The WS thematic area studies the critical windows-of-susceptibility affected by environmental exposures e.g. endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs): Bisphenol A, phthalates, perfluoroalkyl substances and obesogens and the adverse outcomes that lead to health effects later in life. WS team members are interested in genetic imprinting, transgenerational effects, metabolic disorders and pre-term birth that can result from these exposures as well as the developmental origins of health & disease. The Thematic Area is led by Marisa Bartolomei, PhD (Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology , Co-Director Penn Epigenetics Institute & Penn Center for the Study of Epigenetics in Reproduction) . The WS works with the Community Engagement Core to reduce these exposures in critical windows of susceptibility and is conducting studies on the association of air-pollution and adverse birth outcomes in a project called “Geobirth.” Several of the WS investigators also belong to the Center for Research in Reproduction and Women’s Health (CRRWH).
Windows-of-Susceptibility
Marisa Bartolomei, PhD (Leader)





Research Interest: Exposure of Neonates to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in the NICU



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




Krithika Lingappan, MD, PhD, MS

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

Michael A. Pack, MD

Research Interest: Genetic Screens of 21st TOX Compound Libraries in Zebra Fish




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

Research Interest: Development of Adrenal Gland in embryo

Research Interest: Methodological Components of Exposure Assessment and the Etiologic Study of Reproduction to Improve Reproductive Function




