Dr Jessica Laine Carmeli

Consultant, Writer, Researcher, Educator, Birth worker, and all around Change maker

Research is progressing at an unprecedented speed, yet challenges ​persist in research quality and the application of research findings. ​Importantly, individuals who could benefit the most from research ​findings are often not empowered to implement the knowledge for ​meaningful change. I’m here to improve the quality of health ​research and bridge the gaps between evidence and practice and ​between research and the public. I specialize in perinatal health but ​have a wide range of knowledge and expertise to offer.

Who is this for?

If you are an academic, a non-governmental, a governmental organization, or a business looking to outsource aspects of your work, improve the quality of your research, need an epidemiologist and public health scientist to assist on a range of workstreams then you have come to the right place.

How am I different?

I am committed to excellence in the services I provide. You will receive the highest quality of work and be met with professionalism, respect, and kindness. I am interdisciplinary in training and thought with a range of expertise and experiences in many public and personalized health areas, with specialties in maternal and child health. I produce high-quality, technically-sound, timely work products.

What you can expect?

I can be hired for individual tasks, short or long term projects. We will work together to conduct a needs assessment for your particular project, timeline, and deliverables. I am registered as an independent consultant, JLC consulting, in Switzerland.

Consulting services provided

I have been a researcher for over a decade. My interdisciplinary academic training ​led me through a path of biology, ecology, environmental toxicology, and eventually ​to epidemiology and public health. My postdoctoral training was embedded in the ​interdisciplinary field of the exposome, where I assessed key aspects that influence ​maternal and child health. I hold a research position at the University of Bern and ​am an honorary researcher at Imperial College London where I research various ​aspects of maternal and child health.

See my academic CV and academic webpage for more details

If you cannot access any of my publications contact me and I will send them to you

My works are featured in academic journals and books. I have recently begun freelance writing and am writing a book. This page will be updated accordingly to display these writings. If you would like to feature my writing in news, magazines, and online publications please contact me.

As a consultant, I work to improve research quality. I am a trained epidemiologist and have worked as a scientist and public health researcher for over a decade.

As a writer, I translate research, and expose personal experiences, informing women, birthing persons, and families about various aspects of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

As a researcher, I work in perinatal epidemiology to understand and improve health, particularly for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

As an educator, I aim to teach students, professionals, and individuals through various platforms, including higher education classes, online and individual private sessions, with writings and musings, and via an upcoming podcast.

As a birthworker, I provide resources and a safe environment for women and birthing persons to explore and discover their power for birth.

Follow

Email: jessicalainecarmeli@gmail.com

Testimonials

I have collaborated with Jessica on multiple ​occasions, employing her for writing, ​editing, and scientific support. Recently, her ​timely feedback and valuable input were ​crucial for a public health grant project.

-Associate Professor in Social Epidemiology, ​Switzerland

Dr Laine Carmeli demonstrated an exceptional ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise reports. Additionally, her expertise in epidemiology provided us with a deeper understanding of the literature and data, enabling us to identify key knowledge and practice gaps. Her professionalism and dedication to excellence have made her an indispensable member of our collaborative efforts, and I look forward to working with her on future projects.

-International NGO

Jessica provided statistical consulting services, analyzing clinical data for our research project. She was professional, prompt, communicative, and thorough in the analyses. She provided expertise in methodology and advised us towards more sound methods. I will hire her again for analyses and epidemiological support.

- Obstetrician and Researcher, Switzerland

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy (August 2011–May 2017)

Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA.

• Thesis: Investigation of nutritional biomarkers associated with metabolism of inorganic arsenic and infant birthweight. Doctoral Defense Date: 11.04.2017. Advisors: Rebecca Fry and David Richardson

• Master of Science (August 2007–December 2009)

Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Boone, USA.

• Thesis: Toxicological properties of metal runoff into Appalachian watersheds. Advisor: Shea Tuberty

• Graduate Certificate: Women’s Studies: Ecofeminism and Intersectionality within Reproductive Toxicology

• Bachelor of Science (August 2003–May 2006)

Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Boone, USA.

