Dr. Allen is a Scientific Review Officer at NIEHS, and is responsible for the initial administrative, scientific and technical review of research grant applications and contracts assigned to the NIEHS. She selects outside consultants (or reviewers) on the basis of needed scientific expertise and who currently have peer-reviewed grants. She provides a wide variety of information to applicants and reviewers, and prepares summary statements of review committee findings and recommendations. She assures that a uniform interpretation of NIH Grants policies and procedures is given both to applicants and review consultants, attends NIH council meetings and national scientific conferences, and collaborates with NIH staff for support, review, development, formulation, and implementation of NIEHS's programmatic procedures, operations and related administrative activities. She also enjoys talking to students and potential grantees about the granting process and environmental issues.

She received her undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill and her PhD at the NCSU-College of Veterinary Medicine in Cell Biology and Biotechnology. Prior to coming to the NIEHS Division of Extramural Research and Training, Allen was research faculty at the NCSU Vet school and a grantee of the National Eye Institute, NSF and the NC Biotechnology Institute. She has 2 patents and 75 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Ms. Spencer is a Health Scientist in the National Toxicology Program's Office of the Report on Carcinogens, which is responsible for scientifically reviewing substances and preparing the RoC, a congressionally mandated document that identifies substances that are probable human carcinogens. She has worked at NIEHS for over 27 years, as a research technician and laboratory manager before joining the NTP.

Spencer, a native of Canada, earned a B.A. in biology from Rollins College and an M.S. in biology from the University of Miami.