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Ilona Jaspers, PhD

Ilona Jaspers, PhD, Professor in the Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, recently accepted a position as a Senior Investigator at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and Chief of the NIH-wide Center for Climate Change and Health Research. Dr. Jaspers has led the Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology since 2020. Ilona has also directed the Curriculum of Toxicology & Environmental Medicine program and led the Respiratory Health section at the UNC Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility. She is a past recipient of the Department of Pediatrics’ Mentoring Award, the Society of Toxicology’s Educator Award, and the UNC Jeffrey Houpt Innovator Award.

Dr. Jaspers’ research interests focus on understanding mechanisms and modifiers of pollutant-induced respiratory health effects. She has established several human in vitro and clinical in vivo models to determine the adverse health effects induced by pollutant exposures, including woodsmoke, ozone, and tobacco. Dr. Jaspers’ research program has also contributed greatly to our understanding of how use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices can impact respiratory health. These findings have been published in top toxicology and respiratory journals and have contributed to the FDA’s risk assessment of e-cigarette products. She has also been a strong educator and advocate, presenting regularly in schools, at community events, and on the news to educate the public about this important work.

Dr. Jaspers will be leaving UNC and starting her new position later in January 2025. Congratulations!