• Major: Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Biology (Cum Laude)

• Minor: Business Minor: Sustainable Development

Postdoctoral Academic Trainings

• Citizen Science School, University of Zurich, CH, April 2021

• Introduction to Machine Learning for Causal Inference, Bremen, DE, March 2019

• High Performance Computing Training, Imperial College London, UK, May 2019, February 2018, August 2017

• Rostock Retreat: Causal Inference with Graphical Models, Max Plank Inst., DE, June 2018

• Mixomics advanced workshop for cross-omics Paris-Saclay, FR, June 2018

• Exposome Advanced Short Course, Imperial College London, UK, April 2018

• Euro Causal Inference Short Course: DAGS, Instrumental Variables, IT, April 2018

• Nutrigenetics, Nutrigenomics, & Precision Nutrition, UNC, USA, May 2017

Birthworker Trainings

• Childbirth Educator Training and Certification, Birthworks International, Expected Completion October 2025

• Member of the Reclaiming Childbirth Collective, Dr Rachel Reed September 2023- September 2024

Employment history

• Research Associate, Institute for Social and Preventative Medicine (ISPM), Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID) University of Bern, Bern, CH, November 2023-current (50%) Supervisor: Marcel Zwahlen

• JLC consulting, Epidemiological Consultant, and Scientific Writer, Self Employed January 2024-current

• Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute for Social and Preventative Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, CH, December 2021–November 2023 (note: 17 months leave taken), Supervisor: Ben Spycher

• Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Statistical Consultant, Institute for Social and Preventative Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern and Inselspital, Bern, CH, October 2020–December 2021, Supervisor: Oscar Franco

• Medical Research Council Early Career Research Fellow, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, UK, July 2017–October 2020, Supervisor: Paolo Vineis

• Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA, August 2012– May 2017, Supervisor: Rebecca Fry

• National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences T32 Trainee, Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA, August 2011–August 2012, Supervisor: Rebecca Fry

• Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Boone, USA, August 2009–May 2011, Supervisor: Shea Tuberty

• Research Assistant Children’s Environmental Health Initiative, Nicholas School of the Environment, Durham, USA, May–August 2011, Supervisor: Marie Lynn Miranda,

• Undergraduate Research Assistant, Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Boone, USA, August 2003–May 2006, Supervisor: Richard Henson

Career breaks

• Maternity Leave (6 March 2023–1 November 2023)

• Sick Leave (1 June 2022–5 March 2023)

• Maternity Leave (1 January 2020–15 October 2020)

Institutional responsibilities

• Postgraduate teaching, August 2017–Current

• Causality journal club coordinator, University of Bern, Bern, CH, January 2021–December 2022

• Post-doctoral representative Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, UK, August 2018–October 2020

• Epidemiology and Biostatistics journal club leader, Imperial College London, London, UK, August 2017–October 2020

• President of Biology Graduate Student Association, Appalachian State University, Boone, USA, August 2007–December 2009

Approved research projects

• “Overcoming Barriers to Breastfeeding in Switzerland during Infectious Disease Pandemics.” MCID Early Career Research Grant for Women. University of Bern, Bern CH, November 2023–November 2025

144,983 CHF, Principal Investigator

• “Vaginal microbiome of women with adverse pregnancy conditions, the potential for personalized medicine.” UniBe Investigator Grant, University of Bern, Bern CH, November 2023–November 2024

28,000 CHF, Principal Investigator

• “Effectiveness of echocardiographic screening of pregnant women during antenatal care: a cluster randomized crossover trial in Nepal”. Bangerter Rhyner Foundation, Bern CH, June 2021–June 2026

500,000 CHF, Project Partner

• “A systems approach to zero pollution: Integrating atmospheric modelling and epidemiological modelling to assess societal effects of mixtures” MIT-Imperial Seed Fund, Imperial College London, UK, June 2021–June 2022

