Research Projects

Environmental Health and Molecular Epidemiology

The Kupsco lab studies how the environment in which we live is a major determinant of our health and longevity.

environmental epidemiology graphic with a pot, car exhaust, chemicals and plastics

Childhood Cardiometabolic Risk

Elevated adiposity in childhood may be predictive of future cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Metals Exposures

Exposure to toxic metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic is linked to a wide array of health effects.

Environmental Burden of Disease in American Indians

American Indian communities are often exposed to higher concentrations of environmental toxicants, which is linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Molecular Biomarkers

Molecular biomarkers are biological signals that can be measured objectively to represent normal biology, disease, or stress responses.

Extracellular Vesicles

Extracellular vesicles microRNAs are detectable in human milk and are strongly linked to date postpartum, maternal BMI and maternal smoking, but not parity.

Environmental Epitranscriptomics

The lab investigates m6A in the placenta and its relationship with placental metals exposure and child growth outcomes.

DNA Methylation Biomarkers

Through the Columbia University North Plains Superfund Research Program, we have been working to profile DNA methylation biomarkers over 10 years in American Indians.