Jonathan Shannahan is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. He received his B.S. in Chemistry from North Carolina State University and a Ph.D. in Toxicology from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He did his post-doctoral work at East Carolina University and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The Shannahan laboratory mechanistically investigates toxicity associated with environmental and occupational exposures utilizing both in vitro and in vivo models. His research team is especially interested in understanding how individuals with underlying diseases such as cardiovascular disease respond to exposures. These studies evaluate immune, cardiovascular, and pulmonary toxicity associated with engineered nanomaterial exposures. Specifically examining the role of surface associated physiological macromolecules, and how their addition alters nanomaterial cellular interactions, immune responses, and disease progression. Overall the goal of these studies are to 1) elucidate mechanisms of toxicity in susceptible subpopulations in order to mitigate adverse public health effects; 2) determine physicochemical properties of engineered nanomaterials related to toxicity allowing for their safe and effective usage; 3) utilize novel and emerging technologies to assess mechanisms of toxicity.

Susceptible Subpopulation to Toxic Insults Role of the Nanoparticle-Biocorona in Cellular Interactions Responses of the Immune System to Engineered Nanomaterials Omics Approaches