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Joel Meyer

Sally Kleberg Distinguished Professorship
Environmental Natural Science
Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708-0328
A354 Lev Sci Res Ctr, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


Dr. Meyer studies the effects of toxic agents and stressors on human and wildlife health. He is particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms by which environmental agents cause DNA damage, the molecular processes that organisms employ to protect prevent and repair DNA damage, and genetic differences that may lead to increased or decreased sensitivity to DNA damage. Mitochondrial DNA damage and repair, as well as mitochondrial function in general, are a particular focus. He studies these effects in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, in cell culture, and collaboratively in other laboratory model organisms as well as in human populations in the USA and globally.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Sally Kleberg Distinguished Professorship · 2024 - Present Environmental Natural Science, Nicholas School of the Environment
Professor of Environmental Genomics · 2024 - Present Environmental Natural Science, Nicholas School of the Environment
Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering · 2024 - Present Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2013 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers
Affiliate, Duke Global Health Institute · 2017 - Present Duke Global Health Institute, University Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published March 19, 2024
Duke Awards 32 New Distinguished Professorships for 2024
Published November 3, 2023
Gulf War Illness Found to Attack White Blood Cells’ Ability to Make Energy
Published November 3, 2017
From Clean Up To Cutting Edge Research

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Recent Publications


Complex I superoxide anion production is necessary and sufficient for complex I inhibitor-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Journal Article Redox biology · April 2025 Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the 2nd most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, but there is currently no cure and limited understanding of the pathogenesis resulting in dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Inhibitors of electron transport chain Comple ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Duke University Program in Environmental Health

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2029

Which mechanisms of pollutant-induced mitochondrial dysfunction cause dopaminergic neurodegeneration?

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2023 - 2027

Accelerated Aging in Gulf War Illness: Phenotypes, Epigenetic Biomarkers and Associations with Gulf War Exposures

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2023 - 2027

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Education, Training & Certifications


Duke University · 2003 Ph.D.
Juniata College · 1992 B.S.

External Links


Meyer Lab Website