University of Miami · NeuroscienceGardener Neurotoxicology Lab
Hannah Gardener · Coral Gables, Florida
Research Focus
Dr. Hannah Gardener's research lab focuses on understanding how exposure to certain harmful chemicals, known as PFAS, affects brain health, particularly in relation to cognitive decline and dementia. The lab is investigating how PFAS may influence lipid metabolism and vascular health, which are critical factors in the development of Alzheimer's disease. By studying diverse populations over long periods, the lab aims to shed light on the connections between these pollutants and neurodegenerative conditions, ultimately aiming to inform public health strategies.
PFAScognitive impairmentdementialipid metabolismvascular healthAtherosclerosisAlzheimer's Diseaseneurotoxicitycommunity healthpublic health interventions
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the impact of PFAS on cognitive health in diverse populations.
AIM 02Assess the relationship between PFAS exposure and lipid metabolism.
AIM 03Explore the role of atherosclerosis as a mediator in dementia risk related to PFAS.
AIM 04Examine confounding factors such as diet and genetic predisposition in PFAS-related research.
AIM 05Inform community health interventions based on findings related to PFAS and dementia.
Skills the Lab Values
serum sample analysislipid profilingneuropsychological assessmentdata collectionstatistical analysisunderstanding of vascular healthlongitudinal study designcommunity health researchepidemiological techniques
Output against the department
Publications280top 25% of dept.167th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations7.2kbottom 49% of dept.344th of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.