Research interests include: airway inflammation and oxidative stress, agricultural environmental stressors (e.g., organic dust, animal production environments), airway epithelial cell culture models, proteome dynamics, pulmonary research, and, via collaborations, toxicology of engineered biomaterials that restore functions lost due to injuries, disease and congenital defects of the airway.
Research Description
The primary focus of The Waterman Lab is to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms governing respiratory diseases affecting pigs and farm workers in concentrated animal feeding operations, such as swine confinement facilities (SCF). Specifically, modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation pathways in airway epithelial and lung tissues in response to SCF environment and organic dust exposures. Her team utilizes basic science and translational research approaches to develop models of respiratory diseases affecting farm animals and humans. Dr. Waterman holds a doctoral degree in Functional Genomics.