Engage with our presentations and experts throughout the event.

Poster 109: Impact of Vaping on Subgingival Microbiota and Its Association With Periodontal Disease

Date: Monday, May 18, 2026

Time: 9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. EST

Location: W202 (Level II, OCCC West Concourse)

Presenters:

Christa Wright, Ph.D., is the senior research director of the Center for Toxicology & Human Health within UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights. Her work aims to unravel particle and chemical-mediated molecular mechanisms that cause cellular phenotypic changes, which may lead to disease development. She uses cutting-edge instrumentation to link chemical and particle emission exposures from various consumer products to adverse cellular outcomes using a systems biology approach.

Xiajoia He, Ph.D., is a research scientist at UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights. His research focuses on systems toxicology, studying how environmental exposures, such as heavy metals and VOCs, affect host-microbiome interactions and human health. Using multi-omics approaches, he aims to identify biomarkers that bridge critical gaps in the exposure-to-disease continuum, ultimately helping mitigate health risks.

Maureen Meister, Ph.D., is a research scientist at UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights. Her research focuses on exploring the respiratory health implications of various consumer products and occupational exposures. She participates in human subjects’ studies investigating the impact of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) exposure on oral and respiratory health.

Shaligram Sharma, Ph.D., is a research scientist at UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights, focusing on environmental toxicology and PFAS exposure across various human cell types. His research includes chemical profiling of consumer fragrances, toxicity assessments of lithium-ion battery emissions, and vaping exposure studies. Shaligram also conducts transcriptomic analyses to explore cellular responses to chemical exposures.

Poster: The Science Education and Research on Vaping and Interventions for Community Engagement (SERVICE) Guide

Date: Monday, May 18, 2026

Time: 3:27 p.m. – 3:41 p.m. EST

Location: West F1 (Level II, OCCC West Concourse)

Presenter:

Christa Wright, Ph.D., is the senior research director of the Center for Toxicology & Human Health within UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights. Her work aims to unravel particle and chemical-mediated molecular mechanisms that cause cellular phenotypic changes, which may lead to disease development. She uses cutting-edge instrumentation to link chemical and particle emission exposures from various consumer products to adverse cellular outcomes using a systems biology approach.

The American Thoracic Society improves global health by advancing research, patient care, and public health in pulmonary disease, critical illness, and sleep disorders.

For more information, see this year’s program agenda.