50,000 CHF, Co-Principal Investigator

• “Causality in the Exposome.” Medical research council and public health England Early Career Research Fellowship, Imperial College London, UK, July 2017–October 2020

150,000 CHF, Fellowship

• “Nutritional and Toxicological Biomarkers of Exposure and Predictive modeling to Examine the Impacts of Nutritional Intervention in an Arsenic Exposed Population.” KC Donnelly Externship Award Supplement of from the National Institute for Environmental -Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program, USA, June 2016–August 2016

10,000 CHF, Principal Investigator

Supervision of junior researchers

• Supervisor for Postdoctoral Research, University of Bern, CH

• Octavio Espinola Pano. September 2022- August 2023. Research Topic: Co-benefits and Sustainable Diets in Children

• Supervisor for BSc projects, Imperial College London UK,

• Rebecca Ward. May 2019. Thesis: Co-benefits and Sustainable Diets

Teaching activities

Lectures:

• CAS Sex and Gender Specific Medicine, “The role of sex and gender specific environmental and lifestyle exposures in reproductive health”, University of Bern, Bern, CH, April 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

• “Pregnancy complications long term health effects for mothers and their offspring.” MSc Midwifery, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, CH, November 2021

• “Omics and non-communicable diseases”, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK, March 2019

Co-Module Leader:

• BSc Global Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK, August 2017–May 2019

Teaching Assistantships:

• “Principles of Epidemiology for Public Health”, Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA, August 2016

• “Epidemiology for Environmental Scientists” (2 times), Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA, January 2016, January 2017

• “Biology Laboratory” (8 times), Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Boone, USA, August 2007– December 2009

• “Genetics Laboratory” (2 times), Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Boone, USA, January 2010–December 2010

Scientific reviewing activities

• Environmental Health Perspectives

• International Journal for Epidemiology

Memberships in scientific societies

• ATGENDER, member since 2022

• International Society for Research in Human Milk and Lactation (ISRHML), member since August 2021

• International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE), member since August 2011

• Society for Epidemiology (SER), member since August 2011

• Society of Toxicology (SOT), member August 2010–May2017

• R-Ladies London, member since July 2017

• Association for Women in Science (AWIS), member August 2010–August 2012

• Society of Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), member August 2007–August 2012

Prizes, awards, fellowships

• Medical research council and public health England Early Career Research Fellowship, ICL, UK, July 2017–October 2020

• KC Donnelly Externship Award Supplement from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program, USA, June 2016–August 2016

• Superfund Research Program Trainee Award, USA, August 2012–May 2017

• National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences Training (T32) Fellowship, USA, August 2011–August 2012

• Office of Student Research Grant, Appalachian State University, USA, January 2010

• Sigma Xi award recipient, USA, January 2007

Community Outreach

• Imperial College Science Festival, exhibition participant, UK, October 2018, October 2019

• North Carolina Science Teachers Workshop: Water Quality and Human Health from Arsenic Exposure to Biological Response, instructor, USA, May 2015

• NC Science Festival, exhibition participant, USA, April 2012, April 2013, April 2016

• Femmes Duke University and Durham Public Schools, volunteer for STEM outreach, May- August 2013

Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals

1. Laine, JE. Birth is not Binary: Avoiding a major pitfall in perinatal epidemiology. In preparation

2. Laine, JE. Matrescence: Are we missing the mark in maternal health? In preparation

3. Laine JE, Batram-Zantvoort, and C Miani. The role of birth integrity in maternal, infant, and children’s health. 2024 In preparation.

4. Laine, JE. Breastfeeding barriers in Switzerland. In preparation.

5. Handakas E, Robinson O, Laine JE. The Exposome Approach to Study Children’s Health. Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health. February 2023.

6. Laine JE. Research needs to support infant and child feeding during humanitarian crises, exemplified by the current war in Ukraine. International Breastfeeding Journal. November 2023 Accepted

7. Roa-Díaz, ZM, Menassa, M, C Díaz Rios, O Pano Espínola, M Gamba, A Mavrodaris, R Chowdhury, JE Laine, OH Franco. Sustainable aging: at the intersection of human and planetary health. Lancet Aging. August 2023. In submission.

