Print Friendly and PDF
Using science to take action: Rachel Shaffer, Ph.D.

Using science to take action: Rachel Shaffer, Ph.D.

"By assessing the risk of chemicals all around us, I'm working to create a safer world"

How did a childhood in Thailand lead Dr. Shaffer to her work in environmental health?



Dr. Shaffer kicks off our series introducing the new cohort of Science Communication Fellows, a partnership with the Science Communication Network to offer an exclusive look at important research just over the horizon that promises to impact our health and the environment.

In this video, Dr. Shaffer traces her journey in the environmental health field, the seeds of which were planted by her family's commitment to "action" in combination with early-life experiences abroad. Dr. Shaffer's passion for diverse topics across environmental health and her interest in translation and policy motivated her to pursue her current position, focused on human health assessment, at the U.S. EPA.

Rachel M. Shaffer, PhD., U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development

Dr. Rachel M. Shaffer works in the Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment in the U.S. EPA’s office of Research and Development. Dr. Shaffer has a broad background in environmental health sciences, with graduate training spanning experimental toxicology and human epidemiological research as well as experience in science policy and risk assessment. She has published on diverse topics, including air pollution, glyphosate,ç and food additives. Dr. Shaffer completed her M.P.H and Ph.D. at the University of Washington-Seattle's School of Public Health. She also holds a B.A. in environmental studies from Yale University.

Learn more

Find Dr. Shaffer on Twitter @rshaffer14

Connect with her on LinkedIn

Check out her website and blog.

Explore her research on Google Scholar.

Cutting Edge of Science

Discover what exciting research other early-career scientists are up to in our exclusive series in partnership with the Science Communication Network.

Learn more here.

Become a donor
Today's top news
From our newsroom

WATCH: Pete Myers and Tyrone Hayes reflect on tremendous progress in the environmental health field

"It isn't one scientific finding that accomplishes a structural change in science. It's a drumbeat — one after the other — for decades."

What happens if the largest owner of oil and gas wells in the US goes bankrupt?

Diversified Energy’s liabilities exceed its assets, according to a new report, sparking concerns about whether taxpayers will wind up paying to plug its 70,000 wells.

LISTEN: Gabriel Gadsden on the rodent infestation and energy justice connection

“What it really comes down to is political will and resource allocation.”

Listen: EHN reporter discusses EPA's new proposed air pollution limits

Kristina Marusic joined Pittsburgh's NPR news station to discuss the proposed new rules

Racist beauty standards leave communities of color more exposed to harmful chemicals: NYC study

"How do you change centuries of colonialism and racism that have always uplifted light and white skin tone and features?”