Joseph M Braun, MSPH, PhD, RN

Professor, Department of Epidemiology

Director, Center for Children’s Environmental Health

Brown University

Providence, RI

Pronouns: He/His/Him

Talk Title: Identifying and Preventing the Adverse Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

Bio: Dr. Joseph Braun is a Professor of Epidemiology and Director of the Center for Children’s Environmental Health at Brown University. As an environmental epidemiologist, he studies the health effects and modifiable sources of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in susceptible populations like pregnant women and children. His work estimates the impacts of EDC mixtures on childhood obesity, cardiometabolic disorders, and neurodevelopment. Moreover, Dr. Braun uses metabolomics and DNA methylation, to understand biological pathways underlying the health effects of chemical exposures. Finally, Dr. Braun is conducting intervention studies to identify novel ways to reduce exposure to environmental chemicals in humans.

Talk Description: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent anthropogenic compounds that are almost universally detected in all humans. PFAS are suspected obesogens and metabolic disruptors. Exposure to PFAS during sensitive periods of development may increase the risk of later life disease, including type 2 diabetes obesity, and cardiovascular disease. This talk will provide an overview of the sources and health effects of PFAS exposure in humans, interventions we can employ to reduce or prevent human PFAS exposure, and new methodologies to assess PFAS body burden and associated health effects.

What:    Epi Seminar Series

When:   11/1 @ 12-1 pm

Where:  DHMC Auditorium H and Zoom

Note:     Food/Bev will be available

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Contact Lura Pascale at Epidemiology@dartmouth.edu with any questions or concerns.

We look forward to seeing you at this seminar event!