Jennifer Bruin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology & Institute of Biochemistry at Carleton University. The Bruin Lab at Carleton University studies diabetes, with an interest in the influence of environmental factors on pancreas development and beta cell health.
Diabetes is a chronic condition with devastating complications and an enormous global impact. Nearly 1 in 3 Canadians have either prediabetes or diabetes, yet the factors that trigger the onset of diabetes and influence diabetes progression are poorly understood. Healthy insulin production by pancreatic beta cells is critical for regulating blood sugar levels and, thus, any source of beta cell injury is likely to increase diabetes risk. Bruin’s work investigates how chronic exposure to environmental pollutants disrupts beta cell health and contributes to rising global diabetes rates.
Her project is aimed at clarifying how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – aka “forever chemicals” that are prevalent in the environment – adversely affect metabolic health. With a diverse team of collaborators from academia, industry, and government, her team will bridge diverse disciplines to address important questions at the interface of health and environment.
Bruin’s important research will equip policymakers with actionable evidence to make informed decisions about restricting chemical use to prevent or limit the progression of diabetes.
