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
Recent Publications
Specialized high-capacity mitochondria fuel cell invasion
Preprint · May 3, 2025 Full text CiteComplex 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 CiteMitophagy at the oocyte-to-zygote transition promotes species immortality.
Preprint · February 3, 2025 Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Duke University Program in Environmental Health
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2029Which mechanisms of pollutant-induced mitochondrial dysfunction cause dopaminergic neurodegeneration?
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2023 - 2027Accelerated Aging in Gulf War Illness: Phenotypes, Epigenetic Biomarkers and Associations with Gulf War Exposures
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2023 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Duke University ·
2003
Ph.D.
Juniata College ·
1992
B.S.