CLEAR Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Tracie Baker

Dr. Tracie Baker is Principal Investigator with CLEAR's Project 3, which evaluates the reproductive and transcriptomic effects of developmental VOC exposure, using zebrafish as a model.

About myself and my work:  

I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Global Health at the University of Florida and affiliate faculty at Wayne State University.  My academic training and research in developmental biology, environmental toxicology, genetics, and animal health provide the expertise needed to carry out our current studies. I earned a MS in marine biology (University of Alaska-Fairbanks), as well as a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (focused in fish and aquatic animals) and PhD in Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The long-term goal of my laboratory focuses on multidisciplinary, translational research that bridges human, animal and environmental health. 

Our research is currently funded by multiple NIH grants and the Erb Family Foundation. My lab has published primary articles that highlight our knowledge and skills uncovering the critical genes and epigenetic regulation underlying adverse health endpoints and provides critical insights into transgenerational, environmentally induced disease. In addition, recent publications and projects include the investigation of single-cell transcriptomic changes involved in infertility caused by exposure to endorcine disrupting chemicals, the occurrence and effects of endocrine disruption due to environmental contaminants that we measured in Detroit waterbodies and in the Florida Everglades, exogenous factors linked to the development of childhood leukemia, occurrence of microplastics in drinking water and the consequential impact on human health, evaluation of microbiome changes due to drinking water filtration, and the use of novel assay systems to evaluate health effects of volatile organic chemicals.  At CLEAR, I am currently leading a research project focused on using the zebrafish model to understand the mechanisms and biomarkers associated with developmental VOC exposure, and exposure to VOC mixtures. 

Any big news lately? Or fun activities?  

My lab recently published a systematic review on environmental exposure to PFAS and reproductive outcomes, as well as effects of lead-induced, age-related transcriptomic and phenotypic alterations. We just submitted a manuscript stemming from our investigations with 1,4-dioxane exposures at multiple concentrations and endpoints across the lifespan. As part of our project investigating microplastics and associated gut microbiome in manatees, we have been able to participate in manatee health assessments, which are accomplished via collaboration among state and federal agencies. Jeff Corwin and his crew were there filming, but the biggest star was a female manatee at Crystal River weighing in at 1840 pounds who was first sighted in 1977 and has raised 13 calves since then! 

What's next on the horizon for you?   

I will be heading back to the Florida Everglades in the next month to collect samples related to our manatee and emerging contaminants studies. We will be collecting fish and environmental samples again in the Lake Huron to Erie corridor in May for our ongoing research in collaboration with Healthy Urban Waters. On a personal note, I am honored to be part of the final leg of the historic, Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim in August that ends on Belle Isle in Detroit, while raising funds for preserving the Whitefish Point Light Station. For more information, see: https://runsignup.com/traciebaker.  

What has been the most exciting/fulfilling part about working with CLEAR?

Working with CLEAR has been a great experience with opportunities to engage and mentor great students. I value the collaborations with passionate and dedicated individuals committed to having a positive impact, while maintaining connections with WSU colleagues and Detroit, a community that I love.  

 

 

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