lab members. Moreover, we endeavor to create an inclusive laboratory where all are encouraged to participate, engage, and have input on the direction of our science. 

Our Values and Expectations

Being able to devote our time to science is a privilege. We are fortunate to be at a world class public institution (the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor campus) performing research, generously supported by public and private sources, to improve the public’s health. We are public servants and must be stewards of good science. Thus, we are all expected to:

1.)   Perform rigorous open science. All research should be precisely documented and samples and results stored securely. Whenever possible, we will strive to make our methods, data, code, results, and manuscripts publicly available. We embrace collaboration and big team science.

2.)   Be thoughtful about the data and samples that we are using for your research. Many of the materials and data we use are irreplaceable resources derived from human volunteers or animals. To be wasteful or careless with lab samples, data, or materials would be unjust

3.)   Conduct ourselves in a professional manner. In an interdisciplinary research and training environment, providing assistance, feedback, and guidance to our colleagues is expected. Harassment and discrimination are unacceptable. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated.

4.)   Embrace critical thinking and the adventure of scientific discovery. We should all view our own results and published results with a critical eye. We should be unafraid to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and embrace being wrong and having our hypotheses disproven.