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August 4, 2023 (Issue 235) |
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Last Call: Wetterhahn Award Applications Due August 7
Applications for the annual Karen Wetterhahn Memorial Award, which recognizes an outstanding SRP trainee who demonstrates the qualities of scientific excellence exhibited by Karen Wetterhahn, are due August 7. Guidelines regarding eligibility and the nomination process are available on the SRP webpage. The winner will be announced and will present their work at the SRP Annual Meeting, December 4-6, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Request for Information: NIH Challenges and Opportunities
The NIH Common Fund is requesting ideas of NIH-wide challenges and opportunities in biomedical and behavioral research. These ideas may inform future NIH activities, including scientific workshops, pilot initiatives, and Common Fund programs. Submit your responses by August 11.
Introducing Alicia Zorn
Please welcome the newest member of the SRP team, Alicia Zorn! Alicia joined SRP as a Health Specialist in July.
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NIEHS SRP News Stories
Take a moment to read about some of our colleagues' latest activities in this month's Environmental Factor, the NIEHS newsletter:
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Seven trainees awarded K.C. Donnelly Externships: Eric Brown, Asta Habtemichael, Nobel Hernández-Otero, Maria Victoria Klaus, Wil Lieberman-Cribbin, Irene Martinez-Morata, and Sara Thomas won supplements to conduct research outside of their host SRP centers.
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Silicone wristbands track hundreds of unique chemical exposures: With funding from SRP and other NIEHS programs, researchers at the Oregon State University (OSU) SRP Center developed a simple, non-invasive approach to monitor personal chemical exposures using silicone wristbands. This article was adapted from an SRP Public Health Impact Story.
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Extramural Paper of the Month: Prenatal benzene exposure may have lifelong metabolic consequences: Prenatal exposure to benzene — a chemical found in vehicle and industrial emissions, tobacco smoke, and some products such as paints, glues, and detergents — may predispose offspring to metabolic diseases later in life, according to researchers at the Wayne State University SRP Center.
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Extramural Paper of the Month: Key gene expression changes in the placenta may predict autism diagnosis: Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill SRP Center identified key changes in placental gene expression that are associated with the development of autism spectrum disorder in children born preterm.
Visit the SRP page for more stories about the program.
NCSU Researchers Talk PFAS
Jamie DeWitt, of the North Carolina State University (NCSU) SRP Center, was quoted by CNN on high concentrations of PFAS in drinking water across the U.S., as identified by a recent study from the U.S. Geological Survey. Katy May, NCSU SRP Community Engagement Core leader, was also featured by WRAL News, noting how widespread PFAS are in drinking water and their potential health effects.
In a new study, NCSU researchers detected elevated PFAS levels in the blood of pet dogs and horses in North Carolina — including dogs that only drank bottled water. The study is a step toward investigating connections between PFAS exposure and liver and kidney function in animals.
Morello-Frosch Quoted on Climate Justice
University of California (UC), Berkeley SRP Center researcher, Rachel Morello-Frosch, was quoted in an NPR article about the environmental justice implications of rising groundwater levels in West Oakland, California — a historically Black community. Morello-Frosch noted the urgency of addressing environmental health issues associated with increasing pollution exposures due to climate change.
Navas-Acien Talks Exposures and Cancer Risk
Ana Navas-Acien, Director of the Columbia University SRP Center, was featured in a Columbia News article about increasing cancer risks due to arsenic in drinking water, how certain groups are disproportionally affected, and the complexity brought on by climate change.
Navas-Acien was also quoted in USA Today on the issue of high cancer rates, toxic heavy metals, and U.S. Navy bombings in Puerto Rico.
Duke SRP Informs Fish Consumption Advisories
A recent NC Newsline article about fish consumption advisories due to PFAS contamination in North Carolina’s Cape Fear River features a Duke University SRP report, where researchers highlight the need for more resources and new approaches to communicate the potential risks of PFAS exposure in ways that acknowledge the dietary, economic, and cultural importance of wild caught fish.
