Stephen M. Rappaport, PhD
Biography
Professor Rappaport is a pioneer in the emerging field of ‘Exposure Biology’ and a prominent advocate of the concept of the ‘Exposome’ as a new paradigm for environmental health. Much of his current research involves the development and application of blood protein adducts as biomarkers of exposure to toxic chemicals arising from inhalation, ingestion, and endogenous processes. This has led to the concept of the protein adductome, representing signatures of people’s exposures to toxic chemicals. By comparing adductome across populations, Prof. Rappaport hopes to identify important biomarkers of chronic diseases. He has also used environmental measurements and biomarkers to elucidate the human metabolism of several toxic chemicals, notably benzene, and to quantify interindividual variability in biomarker levels due to genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Prof. Rappaport has also published extensively in areas related to the assessment of long-term chemical exposures for purposes of controlling hazards and of investigating exposure-response relationships. He has more than 300 publications and has collaborated extensively with investigators throughout the world.
Research Interests
- Using omics measurements of biospecimens from disease cases and controls to discover the causes of chronic diseases.
- Development and application of biomarkers of exposure to toxic chemicals, including benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- Assessment of long-term chemical exposures for purposes of controlling workplace hazards and investigating exposure-response relationships
Education
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PhD – Air & Industrial Hygiene
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1974 -
MSPH – Air & Industrial Hygiene
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1973 -
BS – Chemistry
University of Illinois, 1969
Publications
Courses Taught
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- PBHLTH 150B
- Introduction to Environmental Health Sciences