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Office of Risk Assessment Research

The Office of Risk Assessment Research (ORAR) serves as the bridge between the basic science activities conducted by the NIEHS and the National Toxicology Program and the public health decision-making arena through a wide variety of educational and outreach programs directed at diverse audiences within the scientific, public policy, and academic communities. Through effective, innovative communication, the ORAR maximizes the utility of emerging risk assessment information, helping to ensure that public policy with regard to the risks of hazardous substances is based upon sound science. ORAR consults, plans, and coordinates various strategic initiatives undertaken by the institute that are related to risk assessment research issues including analysis and recommendations regarding long-range strategic planning. ORAR also serves as the communications liaison between the NIEHS and state, federal, and international research and public health agencies.

Christopher Portier, Ph.D., Associate director of the NIEHS
Christopher J. Portier, Ph.D.
Associate Director, NIEHS
Director, Office of Risk Assessment Research




Tel (919) 541-3484
Fax (919) 541-1994
portier@niehs.nih.gov
P.O. Box 12233
Mail Drop B2-01
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Delivery Instructions

Christopher Portier, Ph.D., is Associate Director of the NIEHS and Director of the Office of Risk Assessment Research. Portier organizes and coordinates all NIEHS research activities related to risk assessment. Previously, Portier was Director of the Environmental Toxicology Program at the NIEHS and Associate Director of the National Toxicology Program. Portier leads the Environmental Systems Biology Group(http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/lmt/esb/index.cfm) within the Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, where he conducts research into quantifying and modeling the interactions of mammalian systems with environmental agents. Portier received his Ph.D. in biostatistics from the University of North Carolina. He is an internationally recognized expert in the design and analysis of toxicology data and in risk assessment methodology. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and over 50 book chapters and reports

Dr. Portier's work for the NIEHS is focused on:

  • Risk Informatics Initiative
  • National Research Council Committee on Emerging Issues
  • Climate Change
  • World Health Organization Liaison
  • Other Oversight and Responsibilities  (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/about/od/orar/oversight.cfm)

Scientific and Support Staff


Kristina Thayer, Ph.D.
Deputy Director, ORAR
Tel (919) 541-5021
Fax (919) 541-1994
thayer@niehs.nih.gov

James Huff, Ph.D. (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/about/od/orar/huff.cfm)
Toxicologist
Tel (919) 541-3780
Fax (919) 541-5002
huff1@niehs.nih.gov

Tonya Stonham
Administrative Specialist
Tel (919) 541-3484
Fax (919) 541-1994
stonhamt@niehs.nih.gov

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This page URL: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/about/od/orar/index.cfm
NIEHS website: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/
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Last Reviewed: February 08, 2008