Personal profile
Research Interests
Dr. Bell’s research is focused on the effects of a chronic and ubiquitous environmental contaminant, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs are a model endocrine disrupting chemical, and are known to independently affect brain function, hormone actions, and immune processes. As such, the lab is interested in understanding how PCBs affect interactions between the neural, endocrine, and immune systems during development, and their long-term consequences on brain and behavior. They use molecular and behavioral analysis and cell culture to study this in a rat model. She is a member of the Society for Neuroscience, the Endocrine Society, and the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology.
Teaching
- Cell Biology (BIO 250)
- Introduction to Endocrinology (BIO 386)
- Brain and Behavior (BIO 126)
- Introduction to Biology I (BIO 191) Lab
- Physiology of Poverty (HLTH 325/BIO 225)
- Foundations of Health Sciences (HLTH 200)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology A (HLTH 301)
Related documents
Projects
- 2 Finished
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PCB-induced priming of microglial activity across sexes and development
Bell, M. (PI)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
8/1/22 → 7/31/25
Project: Research project
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Prenatal and pubertal two hit PCB exposure on social behavior & neural correlates
Bell, M. (PI)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
6/1/14 → 5/31/15
Project: Research project
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Advances and challenges in studying effects of EDCs on tissue-resident macrophages in inflammation
Bell, M. R., Walker, K. A., Valdez, G. M. & Dressel, C. E., Apr 1 2026, In: Journal of the Endocrine Society. 10, 4, bvag044.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review
Open Access -
Arsenic attenuates responsiveness to inflammatory stimuli in the SIM-A9 microglial cell line
Wang, L., Zhao, L., Boyett, J., Claypool, D., Adeleke, A., Kalinin, S., Cologna, S. M., Feinstein, D. L., Bell, M. R. & Sargis, R. M., May 2026, In: Neurotoxicology. 114, 103458.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Microglial responses to inflammatory challenge in adult rats altered by developmental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls in a sex-specific manner
Walker, K. A., Rhodes, S. T., Liberman, D. A., Gore, A. C. & Bell, M. R., Sep 2024, In: Neurotoxicology. 104, p. 95-115 21 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Repeat subconcussion in the adult rat gives rise to behavioral deficits similar to a single concussion but different depending upon sex
Wilson, R. J., Bell, M. R., Giordano, K. R., Seyburn, S. & Kozlowski, D. A., Feb 13 2023, In: Behavioural brain research. 438, p. 114206 114206.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Sex-specific effects of developmental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls on neuroimmune and dopaminergic endpoints in adolescent rats
Liberman, D. A., Walker, K. A., Gore, A. C. & Bell, M. R., May 1 2020, In: Neurotoxicology and teratology. 79, 106880.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access
Press/Media
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Health experts issue warning about baby clothing purchased from popular retailers: 'It's a substance that stays in the body'
7/3/25
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
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Beware fast fashion baby clothes, as studies find high chemical levels
4/28/25
2 items of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
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Study reveals effects of forever chemicals on brain development
4/16/25
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Michigan (June 8)
6/8/23
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research