Human-Relevant Models and Disease Prevention

Our research advances New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) through the development and application of human-relevant experimental models for toxicology, disease mechanisms, and intervention research.

Current capabilities and research efforts focus on advanced three-dimensional bronchial and alveolar lung models, integrating exposure science and dosimetry to investigate environmental particles, biomass smoke, vaping, and other inhalation products.

Building on this expertise, the research program aims to expand into organoid and spheroid systems and additional tissue models, creating opportunities for broader disease modeling and translational applications.

A complementary research direction integrates high-throughput phytochemical screening with human-relevant models to identify naturally derived bioactive compounds with potential protective effects against inflammation, tissue injury, and chronic disease.

The overarching goal is to develop robust, reliable, reproducible, resilient, and regulatory-ready models that advance the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of animal use—while connecting mechanistic discovery with risk assessment and disease prevention.