This project aims to develop a new cross-disciplinary consortium (CATALYST) focused on understanding and preventing PFAS-related carcinogenesis. The team integrates environmental epidemiology, community engagement, and translational science to identify mechanisms of PFAS toxicity, map at-risk communities, and develop prevention strategies.
Specific Aims:
- To establish the CATALYST consortium, including leadership structure and domain-specific working groups.
- To convene a symposium to refine research priorities, develop R01 proposals, and design a pilot study focused on PFAS exposure and cancer prevention.
The team brings together expertise in environmental health, AI/data science, community-engaged research, and translational/clinical science across multiple institutions.
Team Building Activities include:
- CATALYST Symposium: A 1-day, in-person symposium brings together consortium members, national experts, and community stakeholders. It includes keynote talks, working group presentations, and breakout sessions to refine two R01 proposals and a pilot study concept.
- Working group collaboration and preparatory meetings: Three multidisciplinary working groups (environmental epidemiology, community-engaged research, and chemoprevention) meet regularly to develop deliverables and prepare for the symposium.
- Grant development and integration of feedback: Activities include drafting NIH proposals, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and experts, and finalizing timelines for submission following the symposium.