The AP thematic area elucidates the link between environmental exposures and lung disease to improve lung health. The Thematic Area is led by Sharon McGrath-Morrow, MBA, MD (Professor of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia). The AP team leverages nationally recognized faculty in exposure assessment, lung biology and pathophysiology, patient-oriented research and community engagement to reduce the burden of lung disease in our area and draws on the expertise in the Penn Center for Pulmonary Biology (PCPB) and The Harron Lung Center for advanced outpatient clinical care. The initial focus is on exposure to priority air pollutants, interstitial lung disease and asthma but can be expanded to other areas. The AP team works with the Community Engagement Core to decrease exposure to air pollution by outreach to day-care facilities in Philadelphia and by working with Air Management services to map releases of VOC’s and particulates.
Air Pollution & Lung Health


Research Interest: Epigenetic memory of early environmental exposures




Research Interest: Drug allergy, Anaphylaxis, Chronic spontaneous urticaria, and Mast cell disorders




Research Interest: Genetic, Molecular, and Immunologic Origins of Allergy and Obesity





Research Interest: Gene-environment Interactions in Pediatric Asthma


Charles Leonard, PharmD, MSCE, FISPE

Krithika Lingappan, MD, PhD, MS

Research Interest: Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Effect of Environmental Exposures and Outcomes


Sharon McGrath-Morrow, MBA, MD (Leader)




Research Interest: Air Pollution Exposure and Maternal Health, Preterm Birth, and Long-Term Outcomes in Premature Infants




Research Interest: Effect of Indoor Fine Particulate Matter Exposure on Respiratory Health Outcomes in Premature Infants
