Prior to being selected as the FASS Congressional Science Fellow, Avenel Joseph obtained her doctorate in Reproductive Biology from the University of Illinois, while a visiting researcher at Emory University School of Medicine. Additionally, she holds a B.S. degree in Animal Sciences from Penn State University and a M.S. degree from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Avenel’s interests have centered on reproductive, developmental and maternal health. She has focused her efforts on the hormonal regulation of reproductive and developmental processes and the mechanisms whereby environmental agents can interfere with this hormonal regulation and lead to disease and/or reproductive dysfunction. She is interested in utilizing her background to develop, refine and promote initiatives regarding food safety, biological threats, public health and research programs. Avenel is an active member of the Endocrinology Society, Society for the Study of Reproduction and the American Society of Andrology where she was honored with the society’s highest trainee research award. Her research has been supported through grants from the NIEHS Interdisciplinary Environmental Toxicology Program and by a National Research Service Award from NICHD.