Dr. Ettinger's research focuses on the effects of environmental exposures on reproductive, perinatal, and children's health. The objective of her work is to understand how common genetic variants, epigenetic events, and dietary nutrients may modify susceptibility to environmental exposures in the maternal-fetal unit and, ultimately, impact toxicant-induced pregnancy and developmental outcomes. Her research involves the epidemiologic analysis of environmental exposure to metals and the associated human health effects in several new and ongoing longitudinal birth cohort studies. These studies are currently being carried out in: Mexico, in collaboration with researchers at the National Institute for Public Health; Canada, in collaboration with Health Canada; and in the U.S., at the Tar Creek Superfund site (Oklahoma) and on the Navajo Nation in collaboration with University of New Mexico. In addition, Dr. Ettinger is working with colleagues in Asia, Europe, and South America to develop similar studies which may provide new insights to better understand how environmental risks within and between populations vary with respect to exposure, underlying susceptibility and developmental stage.
