Principal Toxicologist
Boston, MA
Debra A. Kaden, PhD, ATS
Dr. Debra A. Kaden has over 40 years of experience in toxicology and environmental health sciences. She holds a doctorate degree (PhD) in Toxicology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); has postdoctoral research experience in cancer genetics at New York University Medical School and at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School; and has been recognized as a Fellow of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences (ATS). Dr. Kaden has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications in toxicology, environmental health sciences, and risk assessment and has published two books. Her expertise includes critical reviews of the toxicological effects on human health from exposure to air pollution, including mobile source air toxics. In addition, her experience in the field of exposure science issues allows an appreciation of spatial and temporal influences on potential community exposures, and their implications for health risks.
Dr. Kaden’s project experience includes toxicological assessments of community exposures to environmental pollutants, as well as critical evaluations of the weight of evidence for health effects from exposure to individual pollutants. She has evaluated exposure, toxicology, and epidemiological evidence for a range of pollutants ranging from air pollutants regulated by NAQQS to air pollutants classified as “air toxics” or “hazardous air pollutants.” Dr. Kaden is a skilled communicator and has testified in regulatory hearings, legal settings, and in workplace settings.
CERTIFICATIONS
Fellow, Academy of Toxicological Sciences (ATS) (2018 – Present)
MEMBERSHIPS
United States Environmental Protection Agency Scientific Advisory Committee on Chemicals, ad hoc member (2024)
International Society of Exposure Science (ISES)
* Elected Secretary (2012-2016)
* Board Member (2008-2012)
* Co-Chair, Communications and Outreach Committee (2010-2019)
Society of Toxicology (SOT)
* Council member, Exposure Science Specialty Group (2019-2021)
Society for Risk Assessment (SRA), National and New England Chapter
* Past President of New England Chapter
* Chair, Conferences and Workshops Committee (2015-2023)
* Co-Chair, Exposure Specialty Group (2019-present)
George and Elizabeth Sanborn Foundation of the Prevention and Cure of Cancer
* Founding Board member (1998-2016) and President (assorted years)