Jennifer Cavallari, ScD

Assistant Professor, Community Medicine, UConn Health (Affiliate)

Research Overview

I am an industrial hygienist and occupational epidemiologist. I have a broad range of research experience in designing, implementing, analyzing and presenting occupational epidemiology studies. I have performed field studies among construction workers evaluating the cardiovascular effects of welding fume and second smoke exposures using biomarkers of exposure and disease. I have evaluated the inhalation and dermal exposure routes to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in asphalt pavers. More recently, using a community-based participatory approach, I evaluated phthalate exposures among custodians as they transitioned from traditional to green cleaners. My current research focuses on not only recognizing exposure and disease, but identifying how to prevent disease through workplace interventions. I embrace a multi-disciplinary approach that encompasses the fields of industrial hygiene, epidemiology as well as occupational health psychology, In addition to performing occupational health research, I have also taught graduate students, clinicians, professionals, and line workers both fundamentals and advanced topics in Occupational Health. At UConn Health, I currently teach a course in Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology for students within the public health program.

Education

ScD, Environmental Health, 2007
Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
Dissertation: Cardiovascular responses to occupational metal-rich particulate exposure
Major: Occupational Epidemiology; Minor: Biomarkers, Exposure Assessment

SM, Environmental Health, 2004
Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
Major: Industrial Hygiene

BS, Chemistry, 1997
University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa

Recent Publications