Jessica Varner is an Assistant Professor at the Stuart Weitzman School of Design, specializing in the intersection of history and design practices. She is currently a Getty/ACLS Fellow working on her forthcoming book, "Chemical Desires: Chemical Industry Met Modern Design (1870-1970)". Varner's recent research has received substantial support from acclaimed programs including the Fulbright Program and the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science. Her published work explores topics such as chromium, drywall toxicity, the Environmental Protection Agency's public history, and the implications of synthetic chemicals in building materials. She has been involved in significant initiatives like the Environmental Data & Governance Initiative and co-founded the People’s EPA. Varner holds a PhD in the History, Theory, and Criticism of Art and Architecture from MIT, alongside a Master of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture from Yale University.