The ShARP Center is comprised of a diverse team of researchers, educators, trainees, and community partners committed to advancing environmental health. Our leadership includes experts in toxicology, environmental engineering, epidemiology, clinical research, and community engagement, working together to tackle the urgent challenges posed by PFAS contamination.
The Center fosters cross disciplinary collaboration among faculty from USC’s Keck School of Medicine and Viterbi School of Engineering. We are also proud to support the next generation of environmental health scientists through training and mentorship opportunities for students and early career investigators.
Our work is rooted in partnership with local communities to ensure that our research translates into meaningful action and impact.
Center Director
Vaia Lida Chatzi, MD, PhD
Dr. Chatzi is a physician, environmental epidemiologist, and tenured Professor at the Keck School of Medicine at USC. She brings over 20 years of experience in environmental health sciences, with more than 270 publications and extensive leadership in translational, community engaged research. She serves as Director of the ShARP Center. Dr. Chatzi has led numerous NIH-funded projects and currently co-chairs the NIH Multi-Omics for Health and Disease Consortium. A recognized leader in environmental health, she has been instrumental in advancing career development in the field and fostering cross campus collaborations that laid the foundation for the ShARP Center.
Our Investigators
Our Staff
External Advisory Board (EAB)
The Executive Advisory Board (EAB) plays a critical role in guiding the strategic direction, impact, and accountability of the ShARP Center. Composed of respected leaders from academia, government, and community organizations, the EAB provides external oversight to ensure the Center remains aligned with its scientific goals and public health mission.
The EAB advises on:
- Research priorities
- Community engagement strategies
- Translation of scientific findings into policy and practice
- Training and career development for early stage investigators
- Overall Center performance and future planning
By offering diverse perspectives and independent guidance, the Executive Advisory Board helps ensure that the ShARP Center remains responsive to emerging challenges and committed to advancing environmental health and equity.