Peter F. Vitiello, Ph.D.

Dr. Vitiello is an assistant scientist in the Environmental Influences on Health & Disease Group at Sanford Research and an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. He has volunteered for the Lung Association since 2011 and has served on boards for both for the South Dakota American Lung Association and American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest.

As a pulmonary toxicologist, Vitiello's laboratory investigates the molecular interface between atmospheric toxins and lung biology. His laboratory applies genetic, proteomic and cellular approaches to understand how chemical toxins influence lung development, function and disease pathogenesis. Understanding molecular mechanisms of lung biology and pathogenesis will allow for design of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients. His laboratory is specifically interested in discovering molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative lung diseases included bronchopulmonary dysplasia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

In addition to his work with the American Lung Association, Vitiello is board president of South Dakota STARBASE, serves on council for the Society for Redox Biology & Medicine, and has served on grant review panels for the National Institutes of Health.

Vitiello received his doctorate degree in toxicology from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry in 2007 and his bachelor's degree in biology from Lafayette College in 1998.