WELCOME TO PEEAS
ABOUT ME
Dr. Bo Y Park
I am a Perinatal Epidemiologist and Associate Professor of Public Health at California State University, Fullerton. I earned my PhD in Epidemiology from Drexel University and completed postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University. My research investigates how environmental exposures influence maternal and child health, with emphasis on pregnancy and neonatal development as critical windows of susceptibility.
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My work integrates developmental biology, occupational and environmental health, and epidemiologic methods to examine how exposures—ranging from endocrine-disrupting chemicals to wildfire smoke, fireworks, and air pollution—affect pregnancy outcomes and long-term child health. I am particularly interested in identifying preventable environmental risks that contribute to adverse perinatal outcomes.
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Through this research, my goal is to advance understanding of how environmental hazards shape maternal and child health and to inform strategies for prevention. I am also committed to training the next generation of public health scientists, engaging students in research that bridges environmental epidemiology with urgent challenges in reproductive and perinatal health.
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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.