Research interests:
Our laboratory uses a wide range of analytical instrumentation, including gas chromatographic mass spectrometry, to analyze for both of historic and emerging contaminants in an effort to advance our understand of the fate and transport of anthropogenic chemical in the environmental. Research includes both field and laboratory methods. We are currently investigating how persistant organic pollutant, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, potential act as anthropogenic stressors in baleen whales. We are also investigating the bioaccumulation of pseudo-persistent chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, in fish residing in wastewater effluent dominated steams.
Current Research Projects
- 8/11-12/13, funded, Marine Mammal Commission, Co-PIs; Dr. Stephen Trumble. Anthropogenic and Physiological Data Reconstructed from Whale Earwax plugs.
- 7/13-9/14, funded, Heart of Texas Council of Governments, Co-PIs; Dr. Rebecca Sheesley. Outfitting an air quality mobile trailer: Gearing up HOTCOG to Address Regional Air Quality Issues.
- 7/13-9/14, funded, Air Quality Research Program and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Co-PIs; Dr. Rebecca Sheesley. Collect, Analyze, and Archive Filters at two DISCOVER-AQ Houston Focus Areas: Initial Characterization of PM Formation and Emission.