Genes, Environment, and Health Branch
Anika Dzierlenga, Ph.D., is a scientific program director in the Genes, Environment, and Health Branch. Dzierlenga’s portfolio covers a variety of topics using basic and translational approaches focusing on the interplay between environmental exposures and the human microbiome in the development of toxicity and disease, and projects on marine toxicology. Additionally, Dzierlenga serves as program director for the NIH-NSFOceans & Human Health Program, which supports multidisciplinary centers that conduct research on the exposures, toxicities and human health impacts that arise in marine and Great Lakes environments, with strong engagement of community organizations to provide specific communication and translation of research findings. Prior to her current position, she trained as a postdoctoral fellow in the Division of Translational Toxicology at NIEHS, where she served as the project leader for studies investigating the toxicity of HIV combination therapeutics, perfluorinated chemicals, and the alkenylbenzene flavorant myristicin. Dzierlenga received her doctorate in pharmacology and toxicology from the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. Her doctoral work focused on the mechanisms and functional consequences of drug transporter misregulation in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. She has a B.S. in biochemistry from Trinity University in San Antonio.
- Scientific innovation front and center during NIEHS council meeting - Environmental Factor, March 2022
- Harmful algal blooms challenge ecosystems, food security - Environmental Factor, November 2021
- Scientists explore exposures, microbiome, and nervous system - Environmental Factor, October 2021
- Microbiome workshop dives deep into expanding field - Environmental Factor, April 2021