Dr. Gwen Collman is an environmental epidemiologist and current President of the International Society of Environmental Epidemiology. She is one of the most influential leaders and supporters of exposure science in the history of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
Over a remarkable 41-year career at NIEHS, Dr. Collman helped shape both the scientific direction of the institute and the broader field of environmental health. She began as an intramural epidemiologist and went on to serve in many of the institute’s most consequential leadership roles—including Director of the Division of Extramural Research and Training, Acting Deputy Director, Director of the Office of Strategic Coordination, Planning, and Evaluation, and, most recently, Senior Advisor to the NIEHS Director.
Her leadership greatly expanded the NIEHS portfolio in population science and helped establish major initiatives in children’s environmental health, breast cancer and the environment, community-engaged research, exposomics, and the health consequences of climate-related disasters and extreme weather. Just as importantly, she has been a steadfast champion of interdisciplinary collaboration, research translation, and the development of the next generation of environmental health scientists.
During Dr. Collman’s Plenary fireside chat “ Looking Back in Order to Look Forward”, at the International Society for Environmental Exposure (ISES) Annual Meeting 2026, ISES leadership surprised Dr. Collman with a special recognition and gift to celebrate her service and commitment to the field and commemorate the special moment. The gift was a crystal glass ball with a bee and flowers. It said " In appreciation of your service and leadership pollinating the careers of so many and being a force behind exposure science blossoming into a critical pillar in Environmental Health. From ISES, with deep gratitude.”
Watch the Plenary Fireside Chat, “Looking Back in Order to Look Forward,” featuring Dr. Gwen Collman and Dr. Rima Habre.
Fun Fact:
- As a recent retiree, Gwen is delighted to have way more time to spend with her family. She and her husband, Mitch are parents to 4, including triplets, and grandparents to 2.
- Gwen has devoted a lot of time to advocating for and supporting her son David, who is multi-handicapped. David is deaf and over the years, Gwen learned ASL in order to communicate and integrate David into the Deaf community. She also volunteers her time supporting other families who have loved ones with special needs, as she has received support from so many parents throughout their family’s journey.