Tomás R. Guilarte, Ph.D.

Scientific Profile

Areas of Specialty: Dr. Guilarte specializes in neurotoxicology, neuroimaging, and environmentally-induced neurological diseases.

Research and Clinical Activities: Dr. Guilarte currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the Columbia University School of Public Health. Dr. Guilarte uses behavioral, cellular, and molecular approaches to elucidate the effects of heavy metal exposure on the developing brain, focusing specifically on the molecular mechanisms by which lead (Pb) impairs cognitive function. His laboratory is working to validate and apply an in vivo biomarker of brain injury that may assess the effects of environmental chemicals on the central nervous system, permitting assessment of the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Guilarte is recognized worldwide for revealing the effects of low level lead exposure on the central nervous system during development and subsequently developing therapies to reverse these neurodegenerative effects. Dr. Guilarte has written over 250 articles, abstracts, and book chapters, and has presented over 80 seminars and lectures. Dr. Guilarte’s vast experience in the field of neurotoxicology brings refined expertise to the SmartTots Scientific Advisory Board.

SmartTots

Scientific Advisory Board, Member

Columbia University

Professor and Chair, Department of Environmental Health Sciences

Education

Johns Hopkins University – PhD, Environmental Health (1980)
University of Florida – MS, Medical Physics (1976)
University of Florida – BS, Zoology (1974)

Training

Research Assistant, Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health (1980-1981)
Graduate Assistant, Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health (1978-1980)

Professional Affiliations

• Manganese Health Research Program, Steering Committee
• Institute for NanoBiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University
• Society for Molecular Imaging
• International Neurotoxicology Association
• International Behavioral Neuroscience Society
• Society of Toxicology
• Society for Neuroscience
• American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Delta Omega National Public Health Honorary Society

Honors and Achievements

• Award for Best Abstract, Neurotoxicology Specialty Section, Society of Toxicology 46th Annual Meeting (2007)
• Top Ten Abstract, Neurotoxicology Specialty Section, Society of Toxicology 45th Annual Meeting (2006)
• First Prize – Scientific Poster, Scientific Week in the Klinikum Steglitz of the Free University of Berlin (1993)