Maria Bondesson

What type of research do you do and what fascinates you about it?

Growing up, I was drawn to environmental issues, likely influenced in part by my mother's own interests in environmental issues. That early interest led me to study biology as an undergraduate and later earn a doctorate in molecular biology. Over time, my work evolved to bridge both fields.

Today, my research examines how environmental pollutants affect humans and animals at the molecular level. Using zebrafish as a model, I study how toxic chemicals disrupt embryonic development, particularly the nervous, skeletal and vascular systems. More recently, I have focused on whether agricultural chemicals widely used in the Midwest may contribute to chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

What fascinates me most is the idea that prevention is more effective than treatment. By understanding how environmental exposures shape health at the earliest stages of development, my goal is to help reduce harmful exposures and protect both public health and ecosystems.

Before joining UIS in August 2025, I conducted large EU-funded projects at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and later spent eight years each at the University of Houston and Indiana University. I value interdisciplinary research and look forward to working with colleagues and students to advance this work.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I’ve long devoted much of my time to my close and extended family. Now that my children have left home, I’m looking forward to spending more time outdoors.

Downhill skiing is a particular passion, and the Rocky Mountains are my favorite destination. I also enjoy hiking, biking and kayaking. During the past eight years, I explored many of Indiana’s state parks and now look forward to discovering Illinois’ parks in the months ahead.

Have you traveled to any interesting places?

One of my most memorable trips was backpacking through Asia and Australia shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Two friends and I boarded the Trans-Siberian Railway in Moscow and traveled by train through Mongolia to Beijing, witnessing striking shifts in culture and landscape along the way.

Near Beijing, we visited the Great Wall of China before continuing through China and traveling by boat to Hong Kong. From there, we made our way to Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, then spent a month in Australia. There, we saw kangaroos and koalas up close and even encountered sharks while visiting the Great Barrier Reef.

Although this journey took place many years ago, the memories remain bright and continue to bring a smile to my face.