Barbara Beck

Principal & Director of Toxicology and Risk Assessment Practice, Gradient

Doctoral Degree in Molecular Biology and Microbiology from Tufts University

Specialty: Risk assessment, risk communication, metals toxicology, and inhalation toxicology

Dr. Beck is an expert in toxicology and in health risk assessment for environmental chemicals, especially metals and air pollutants and the author of over 30 book chapters and journal articles on these topics. Dr. Beck directs Gradient’s toxicology and risk assessment practice. She has performed site-specific risk assessments, developed risk assessment methodologies (e.g., for cumulative risk assessment), and has presented the results to different audiences including regulatory agencies, the U.S. Congress and the public. Before joining Gradient, she was Chief of Air Toxics Staff in Region I EPA. Prior to that she was a Fellow in the Interdisciplinary Programs in Health at the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Beck is at present a Visiting Scientist in Toxicology at Harvard School of Public Health.