The Endocrine Disruption and Chemical Biology Laboratory uses chemical tools to investigate the toxicity and mechanisms of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the female reproductive system. These chemicals interfere with the production, distribution and action of hormones in the body. Humans are exposed during daily life to endocrine disrupting chemicals, which include ingredients in pesticides, personal care products, pharmaceuticals and other consumer products. Understanding how these chemicals act is important for the development of safer chemicals and novel therapeutics to prevent damage to sensitive reproductive organs. Current research projects include identifying the transcriptional and genomic targets of phthalates, a class of plasticizers, and investigating the ovarian toxicity of phthalate-alternative chemicals and novel mixtures representing environmental exposures.