Joel Meyer, PhD

Employment: Associate Professor of Molecular Environmental Toxicology, ITEHP Director of Graduate Studies, Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment

Employment Sector: Academia

Dr. Meyer studies the effects of toxic agents and stressors on human and wildlife health.  He is particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms by which environmental agents cause DNA damage; the molecular processes that organisms employ to protect, prevent, and repair DNA damage; and genetic differences that may lead to increased or decreased sensitivity to DNA damage.  Mitochondrial DNA damage and repair – as well as mitochondrial function in general – are a particular focus.  He studies these effects in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, in cell culture, and collaboratively in other laboratory model organisms, as well as in human populations in the US and globally.