Tracey Woodruff

Bio

My research is devoted to identify and addressing environmental pollution exposures - petrochemicals, pesticides, plastics and other toxic contaminants - and the impacts on health. I focus on filling critical gaps in knowledge that will result in structural changes that improve health and reduce inequities. I collaborate across disciplines to create systemic solutions that integrate environmental health, public policy, and healthcare for significant public health advancements. My research expertise encompasses all aspects of understanding and characterizing environmental chemical exposures and their health impacts, especially on vulnerable and susceptible populations due to life stage, such as pregnant women and children, and demographics, such as poverty and race/ethnicity. I led multidisciplinary investigations to: identify and measure human exposures to environmental contaminants via modeling and biomonitoring including advanced methods for nontargeted analysis; identify biological mechanisms using in vitro and in vivo systems; assess the impact of multiple chemical exposures on pregnancy and child outcomes via epidemiology studies; and develop and apply methods for translating research findings into improved clinical care and public policy.

I have extensive expertise and experience in translating science into clinical and policy decision-making. I led the development of the Navigation Guide Systematic Review Methodology, the first systematic review method for environmental health science, developed in collaboration with multiple collaborators from international, national, and state governments, community groups, and the clinical community, integrates best practices from clinical medicine and environmental health evaluation. I continue to collaborate on systematic reviews including pesticides and Parkinson’s, and methodological improvements. I am widely recognized for my expertise in the use of science in decision making for environmental chemicals. I’ve been invited to testify before Congress and the State of California multiple times and I lead our Science Action Network that engages in bring best available science to regulatory decision-making. I have also collaborated with other faculty on empirical research to identify how industries adversely influence the scientific process.

Before Stanford, I was a Professor at UCSF and Director of the Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment. I now with UCSF co-lead the UCSF/Stanford Environmental Research and Translation for Health Center funded by a NIEHS P30 mechanism. Prior to UCSF I served for over 10 years in the Office of Policy at the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Academic Appointments

• Professor, Epidemiology and Population Health
• Senior Fellow, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment