Maria S. Sepúlveda, Co-lead of the PFAS Strategic Research Team at ISF | Professor, Forestry and Natural Resources | Adjunct, Civil Engineering, Purdue University
Maria Sepúlveda has always been driven by a deep curiosity about the relationship between environmental health and the well-being of people and ecosystems. Her work began with a foundation in veterinary medicine and toxicology, but over time it evolved into something broader: a commitment to understanding how human activity shapes ecological systems and how science can guide sustainable solutions.
Today, as a co-lead of the Institute for a Sustainable Future’s PFAS Strategic Research Team, Maria brings this global perspective to advancing interdisciplinary approaches that protect water, biodiversity, and public health. She does not simply study environmental contaminants; she works to translate scientific discovery into meaningful impact.
A Leader Who Connects Science to Solutions
Maria’s leadership is grounded in both scientific rigor and real-world relevance. Her research in ecotoxicology focuses on understanding the effects of emerging contaminants—including PFAS, nanomaterials, pesticides, and oil—on aquatic organisms such as fish and amphibians. By bridging field-based research with advanced molecular tools, she uncovers the mechanisms of toxicity and evaluates ecological risk, providing the foundation for informed decision-making.
Her work reflects a clear belief: that protecting environmental systems is inseparable from protecting human health. This perspective allows her to collaborate across disciplines and sectors, connecting scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to address some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Why She Joined ISF — and Why She Matters to It
Maria’s involvement with ISF is a natural extension of her mission to generate actionable science that supports sustainability and environmental resilience. Through her work on the Indiana Statewide PFAS Assessment and related initiatives, she contributes to research that informs policy, strengthens water resource management, and advances ecosystem protection. She has also been instrumental in brining about the newly formed state-wide IN PFAS Network.
ISF’s interdisciplinary environment enables her to collaborate with colleagues across Purdue, expanding the reach and impact of her research. Her leadership within the institute helps ensure that scientific discoveries move beyond the laboratory and into practice.
A Nationally Recognized Voice in Environmental Toxicology
Maria’s influence extends well beyond Purdue. She has authored more than 180 peer-reviewed publications and numerous book chapters, and she is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences. She has led and collaborated on a robust portfolio of federally and state-funded research, including projects supported by the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation.
Through her scholarship and outreach, she contributes to advancing global understanding of emerging contaminants and their long-term impacts on ecosystems and communities.
An Invaluable Asset to Environmental Health and Sustainability Research
What makes Maria such a vital member of our leadership community is not only her scientific excellence, but the way she brings people and ideas together. Her presence strengthens ISF’s work by fostering innovation, collaboration, and measurable impact.
With a clear vision and deep expertise, she is not only a leader in environmental toxicology—she is a catalyst for advancing science that protects ecosystems, supports communities, and shapes a more sustainable future.