Dr. Joanna Burger is a pioneer in understanding how chemicals, such as mercury and lead, move through the food chain, and the health implications for both biota and humans. Her work includes metals analysis of diverse biota, understanding risk from subsistence foods such as fish, and the intersection between human health and the environment, including risk communication. She has worked closely with Native American communities to address environmental risks, especially concerning radionuclides, mercury and chromium. She is currently a Distinguished Professor of Biology at Rutgers University. She has served on several U.S. National of Academy Committees, as well as committees for EPA on endocrine disruptors, climate change, and toxicological problems. She is a Fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the International Union for Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), and the American Association of University Women. She has received the Distinguished Career Award from the Proteomass Society, and from Risk Analysis Society, as well as the Brewster Medal for the Ornithological Union. She has authored or edited 27 books, 104 book chapters, and over 600 refereed papers. She serves on the Editorial Boards of several journals.