8. Pano, O, GM Rincón, V Bullón-Vela, I Aguilera-Buenosvinos, ZM Roa-Díaz, B Minder, D Kopp-Heim, JE Laine, Martínez González, Sayón-Orea C. Eating Behaivors and Health Related Quality of Life: A Scoping Review. Maturitas. August 2022.

9. Laine JE. War in Europe: health implications of environmental nuclear disaster amidst war. European journal of epidemiology. Mar 2022.

10. X Guo, OH Franco, Laine JE. Accelerated Ageing in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Dilemma for Healthy Ageing: Maturitas, 157:68-69. Mar 2022.

11. Laine JE, Huybrechts I, Gunter MJ, Ferrari. P, Weiderpass E, Tsilidis K, Aune D, Schulze MB, Bergmann M, Temme EHM, Boer JMA, Agnoli C, Ericson U Stubbendorff A, Ibsen DB, Dahm CC, Deschasaux M, Touvier M, Kesse-Guyot E, Sánchez M, Rodríguez Barranco M, Tong T, Papier K, Knuppel A, Boutron-Ruault M, Mancini F, Severi G, Srour B, Kühn T, MASALA G, Agudo A, Skeie G, Rylander C, Sandanger TM, Riboli W, Vineis, P. Co-benefits from sustainable dietary shifts for population and environmental health: an assessment from a large European cohort study. Lancet Planet Health, (21)00250-3, Oct 2021

12. Roa-Diaz ZM., Raguindin PR, Bano A, Laine JE, Muka T, Glisic M. Menopause and cardiometabolic diseases: What we (don't) know and why it matters. Maturitas, 152:48-56, Oct 2021

13. Laine JE, Bodinier B, Robinson O, Plusquin M, Scalbert A, Keski-Rahkonen P, Robinot N, Vermeulen R, Pizzi C, Asta F, Nawrot T, Gulliver J, Chatzi L, Kogevinas M, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Sunyer J, Vrijheid M, Chadeau-Hyam M, Vineis P. Prenatal exposure to multiple air pollutants, mediating molecular mechanisms, and shifts in birthweight. Envir Sci & Tech, 54(22):14502-14513, Nov 2020

14. Mancini FR, Laine JE, Tarallo S, Vlaanderen J, Vermeulen R, van Nunen E, Hoek G, Probst-Hensch N, Imboden M, Jeong A, Gulliver J, Chadeau-Hyam M, Nieuwenhuijsen M, de Kok TM, Piepers J, Krauskopf J, Kleinjans JCS, Vineis P, Naccarati A. microRNA expression profiles and personal monitoring of exposure to particulate matter. Environ Pollut, 263:114392, Aug 2020

15. Laine, JE, Baltar VT, Stringini S, Gandini M, Chadeau-Hyam M, Kivimaki M, Severi G, Perduca V, Hodge AM, Dugué P, Giles GG, Milne RL, Barros H, Sacerdote C, Krogh V, Panico S, Tumino R, Goldberg M, Zins M, Delpierre C, Lifepath Consortium,Vineis P. Reducing Socioeconomic Inequalities in All-Cause Mortality: A Counterfactual Mediation Approach. Int J Epidemiol, 49(2):497-510, Apr 2020

16. Laine JE, Ilievski J, Richardson D, Herring AH, Stýblo M, Rubio-Andrade M, Garcia-Vargas G, Gamble MV, Fry RC. Maternal one carbon metabolism and arsenic methylation in a pregnancy cohort in Mexico. J of Expo Sci and Environ Epidemol, 28, 505-514, Sept 2018

