Researchers from all over the world participate in research talks hosted each month by NYU Langone’s Division of Environmental Pediatrics. We also host symposia that bring together scientists and physicians to discuss advances in the field and how new data may accelerate the creation of improved policies to prevent childhood exposure to environmental toxins.

For more information about our events, contact Kasandra Cisneros, program coordinator, at kasandra.cisneros@nyulangone.org.

2019 Events

May 17–18, 2019
“Environment and the Brain: The Inaugural Symposium for the Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards”
The inaugural Environment and the Brain Symposium unites researchers across neuroscience, psychiatry, epidemiology, and environmental science. Led by the Division of Environmental Pediatrics, the symposium leverages a rich and diverse array of scientists across NYU Langone and other NYU schools, and is intended to foster new thinking and collaborations examining how environmental factors (chemical, physical, social, and otherwise) influence brain development across the life span.

May 13, 2019
“Prenatal Exposure to Nonpersistent Chemicals and Neurodevelopment in Children”
Michiel van den Dries, PhD Candidate
Mr. van den Dries is a PhD student at Erasmus University Medical Center, the Netherlands, where he investigates the effect of prenatal exposure to nonpersistent chemicals on offspring neurodevelopment. He earned his master’s degree in epidemiology at the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands, with a specialization in environmental epidemiology. His work mainly focuses on prenatal exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides, phthalates, and bisphenols in relation to different neurodevelopmental outcomes such as IQ. He is currently working with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences on a project that investigates the potential health effects of prenatal exposure to nonpersistent chemical mixtures.

April 23, 2019
“From Fracking to Fat Cells: How Environmental Contaminants Can Disrupt Metabolic Health"
Chris Kassotis, PhD
Currently an NRSA postdoctoral research fellow in the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University, Dr. Kassotis is researching the ability of and mechanisms through which various indoor contaminants and house dust may promote adipogenesis and contribute to potential adverse metabolic health in the residents living in their homes.

April 1, 2019
“Uncovering Prenatal and Early Childhood Critical Windows of Metal Exposure Using Tooth-Matrix Biomarkers and Magnetic Resonance Imaging”
Megan K. Horton, MPH, PhD
Dr. Horton earned her doctoral degree in environmental health science at Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University. During her doctoral training, she gained expertise in the development and use of biological markers to measure prenatal and early life exposures to environmental toxicants, focusing mainly on residential exposure to pesticides.

April 1, 2019
“Trace Metals Exposures Associated with Biomarkers of Maternal Immune System Perturbations”
Max Aung, PhD Candidate
Mr. Aung investigates how exposures to environmental toxicants are related to maternal health during pregnancy and the implications of these relationships on fetal development and birth outcomes.

February 7, 2019
“Extracellular RNA Communication—A New Endocrine Path to Environmental Disease?”
Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD
Dr. Baccarelli serves as chair of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences and director of the Laboratory of Precision Environmental Biosciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

January 31, 2019
“Factors Associated with School Nurses' Self-Efficacy in Providing Asthma Care and Performance of Asthma Management Behaviors”
Ellen M. McCabe, MSN, PNP-BC, RN
Ms. McCabe is a predoctoral fellow for Research on Vulnerable Women, Children, and Families at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Her career focus has been on health promotion and the care of children and families.

Recent News

Our studies and initiatives are breaking new ground in environmental pediatrics research.

Children’s Health and Environment Study Milestones

To date, more than 900 moms and children have participated in our Children’s Health and Environment Study, and more than 100 participants came in for a 12-month visit. Because of them, we have been able to collect valuable information that will help future generations of children and families.

Learn more by reading issue one and issue two of our newsletter (also available in Spanish).

NYU FIRST Study Launches

In our new research study, NYU FIRST, we investigate the role of diet, lifestyle, and
chemical exposures on fertility. Couples who are planning to become pregnant in the near future or have recently begun trying without the use of fertility treatments are eligible to enroll.

Learn more about NYU FIRST and what to expect if you participate.

Lead Paint Alliance Partnership

The Division of Environmental Pediatrics has officially partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environmental Programme on the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint initiative, building on our leadership in documenting costs and consequences of childhood lead exposure.