Biography

My main research interests combine marine organic geochemistry and environmental chemistry. On the molecular scale, my research focuses on the transport and fate of recalcitrant organic compounds, such as persistent organic pollutants.

Since 2017, I lead a Superfund Research Center at URI, one among ~ 20 nationwide. It is a 5-year effort in collaboration with scientists from Harvard University and the Silent Spring Institute. The “STEEP” Center focuses on the Sources, Transport, Exposure and Effects of PFASs – poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (https://web.uri.edu/steep/). Within STEEP, I lead my own research project into novel detection tools for PFASs.
Beyond STEEP, we also study the transport and bioavailability of legacy organic contaminants, such as PCBs or dioxins, either close to home at Superfund sites or in remote regions, often relying on passive sampling.

I have engaged with decision-makers by working with scientists from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Environment Canada to advance the use of novel sampling devices to better characterize fluxes of organic pollutants in water and air (e.g., Lohmann and Muir, 2010). This so-called AQUA-GAPS program is now underway, a joint effort of scientists around the world working with RECETOX (Brno, Czech Republic) to promote the use of passive samplers for legacy and emerging organic contaminants in the waters of the world (http://www.aqua-gaps.passivesampling.net/).