Events Lunchtime Chats Webinar

Environment & Health Lunchtime Chat Webinar Series

Environment is Shaping the Health of Generations: What scientists want you to know to protect your children, families, and communities.

Environment is Shaping the Health of Generations: What scientists want you to know to protect your children, families, and communities.


Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai will share the latest research on how the environment affects health. Through this webinar series, we aim to translate our science to empower families and communities to understand the science and make the lifestyle changes that matter most.

February 8 – March 22, 2023
Wednesdays at 1:00 PM EST (25 min + 20 min Q&A)


Wednesday, Feb 8, 2023, 1:00 PM EST

Dania Valvi, MD, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health

PFAS: Forever Chemicals in Everyday Products and Your Health


Wednesday, Feb 15, 2023, 1:00 PM EST

Michael Hadley, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine and Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health

Air Pollution and Heart Health

Air pollution is a major public health concern that has been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease. In this webinar, Dr. Hadley will discuss the latest scientific research on the connection between air pollution and heart health and what individuals can do to reduce their risk.

Moderator: Ellen Lautenberg, Exposomics and Children’s Environmental Health Board Member


Wednesday, March 1, 2023, 1:00 PM EST

Ryan W. Walker, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health

Nutrition and Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome is the community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract and play a crucial role in human health. Dr. Walker will explain how the types of food we eat can affect the balance of bacteria in our gut and impact our overall health. Dr. Walker will also explore the potential benefits of probiotics and other strategies for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.

Moderator: Kirstyn Bonetti, Exposomics and Children’s Environmental Health Board Member


Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 1:00 PM EST

Rosalind J. Wright, MD, MPH, Co-Director, Mount Sinai Institute For Exposomic Research

Climate, Air Pollution and Increased Lung Disease Risk: How Can Exposomics Identify the Most Vulnerable?

Moderator: Wendy Mindel Rubinstein, MPH, Exposomics and Children’s Environmental Health Board Member


Wednesday, March 15, 2023, 1:00 PM EST

Nicholas DeFelice, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health

Infectious Diseases in a Changing Environment

Dr. DeFelice will discuss how environmental changes, including climate change are impacting the spread and prevalence of infectious diseases transmitted by insects such as ticks and mosquitoes. He will present his research on how these changes can affect the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases and will discuss strategies for prevention.

Moderator: Viktoria Schrager, Exposomics and Children’s Environmental Health Board Member


Wednesday, March 22, 2023, 1:00 PM EST

Megan Horton, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health

Early Life Metal Exposure and Brain Development

Early life metal exposures, including lead, manganese, and other toxic metals, can have a significant impact on brain development in children. Dr. Horton will discuss how these exposures can affect structural and functional brain development and will explore how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has advanced our understanding of children’s environmental health.

Moderator: Maya Korin, PhD, MS, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health 

Watch previous Lunchtime Chats