Biographical Information: Helaine Alessio’s primary research interest is on the risks and benefits of exercise. Indices of risks and benefits include biochemical and physiological assessments of oxidative stress, and she has focused on non-invasive measurements in both animal and human models. Her secondary interest is the interaction between exercise and aging processes and whether regular exercise impacts health, sensory function (e.g hearing) and longevity. Her research agenda has involved collaborative work with colleagues in Chemistry (Dr. Ann Hagerman), Zoology (Dr. Ron Wiley), Communication (Dr. Kathy Hutchinson), and Gerontololgy (Shalah Medizadeh), focussing on topics such as antioxidants, aging, exercise, health, and hearing. These projects currently receive support from NIH, among other programs. She helped to develop a widely used antioxidant assay (ORAC) that has contributed to our understanding of the response of total antioxidant activity to different types of oxidative stress. In collaboration with Dr. Ron Wiley, their laboratories monitor animal and human blood pressure, oxidized LDL, carbonyls, total thiols, glutathione, and lipid peroxidation, among other biomarkers, in an effort to bridge information recently shown on the molecular level with health and disease outcomes. Drs. Wiley, Hagerman, and Alessio are continuing their investigation of oxidative stress and health using both animal and human models to address the larger picture health changes (e.g. hypertension, atherosclerosis) that may occur as a result of changes in free radical and antioxidant activity at the cell level, caused by dietary manipulation and exercising.