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The NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) is hosting a Risk e-Learning Webinar series focused on the use of innovative, human-relevant technologies to better characterize the biological effects of chemicals. 

New technologies, including advanced cell-based assays, organoids, and computational modeling approaches, are expanding the toolbox researchers use to answer previously difficult or unanswerable questions. Presenters will discuss how these emerging methodologies are being applied to uncover mechanistic insights, improve predictive accuracy for human health outcomes, and refine risk assessment frameworks.

Session I – Multi-Cellular Systems, Modeling, and Simulations to Advance Environmental Health Research
Stay tuned for the date!

The first session will feature four speakers discussing how cell-based systems, modeling, and simulations can improve researchers' understanding of complex environmental health topics. Applications of these tools include improving our understanding of how chemicals interact inside the body, their toxicity, how they may cause disease, and more. Speakers include:

  • Margaret Ochocinska, Ph.D., National Institutes of Health
  • Brian Johnson, Ph.D., Michigan State University
  • Rebecca Fry, Ph.D., University of North Carolina
  • Jon Chorover, Ph.D., University of Arizona

Session II – 3D Models and Technologies to Illuminate Biological Effects of Contaminants
Stay tuned for the date!

The second session will feature three speakers discussing 3D models and other technologies to better understand how contaminants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and endocrine-disrupting compounds affect DNA, placental function, and asthma. Speakers include:

  • Bevin Engelward, Sc.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Susan Tilton, Ph.D., Oregon State University
  • Arum Han, Ph.D., Texas A&M University

Session III – Innovative Methods for Understanding Chemical Toxicity
Monday, November 10, 2-4pm ET

The third session will feature three speakers discussing innovative approaches to understanding the dose at which chemicals trigger biological responses and the mechanisms behind them. Speakers include:

  • Ana Maretti Garcia, Ph.D., University of Southern California
  • Guru Ulaganathan, Duke University
  • Weihsueh A. Chiu, Ph.D., Texas A&M University