Joanne Colt, Environmental Epidemiologist, Retires from NCI

May 31, 2016, by DCEG Staff

Joanne S. Colt, M.P.H., M.S., Assistant Chief of the Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch (OEEB), retired from the NCI in June 2016. Over the past two decades Ms. Colt has investigated occupational and environmental causes of cancer. She made many contributions as co-investigator on a study examining the role of pesticide exposure in the risk of childhood leukemia. She served as co-principal investigator on an investigation into the effect of hypertension, antihypertensive medications, and other factors on risk for renal cell cancer among whites and African Americans in the U.S. As part of the NCI collaborative New England Bladder Cancer Study, Ms. Colt examined the influence of occupational exposure to metalworking fluids on bladder cancer risk among men. Ms. Colt also advanced environmental epidemiology methods with her work on the development of a pesticide exposure matrix designed to help researchers identify the active ingredients to which residents are likely exposed when their homes and gardens are treated for pests.

In recognition of her service, Ms. Colt received several awards over the years, including an NIH Award of Merit, NIH Quality of Work Life Award, and the NCI DCEG Award for Outstanding Research Paper by a Staff Scientist.

“Joanne has provided tremendous support to the branch over her career. We will miss her strategic problem solving that has kept the branch running smoothly, as well as her major contributions to our research program,” said Debra Silverman, Sc.D., Chief of OEEB.