Investigators
Julie Herbstman, MSc, PhD
- Director
Dr. Julie Herbstman, is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences. Trained as an epidemiologist, Dr. Herbstman’s research focuses on the impact of prenatal and early life exposures to endocrine-disrupting environmental pollutants, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), environmental phenols (including BPA), perflourinated compounds and phthalates and their impact on child health and neurodevelopment. She has also been involved in research exploring the long-term environmental health impact of exposure to pollutants from the collapse of the World Trade Center on 9/11. She leads multiple longitudinal birth cohorts within the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health. She directs the Center's work involving the integration of epigenetic biomarkers to explore the mechanistic pathway between prenatal exposures and disease risk in childhood and across the lifecourse. Dr. Herbstman has been honored as a Columbia Butler Aging Center Fellow and a Columbia Tow Research Scholar.
Frederica P. Perera, DrPH, PhD
- Director of Translational Research
Dr. Frederica Perera, is a Professor of Environmental Health Sciences and serves as the Director of Translational Research at the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health. Dr. Perera is internationally recognized for pioneering the field of molecular epidemiology, utilizing biomarkers to understand links between environmental exposures and disease. Currently, she and her colleagues are applying advanced moecular and imaging techniques within longitudinal cohort studies of pregnant women and their children, with the goal of identifying preventable environmental risk factors for developmental disorders, asthma, obesity, and cancer in childhood. These include toxic chemicals and air pollution, with particular focus on adverse effects of prenatal and early chidhod exposures, and the multiple health impacts of fossil fuel combustion- both form toxic pollutants emtted and climate change related to CO2 emissions. Importantly, the research is highlighting the health and economic benefits of action to address these threats. She is author of over 300 peer-reviewed articles and has received numerous honors.
Howard F. Andrews, PhD
- Howard Andrews, PhD
Dr. Howard Andrews established and serves as director of the Data Coordinating Center, which in collaboration with the Biostatistics Department, provides comprehensive data management, statistical and data analytic services to the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health. He is an expert in the use of web-based technologies to gather, organize, and disseminate research information.
Amy Margolis, PhD
- Investigator
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