Dr. He has made significant and original contributions to metals toxicology, spanning nanotoxicology, redox biology, exposure science, and systems-level multi-omics approaches. His work has advanced mechanistic understanding of how metal and metal-containing particle exposures drive oxidative injury and disease-relevant biological responses.

“Dr. He’s scientific rigor, productivity, and leadership within the Society of Toxicology, especially the Metals Specialty Section, exemplify the mission and legacy of the Bruce A. Fowler Award,” said Dean P. Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine and Director, Clinical Biomarkers Laboratory, Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, who nominated Dr. He.

His research bridges exposure characterization, metallomics, and systems toxicology, and he applies these integrated approaches with depth to elucidate how metals from environmental and consumer product sources contribute to biological injury. His efforts have substantially strengthened Chemical Insight’s research portfolio in electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), with notable emphasis on heavy metal–associated proteomic and metabolomic perturbations and their links to inflammatory responses, host-microbiome interaction and immune function, and disease-relevant pathways. These contributions have positioned Chemical Insights as a national leader in applying high-resolution analytical approaches to contemporary challenges in metal exposure science.

Dr. He’s research is designed not only to deepen scientific understanding but also to deliver actionable insights relevant to metal-related risk assessment, chemical safety evaluation, and evidence-based public health protection. His work has already informed internal frameworks for evaluating metal exposures in consumer aerosols and is increasingly contributing to external scientific and regulatory discussions on metal-associated risks.

The award was presented at a ceremony during the 2026 Society of Toxicology (SOT) Annual Meeting and ToxExpo.

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About UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights

UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights conducts scientific research on chemicals and their risks to people’s health. Through open science, education, and collaboration, we provide trusted toxicity and exposure information to help regulatory agencies, companies, educators, and communities make informed decisions that protect public health