Heather Patisaul, PhD, is the Scientific Director of the Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT) at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Her research group elucidates the mechanisms by which endocrine disruptors (EDCs) and other chemicals sex-specifically disrupt the development and function of neuroendocrine circuits and systems underlying socioemotional and related behaviors. Her team also leads efforts to generate and advance more effective tools and approaches for assessing how EDCs adversely impact endocrine systems, and may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Dr. Patisaul has published over 130 articles, reviews, book chapters, and editorials including special issues on EDCs with Endocrine Society colleagues. She has served on numerous national and international expert panels and working groups related to environmental health and justice, including multiple National Academy of Sciences panels. Dr. Patisaul co-authored the 2017 book Endocrine Disruptors, Brain and Behavior, is a member of the 2024 WHO/UNEP Expert Group updating the State of the Science Report on EDCs, and Chaired the 2016 Gordon Research Conference on Environmental Endocrine Disruptors. Her research awards include the 2022 Society of Toxicology Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology Specialty Section Mid-Career Award.
A longstanding member of the Endocrine Society, she has held a series of service positions. She was a member and Chair of the Advocacy and Public Outreach Core Committee for several years, a member and Chair of the task force on Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs), was part of the 2016 Strategic Planning Group, and is a member of the EDC Task Force. She also co-authored multiple publications on EDCs and other pollutants for IPEN (the International Pollution Elimination Network) through the Endocrine Society and served as a Guest Associate Editor for Endocrinology. She is passionate about science communication, trans-disciplinary research and training, community engagement, and advancing environmental health literacy.
Dr. Patisaul received her B.S. from the University of Florida, and Ph.D. from Emory University. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Emory National Primate Research Center, then joined CIIT (which became the Hamner Institute) in 2004 to advance her toxicological training. She joined the faculty at NC State in 2006 where she rose through the ranks to Professor and ultimately served as the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Sciences for four years before moving to NIEHS in 2024.
