About Us

Research Investigators Irva Hertz-Picciotto, Ph.D. is the MARBLES principal investigator and a world-renowned epidemiologist and expert on environmental chemicals and their effects on pregnancy and early childhood health and development. Cheryl Walker, M.D. is an obstetrician and specialist in reproductive health and infectious diseases. Robin Hansen, M.D. is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, clinician, and researcher who studies medical factors and early childhood health and development. Sally Ozonoff, Ph.D. is a child clinical psychologist and leading researcher on early indicators of autism. Deborah Bennett, Ph.D. is an expert in assessing exposures to environmental pollutants. Isaac Pessah, Ph.D. is a neurotoxicologist conducting research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which environmental chemicals influence autism susceptibility. Frank Sharp, M.D. is a neurologist, molecular biologist, and expert on gene expression profiles in blood and corresponding mechanisms in the brain. Jeffrey Gregg, M.D. is a molecular biologist working on the potential role of dyregulated gene expression and DNA structural variation in autism. Judy Van de Water, Ph.D. is an immunologist working on the potential role of immune dysfunction in autism. Lihong Qi, Ph.D. is a biostatistician engaged in the analysis of MARBLES study data.

MARBLES Staff Kristine Wise, Ph.D. is the MARBLES project manager and a researcher interested in nutrition, biology, and child development. Jessica Merrigan is part of the home visit staff. Ashley Morris is part of the home visit staff. Terri Strack is a member of our telephone interview team. Alice Baker is a member of our post-natal home visit staff.