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Dr Ilona Jaspers, PhD

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Dr. Jaspers received her PhD from New York University in Environmental Health Sciences and is a Professor in the department of Pediatrics, with joint appointments in Microbiology and Immunology, and Environmental Sciences and Engineering. She has worked for UNC-Chapel Hill in a variety of roles, most recently as the director of the Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology were works closely with investigators from the U.S EPA. She is also the training program director for the School of Medicine’s Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, as well as associate director of scientific development for the Children’s Research Institute, and has additional leadership roles in the Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility as well as the Institute for Environmental Health Solutions at UNC Chapel Hill in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. For over 20 years, she has studied the respiratory health effects of inhaled toxicants, including ambient air pollutants, military burn pit smoke, wildfire smoke, tobacco products, and cannabidiol vaping products. She is also interested in translating her research beyond peer-reviewed publication, including podcasts, YouTube vidoes, and collaborating with investigators from UNC's Community Engagement Core to generate K-12 classroom materials. Lastly, she has a passion for training and mentoring across all levels. She leads the training core for the UNC Superfund Research Program, is the PI on an NIEHS-funded T32, and co-PI on the 21st Century Environmental Health Scholars (21EH Scholars), an NIEHS-funded program aiming to engage undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds in environmental health research. Evidence for her genuine interest in training in toxicology is the SOT Education Award, which she received in 2024.

Member Since 1996