Alok Deoraj

Dr. Alok Deoraj is a Teaching Professor of Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) and MPH-EHS Graduate Program Director in the College of Public Health and Social Work at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, FL. With a Ph.D. in Zoology-Immunology from the National Institute of Immunology-JNU, New Delhi, India, his academic background is rooted in fundamental biological sciences. His expertise was further developed through senior research roles in biotechnology, molecular biology, and biochemistry at institutions like the University of Maryland and the University of Texas Health Center, the private sector, and at FIU. 

Dr. Deoraj’s early work focused heavily on aquaculture biotechnology, specifically the neuroendocrine control of reproduction in fish. He conducted extensive research on gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) and their receptors (GnRH-R), developing techniques for environmental and hormonal control of reproduction, and gene transfer in fish embryos. In the biotech industry, his work on Environmental Toxicity and Pre-clinical drug discovery also included the development and maintenance of bio-secure aquatic research facilities to house the transgenic zebrafish models and genetically improved invertebrate models.  

This foundation in comparative physiology and molecular endocrinology has endowed Dr. Deoraj with a unique lens through which to view the impact of environmental stressors across species. His research focuses on molecular toxicology of environmental exposures, particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals, heavy metals, and complex mixtures that influence cancer risk, aging, and chronic disease. Using advanced approaches such as RNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and machine learning, he investigates how environmental pollutants interact with genetic and epigenetic pathways to drive disease processes. Recent projects include studying PFAS and mixed metal exposures, and endocrine disruptors in prostate and breast cancer. Dr. Deoraj’s recent work has been published in leading journals such as the International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Annals of Global Health. His recent collaborative work on mercury contamination and co-exposures in the Amazon Basin highlights a pressing environmental crisis with direct implications for both wildlife and human populations. Dr. Deoraj's work exemplifies the principles of One Health Toxicology, which recognizes that human, animal, and ecosystem health are inextricably linked. This comprehensive approach allows for a deeper understanding of how environmental toxicants affect biological systems universally. 

Dr. Deoraj teaches a wide range of courses that integrate Environmental Public Health, Global Health, One Health, Environmental Health Risk Assessment. His interdisciplinary courses—such as Health Without Borders and One Health: Of the People, By the People, For the People—encourage students to explore the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health. Dr. Deoraj advises and trains students at all levels—from undergraduates to Ph.D. candidates—on research projects involving molecular pathology, environmental stressors, and public health interventions. Recognized for excellence in teaching and service, he has received FIU’s Faculty Awards and now serves as a mentor in the NIH-funded Mentoring and Skills Development Training Program in One Health. Dr. Deoraj is also a member of professional societies, such as, Society of Toxicology (SOT), American Association of Cancer Research, and American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Academic Editor of PLOS ONE and International Jornal Of Molecular Sciences journals.