Her focus is on the sublethal health effects of environmental pollutants, especially on pollutant effects on the developing organism. Recent research has emphasized the effects of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and related congeners on the developing avian nervous system using a combination of neuroanatomical, immunohistological, biochemical, and behavioral techniques. The studies are designed for ultimate use in improved risk assessment procedures. Her teaching interests lie in the fields of developmental toxicology, risk assessment, and risk communication. Professor Henshel received her Ph.D. in neurobiology from Washington University in 1987