Discipline(s):
Epidemiology

Area(s) of Expertise:
Environmental Epidemiology, Autism

E-Mail:
kc2497@columbia.edu

Background:
Keely Cheslack Postava’s research interests focus on the impacts of environmental exposures on early life health and development. Her dissertation research involved investigation of whether fetal exposure to autoantibodies of maternal or fetal origin is associated with later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, motivated by previous research linking these disorders to autoimmunity. Her recent research also involves examining the potential role of environmental pollutants and genetic factors in influencing autism risk. With all of its opportunity and innovation, life in modern society also creates constant occasion for exposure to an ever-expanding list of chemicals, many of which occur disproportionately across populations. As a Robert Wood Johnson Health and Society Scholar, Keely will continue investigating the impacts of these exposures on early life health and development, including the outcome of autism. She plans to work towards improving the utility of this research in public health by studying the effects of exposures within the complex, multi-faceted context in which they actually occur, and by exploring the interface of research with policy and practice. Keely will complete a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins in 2008. She also holds an MSPH degree in Epidemiology and Environmental/Occupational Health from Emory and a B.S. in Biology from Haverford College.

Journal Articles:
Click here for a list of Keely Cheslack Postava’s available publications in PubMed.