Pauline Mendola, PhD, is the Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health (EEH). She received a doctorate in Epidemiology and Community Health and a Master's degree in Epidemiology from the University at Buffalo. Before accepting the position as Chair in EEH, Dr. Mendola was a Senior Investigator in the Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the National Institutes of Health. Throughout her career, Dr. Mendola's research has focused on environmental factors that impact reproductive and pediatric health with a strong focus on the interplay of immune function (asthma, allergy, maternal-fetal tolerance), oxidative stress and air pollution in relation to preterm delivery, preeclampsia and other complications of pregnancy. Her work on women’s health includes investigations of chronic disease (autoimmune disorders, hypertension, diabetes) during pregnancy and long-term health effects related to pregnancy complications.