Kristen Lyall, Sc.D.

Dr. Lyall is an Assistant Professor in the Modifiable Risk Factors Program of the Institute. Her work focuses on examining environmental factors during critical time frames of early brain development, in order to learn more about factors influencing neurodevelopment and Autism. Current projects are aimed at examining the role of prenatal dietary factors, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during pregnancy, and the joint effects of these exposures, in relationship to Autism and broader traits. An additional area of interest is in measuring and capturing variability in Autism and utilizing quantitative traits to better understand autism epidemiology.  

As an epidemiologist with training in psychiatric, reproductive, and nutritional epidemiology, Dr. Lyall has examined a range of factors in relation to Autism. She is involved in both large US consortia, as well as smaller studies and international projects.  

Dr. Lyall received her doctorate in epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health and did her postdoctoral training at the UC Davis MIND Institute. Following postdoctoral work, she also worked as a Research Scientist in the California Department of Public Health, in the Environmental Health Investigations Branch.