17. Laine JE, Bailey KA, Olshan AF, Smeester L, Drobná Z, Stýblo M, Douillet C, ,García-Vargas G, Rubio-Andrade M, Pathmasiri W, McRitchie S, Sumner SJ, Fry RC. Neonatal Metabolomic Profiles Related to Prenatal Arsenic Exposure. Envir Sci & Tech, 51(1), 625-633, Dec 2017

18. Laine JE, and Fry RC. A Systems Toxicology-based Approach Reveals Biological Pathways Dysregulated by Prenatal Arsenic Exposure. Ann Glob Health, 82(1), 189-96, Jan 2016

19. Laine JE, Ray P, Bodnar W, Cable PH, Boggess K, Offenbaucher S, Fry RC. Placental Cadmium Levels are associated with increased Preeclampsia Risk. PLoS One, 10(9), Sept 2015

20. Laine JE, Bailey KA, Rubio-Andrade M, Olshan AF, Smeester L, Drobná Z, Herring AH, Stýblo M, García-Vargas GG, Fry RC. Maternal arsenic exposure, arsenic methylation efficiency, and birth outcomes in the Biomarkers of Exposure to ARsenic (BEAR) pregnancy cohort in Mexico. Environ Health Perspect, 123(2), 186-92, Feb 2015

21. Bailey KA, Laine JE, Rager JE, Sebastian E, Olshan A, Smeester L, Drobná Z, Styblo M, Rubio-Andrade M, García-Vargas G, Fry RC. Prenatal arsenic exposure and shifts in the newborn proteome: interindividual differences in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-responsive signaling. Toxicol Sci, 139(2), 328-37, Jun 2014

22. Rager JE, Bailey KA, Smeester L, Miller SK, Parker JS, Laine JE, Drobná Z, Currier J, Douillet C, Olshan AF, Rubio-Andrade M, Stýblo M, García-Vargas G, Fry RC. Prenatal arsenic exposure and the epigenome: altered microRNAs associated with innate and adaptive immune signaling in newborn cord blood. Environ Mol Mutagen, 55(3), 196-208, Apr 2014

23. Sanders AP, Smeester L, Rojas D, DeBussycher T, Wu MC, Wright FA, Zhou YH, Laine JE, Rager JE, Swamy GK, Ashley-Koch A, Lynn Miranda M, Fry RC. Cadmium exposure and the epigenome: Exposure-associated patterns of DNA methylation in leukocytes from mother-baby pairs. Epigenetics, 2014, 9(2), 212-21, Feb, 2014

Books

1. Laine, JE. Empowered birth: Making informed birth choices based on evidence and intuition. 2024. In preparation

2. Laine, JE. Birthing Change. A fictional novel of a women leader in reproductive and climate justice in Nepal. In preparation

3. Laine, JE. Toxic Bodies: Embodiment and Feminist Solutions In preparation

Book chapters

1. Laine, JE, L-One-Ly Virus, Vital Signals: Virtual Futures, Near-Future Fictions, Editors: Dan O'Hara, Tom Ward, Stephen Oram, Publisher Virtual Futures. March 2, 2019

2. Laine, JE and Robinson O, Framing Fetal and Early Life Exposome within Epidemiology, Unraveling the Exposome: A Practical View, Editors: Dagnino, Macherone, Publisher: Springer Nature. 2019

3. Dagino, S and Laine JE, “Exposomics and Environmental Monitoring”, Toxicology for the Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Editors: Antonio Peña-Fernández, Mark E. Evans, and Marcus S. SBN 9781138303362 December 22, 2021, by CRC Press

Symposium organizer

1. Laine, JE and AR Zota. Undermeasured and undervalued: Examining social-structural factors in women’s and children’s global environmental health symposium. International Society for Environmental Epidemiology Annual Meeting. 2022 (Athens, GR).

2. Laine, JE, Causality Seminar Series. Imperial College London. 2018 (London, UK)

Oral contributions to conferences (invited talks)

1. Laine, JE, Birth is not Binary and Other Pitfalls in Perinatal Epidemiology. Berlin Epidemiological Methods Colloquium. July (2024).

2. Laine, JE, Speaker and Panelist. Roundtable: Anti-inflammatory vs. sustainable dietary patterns throughout the life course. European Public Health Conference, Published in European Journal of Public Health Volume 33 Supplement 2, 2023. November 2023 (Dublin, IE)

3. Laine, JE, Perinatal and children’s environmental epidemiology: What about birth integrity?” International Society for Environmental Epidemiology Annual Meeting. September 2022 (Athens, GR)

4. Laine, JE, Co-benefits population health. Climate change, biodiversity, human health and societies: Threats, opportunities and research needs. College de France, Paris. June 2022 (Paris, FR)

5. Laine JE, Exposome methods: Assessing cross-omics as mediators of multiple exposures and health/disease states. International Society for Environmental Epidemiology Annual Meeting. August 2019 (Utrecht, NL)

6. Laine JE, Cross-omics mediation in Epidemiology: Moving beyond biomarkers and into molecular mechanisms. Society for Epidemiological Research. June 2019 (MN, USA)

7. Laine, JE, Advances in molecular epidemiology to reduce childhood exposures. Regional Meeting on Children’s Environmental Health (CEH). May 2019 (Bangkok, TH)

8. Laine JE, Lifepath and Exposomics Project. April 2019. CHAIN Kick-Off Meeting. April 2019 (Trondheim, NO)

9. Laine JE, Comparison of mediation methods for causal inference of socioeconomic status, diet, and mortality. July 2018. Congress of Epidemiology (Lyon, FR)

10. Laine, JE, Addressing Causality of Multi-omics Across the Lifecourse. Gordon Research Conference on Human Genetic Variation and Disease. University of New England. June 2018 (ME, USA)

11. Laine JE, Addressing Causality of Multi-omics Across the Lifecourse. Imperial College, London, February 2018 (London, UK)

12. Laine JE, Air Pollution and the Exposome. Global Health Forum: Health and cities - air pollution. Imperial College, London, February 2018 (London, UK)

13. Laine JE, Some Insights Into Causal Modelling Applied to Epidemiology. Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, December 2017 (Turin, IT)

14. Laine JE, Investigation of Nutritional Biomarkers Associated with Maternal Metabolism of Inorganic Arsenic and Infant Birthweight. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program, December 2017 (PA, USA)

15. Laine JE, and Robinson O. Cord blood metabolomic signatures of birthweight and the exposome. International Society for Environmental Epidemiology Annual Meeting, September 2017 (Sydney, AUS)

16. Laine JE, Causal Mediation by Inorganic Arsenic Metabolism on Dietary Associated Birthweight. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics Causality Seminar Series, Imperial College, London, October 2017 (London, UK)

17. Laine JE, Intervention on metabolism of inorganic arsenic during the prenatal period and risk for lower birthweight. Environmental Epidemiology Seminar Series, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, March 2016 (NC, USA)

18. Laine JE, Biomarkers of Arsenic Exposure: Tools to Understand Human Health, Susceptibility, and Risk Assessment. Departmental Seminar, Biology Department, Appalachian State University, October 2015 (NC, USA)

19. Laine JE, E Martin, RC Fry. Identifying genomic changes associated with prenatal arsenic exposure. Water Quality and Human Health | From Arsenic Exposure to Biological Response. UNC Superfund Research Program, March 2015 (NC, USA)

Scientific art performances

1. Laine, JE. Poetry Publication, “Confessions in the Last Drift Apart”, A poem on climate change. Black Coffee and Vinyl: Presents Ice Culture. 2019 https://www.blackcoffeevinyl.com/laine

2. Laine, JE. Short fiction reading, “L-one-LY Virus. Disease of the i-mortal”, Near Future Fictions, Virtual Futures. The Library, London UK. 2018

3. Laine, JE. Photography Publication: eno Magazine, the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University’s literary arts magazine. 2012

4. Laine, JE Photography Exhibit: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Public Health Outreach. “UNC eating disorders week public health outreach event”. 2012