Alexandra Taraboletti, PhD, Health and Environmental Sciences Institute

The Department of Chemistry Presents: Dr. Alexandra Taraboletti

Dr. Alexandra Taraboletti is an Analytical Biochemist, Scientific Program Manager, Science Writer for the Health and Environmental Sciences (HESI).

Chemistry is often called the "central science," and a career rooted in chemistry can lead to unexpected and impactful opportunities. This talk will trace a career journey that started at the laboratory bench and evolved into a leadership role as a Scientific Program Manager at the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI). Along the way, my research has spanned diverse topics, including metabolomics, analytical biochemistry, radiation chemistry, metagenomics, soil chemistry, and PFAS analysis. Teaching in an academic setting opened the door to integrating real-world applications into chemistry education, while science writing at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) brought focus to policy development, workshop management, and studies on heart health. Now, as part of HESI, my efforts are centered on genetic toxicology and nitrosamine research, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to address global challenges in health and the environment. This talk will explore the intersections of research, education, communication, and program management, showing how each step built on the last to create a dynamic and fulfilling career.

BIO

Dr. Alexandra Taraboletti is a Scientific Program Manager at the Health and Environmental Science Institute (HESI). She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in the Tumor Biology program at the Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and received her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Akron. Dr. Taraboletti is a bioanalytical chemist who has used mass spectrometry-based metabolomics to investigate models of human disease (including neurodegeneration and radiation injury) and environmental samples (from sourdough to fungi). She has implemented new technologies, like metabolomics and metagenomics, into higher education and endeavors to use her skills to drive policy efforts through collaboratives at HESI. Dr. Taraboletti also has a passion for visual science communication and science outreach. She is an avid artist and applies her skills as a graphical editor, illustrator, and science writer. Check out her website.