The Spade lab studies mechanisms of male reproductive toxicity. We are interested how phthalates, which are widespread environmental chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics, medical devices, and in the formulation of some drugs, impair the development of the testis, causing short- and long-term adverse effects on male reproductive health. We are also interested in how sperm RNAs reflect exposure to environmental chemicals and pharmaceuticals that cause reproductive toxicity, and whether this translates to impaired fertility.