Biography
Dr. Luderer is a professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health. She is a reproductive toxicologist and a board-certified occupational and environmental medicine physician, who specializes in developmental toxicology, ovarian function and reproductive biology. She is the Director of the UCI Center for Occupational and Environmental Health and leads the center’s mission to improve occupational and environmental health in the Southern California region and extend services to government, industry, schools, health professionals, and the general public. Luderer is a member of the Society of Toxicology, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the Endocrine Society and the Society for the Study of Reproduction.
Research Interests
Dr. Luderer’s research interests include the mechanisms by which toxicants and ionizing radiation disrupt reproductive function and uncovers protective mechanisms that prevent reproductive dysfunction. This includes how exposures during prenatal development cause premature ovarian failure and ovarian cancer in the directly exposed offspring, as well as subsequent generations.
Current Projects/Studies
- Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program: “Interactions of Fine Particulate Matter Exposure and Gonadal Toxicity on Alzheimer’s Disease Progression.” 2023-2026. Role: Principle Investigator.
- UCI MIND WAM Women’s Initiative: “Effects of Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter on Gonadal Function and Alzheimer’s Disease Development and their Interactions.” 2023-2024 Role: Principal Investigator
- National Institute of Health: “Developmental Gene-Environment Interactions and Premature Ovarian Failure.” 2012-2024. Role: Principal Investigator.
Education
- MD (reproductive endocrinology) degrees from Northwestern University,
- PhD (reproductive endocrinology) degrees from Northwestern University
- MPH degree as part of her Occupational and Environmental Medicine fellowship at the University of Washington
- Bachelor’s degrees in biomedical engineering and French from Brown University
Honors and Awards
- 2022- Paper of the Year in Particle and Fibre Toxicology.
- 2017 – Jean Spencer Felton Award for Excellence in Scientific Writing, Western Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association.
- 2002-2007 – NIH Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award.
- 1996, 2006 – Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine.
- 1993-1994 – Evanston Hospital Internal Medicine Intern of the Year.
