
WELCOME TO PEEAS
Overview of My Research

ABOUT ME
Dr. Bo Y Park
I am a perinatal epidemiologist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health at California State University, Fullerton. I earned my PhD in Epidemiology from the Drexel University and was a postdoctoral scholar at the Johns Hopkins University. My current research pursuits are centered around understanding the intricate relationships between our environment and human health, with a particular emphasis on the critical periods of pregnancy and neonatal development.
As an undergrad at UC Berkeley, I was fascinated with developmental biology and the role endocrine system played in initiating and sustaining fetal development. After graduation I had great opportunities to work at two institutions examining the occupational exposure where I learned first hand how prevalent environmental exposures are even in developed nation like the United States.
I embarked on my doctoral program to bring these two interest together and began my work on determining the association between endocrine disruption and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism. My goal is to work with students to better understand the role of environmental exposure in pregnancy and bring awareness on environmental hazards.
Feel free to get in touch with me to say hi or for more information about my work.
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MY RESEARCH
Unlocking Life’s Mysteries

ROLE OF HORMONE DURING PREGNANCY
The pivotal role of hormones during pregnancy underscores their critical influence on maternal and fetal well-being. Hormones orchestrate a myriad of physiological processes, including embryo implantation, placental development, and the regulation of maternal metabolism. These intricate hormonal interactions are essential for maintaining a conducive environment for fetal growth and development. A deeper understanding of how hormone imbalances, such as those associated with conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), interact with other factors like pre-pregnancy obesity could offer invaluable insights into maternal and child health outcomes.
CALIFORNIA NATURAL FIRE
As wildfires become increasingly frequent and intense, their associated smoke emissions encompass a complex mixture of pollutants that can profoundly affect air quality and thus, maternal health. By scrutinizing the intricate interplay between these environmental factors and pregnancy, we aim to shed light on the potential impacts of natural fires on both maternal well-being and child health. This multifaceted investigation holds the promise of yielding valuable insights that can inform policies, interventions, and healthcare approaches to safeguard the health and resilience of expectant mothers and their offspring.


THEÂ MINORITY ASIAN MOTHERS OF AMERICA (MAMA) STUDY
The understanding of birth complications and outcomes among Asian American women remains notably limited in comparison to other minority groups. Moreover, the categorization of Asian Americans encompasses a diverse spectrum of cultural and geographical ancestries, thereby contributing to the complexity of this population's health dynamics. This intricacy underscores the pressing need for heightened research efforts aimed at comprehending the specific risk factors inherent to Asian American mothers during both the pregnancy and postpartum periods. By bridging this knowledge gap, we can foster targeted interventions and healthcare strategies that cater to the unique requirements of this population, ultimately improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes within the Asian American community.
PEEAS TEAM
Get to Know Us

BO Y. PARK, MPH PHD
Principal Investigator

ARRIEL ALVAREZ
Undergraduate Researcher

ROBYN PHAN
Undergraduate Researcher

MARTIN CASTRO
Undergraduate Researcher

SARAH HAN
Undergraduate Researcher

IRIS YANG
Volunteer Researcher