Amy Schultz

Biography

Dr. Amy Schultz is an environmental epidemiologist whose research examines how environmental contaminants affect human health, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Her work integrates biomonitoring, environmental exposure assessment, geospatial methods, and population-based cohorts to characterize environmental exposures, identify their sources and determinants, and evaluate associated health effects.

Dr. Schultz leads and collaborates on studies of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pesticides, metals, air pollution, and other environmental contaminants. Her current research includes a statewide biomonitoring study of pesticide and metal exposures among rural Wisconsin residents in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, community-engaged investigations of PFAS exposure and health in affected Midwest communities, and investigations on how air pollution and sleep affect cognitive aging and biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease. She is also developing research on occupational exposures among firefighters and hazardous-materials responders and respiratory health.

A central focus of her work is translating environmental health research into information that communities and public health agencies can use to reduce harmful exposures and improve health. She works closely with community organizations, local health departments, state agencies, clinical partners, and laboratory scientists to design and implement research, communicate individual and community-level findings, and inform public health action.

Dr. Schultz has extensive experience leading complex population-based and community-engaged research. She previously served as Associate Director of the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin, where she directed statewide data collection, ancillary studies, and research operations. She continues to contribute expertise in epidemiologic study design, cohort integration, data harmonization, and geospatial analysis across multidisciplinary research programs.