David A. Schwartz, MD

Dr. Schwartz became the fourth Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in May, 2005. He oversees the Institute's comprehensive research portfolio of basic and applied research to reduce the burden of human diseases that are triggered by the environment. Dr. Schwartz also serves as the Director of the National Toxicology Program, an interagency program established to test chemicals and other agents of public health concern.  Prior to accepting the role of NIEHS Director, he was on faculty at Duke University, where he held concurrent positions at the Medical Center including Vice Chair for Research and Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Schwartz was Professor in the Department of Medicine, Genetics, and Environmental Sciences at the University since 2000. While at Duke, Dr. Schwartz played a pivotal role in establishing three interdisciplinary Centers in Environmental Health Sciences, Environmental Genomics, and Environmental Asthma, illustrating his commitment to bringing together an array of scientific expertise with state-of-the-art technology to tackle critical individual and public health issues.  Throughout his career, Dr. Schwartz has made numerous contributions toward understanding the role that biological and genetic determinants play in the onset of diseases that are influenced by environmental exposures. His research identified endotoxins or lipopolysaccaride (LPS) as an important cause of airway disease among those exposed to agricultural dusts. He is recognized for identifying a specific genetic variation in the Toll-4 gene that is associated with a diminished response to LPS, and places individuals at higher risk of sepsis and a lower risk of atherosclerosis. Dr. Schwartz's interest in environmental lung disease has provided new insights into many other areas including the pathophysiology and biology of asbestos induced lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, environmental airway diseases, and innate immunity. Dr. Schwartz has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed research papers, 38 book chapters, and a textbook. He has served on numerous editorial boards, scientific study sections, and advisory panels.