Kaptur Announces Major NIH Award to UToledo Health Science Campus for Detailed Neurological ResearchPress ReleaseHealth Care

Toledo, Ohio - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced that the University of Toledo Health Science Campus has been awarded $421,047 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. This award will fund innovative research aimed at understanding the link between developmental exposure to organic chemical compounds and neurodevelopmental disorders.

"I am thrilled to see University of Toledo yet again at the forefront of important biomedical research," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "This major award underscores the significance of studying environmental impacts on one's health and reinforces our commitment to advancing scientific understanding that can lead to better health outcomes for our community and beyond."

"We are thrilled that Dr. Burkett has received this award from National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. This important research aims to study the environmental role as it relates to common neurological and psychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. UToledo is on the forefront of research and management of neurological and psychiatric disorders, which impact a substantial number of people in our communities," said Dr. Imran Ali, Interim Dean of the UToledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. "We are extremely proud of our research faculty such as Dr. Burkett, who is furthering our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders that may lead to novel and innovative therapeutic options."

The project will be led by Principal Investigator Dr. James Burkett. James Burkett is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toledo, specializing in the neurobiology and neurochemistry of empathy. In his four years at University of Toledo, he has advanced research on empathy-related neurological disorders, mentored numerous students, and contributed significantly to the academic community.

This exploratory and developmental research aims to provide critical insights into the environmental factors contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders. The study will focus on the biological response to environmental health hazards, specifically examining how developmental exposure to pyrethroids - a class of common pesticides - can interact with genetic predispositions to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Congresswoman Kaptur is a staunch advocate for federal investment in biomedical research, recognizing health sciences transformative potential for public health and local economies. This major grant award not only highlights the exceptional capabilities of the University of Toledo Health Science Campus but also promises to foster significant advancements in the fields of neurology and environmental health sciences.

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