Duke’s Stop, Check, and Enjoy! campaign was also featured in an NC Health News article, which encourages the safe catching and eating of fish.
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This month we heard from Hannah Starnes, a trainee at the NCSU SRP Center who is mentored by Scott Belcher.
What is the focus of your research at the NCSU SRP Center?
I study whether different human and animal proteins can bind to PFAS, and how strong those binding interactions are. More specifically, my research aims to uncover how the same protein in different species might bind to PFAS and to develop machine learning approaches that can predict protein interactions for thousands of untested PFAS compounds.
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How did you become interested in this work?
I became interested in lab work and human health research through a biomedical sciences program at my high school, but I had always been passionate about environmental health and climate change protections. I pursued research in both neuroscience and environmental studies in my undergraduate career, and eventually discovered toxicology. This led to my research in how chemicals impact the brain, and in the distribution and uptake of PFAS into tissue.
Tell us about a recent award and what it means to you.
Recently, I was awarded the NCSU Toxicology Founder's Fellowship, which granted funding for my travel to Woods Hole, Massachusetts, to participate as a teaching assistant in the Marine Biological Laboratory Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): Hazards and Opportunities course. This award allowed me to improve my science communication and instruction of laboratory methods, attend courses taught by faculty studying EDCs, and gain hands-on experience in new techniques related to endocrine toxicology.
What factors have contributed most to your growth as a researcher throughout your time as an SRP trainee?
Collaboration with a diverse group of inspiring scientists and mentors has contributed the most to my development as a researcher. I have been so lucky to work with and receive training from many talented people, spanning the fields of toxicology, analytical chemistry, machine learning, endocrinology, epidemiology, and zoology. All of these scientists have unique perspectives that have broadened my thinking and deepened my motivation to do impactful work.
What is one piece of advice that you have for other SRP trainees?
My advice to other SRP trainees would be to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone — try working on projects that are out of your wheelhouse or seek advice from people with different expertise. You will learn a lot and may end up loving something totally new.
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Upcoming Remediation Webinars
Several upcoming webinars hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council will focus on cleaning up chemical contamination:
PFAS Monitoring and Remediation
The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) are hosting two upcoming webinars related to PFAS monitoring:
SERDP and ESTCP also created a podcast focused on remediation, fate and transport, and ecotoxicity of PFAS in the environment. Episodes feature a broad panel of experts who have contributed to the growing knowledge base around remediating this emerging chemical of concern.
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Using Bacteria to Degrade Water Contaminants
Researchers at the OSU SRP Center uncovered the ability of Rhodococcus bacteria — microorganisms with bioremediative properties — to remove contaminants from drinking water under different environmental conditions.
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) are environmental pollutants, often found at the same contaminated sites, that are associated with cancer, neurotoxicity, and reproductive effects. BTEX can enter water sources through forest fires, combustion of petroleum products, and the manufacturing of solvents, paints, and rubbers. MTBE is a gasoline additive and, despite its replacement by ethanol in the U.S., is still used in gasoline in many countries.
Previous studies have shown that Rhodococcus bacteria are able to break down BTEX and MTBE. However, this is the first study to investigate how growth substrates — materials that provide nutrients to support microorganism growth — affect the bacteria's ability to degrade the chemicals, both individually and in mixtures.
The researchers grew the bacteria on three different alcohol-based substrates — isobutane, 1-butanol, and 2-butanol — and then exposed them to the contaminants. In separate experiments, the team exposed the bacteria to BTEX and MTBE while they were still growing to determine how early exposure impacted their remediation abilities.
They found that bacteria grown on isobutane had the greatest ability to break down BTEX and MTBE, alone and in mixtures, followed by 2-butanol and 1-butanol. However, in conditions where BTEX and MTBE were present during microbial growth, 1-butanol was the most effective substrate for enhancing bacterial growth and contaminant degradation.
According to the researchers, alcohol-based substrates are effective in supporting Rhodococcus bacteria’s bioremediation of BTEX and MTBE, indicating a potential approach to prevent environmental exposures to the contaminants.
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Duke Trainee Awarded for Toxicology Research
Duke University SRP trainee Kate Morton received the David Ray Best Graduate Student Poster Award at the International Neurotoxicology Association meeting for her work to identify mitochondrial and cellular mechanisms of neurotoxicity following exposure to chemical mixtures.
PROTECT Trainee Wins Fellowship
Sofia Contreras Fernandez, of the Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats (PROTECT) SRP Center, has been accepted as an international fellow in the Mount Sinai Global Health Disparities Research Training Program, where she will conduct research on climate change and air pollution.
TAMU Trainee Wins Travel Award
Texas A&M University (TAMU) SRP trainee Lucie Ford received a travel award to attend the 2023 Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Lindau, Germany. The meeting provided an opportunity for participants to attend lectures and panel discussions, with a chance to network with Nobel Laureates.
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NIH Director’s New Innovator Award Program
What: Supports early-stage investigators of exceptional creativity who propose highly innovative research projects with the potential to produce a major impact on broad, important areas relevant to the mission of NIH.
Funder: NIH Common Fund
When: Applications due August 18.
Community-Based Research for Effective Programs, Policies, and Decisions to Mitigate Cumulative Health Impacts and Environmental Health Disparities in Underserved Communities
What: Research that has a national scope and seeks to improve health, well-being, and quality of life by studying chemical and non-chemical stressors in underserved communities, and investigates how to use cumulative impact assessments to shape programs and policies to eliminate environmental health disparities.
Funder: EPA
When: Applications due August 31.
NIH Director’s Early Independence Awards
What: Supports promising junior investigators who wish to pursue independent research soon after completion of their terminal doctoral degree or post-graduate clinical training, forgoing the traditional post-doctoral training period and accelerating their entry into an independent research career.
Funder: NIH Common Fund
When: Applications due September 6.
Chemical Threat Agent-induced Pulmonary and Ocular Pathophysiological Mechanisms
What: Research seeking to understand mechanisms of chemical toxicity and to identify potential molecular/genetic targets that reduce acute effects of chemical threat agents that affect the lungs and eyes.
Funder: NIEHS
When: Applications due September 20.
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant
What: Supports development of research training opportunities for individuals interested in careers in biomedical, behavioral or social sciences, clinical research, health services research, or in any other research discipline related to the NIH mission.
Funder: NIH
When: Applications due September 25.
Superfund Hazardous Substance Research and Training Program
What: SRP Center P42 grants to support problem-based, solution-oriented research centers that consist of multiple, integrated projects representing both the biomedical and environmental science and engineering disciplines.
Funder: NIEHS
When: Applications due October 2.
Addressing the Impact of Structural Racism and Discrimination on Minority Health and Health Disparities
What: Research projects that address structural racism and discrimination in one or more NIH-designated populations with health disparities in the U.S. Applications are expected to provide a conceptual model identifying hypothesized pathways between discrimination and health outcomes.
Funder: NIEHS
When: Applications due October 10.
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Joint SRP FAIR Data Commentary
Researchers from Michigan State University, University of Iowa, University of Louisville, and University of Kentucky SRP centers published a commentary proposing a framework to further promote the objectives of Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data principles in the environmental health science community. They conducted a case study of in vivo data using new tools and resources introduced in the commentary.
New R Package for Modeling Mixed Exposures
The CVtreeMLE R package developed by researchers at UC Berkeley helps researchers assess causal inference of mixed exposures. It delivers interpretable results when supplied with exposures, covariates, and an outcome.
Data Sharing and Reuse Seminar
Dr. Ana Navas-Acien will present Environment, justice, and health: consortia and data sharing needs through a community lens at the monthly Data Sharing and Reuse Seminar on Friday, August 11, 2023, at 12 p.m. EDT. This session will discuss the critical need to further study the role of the environment in human health and the importance of environmental justice.
2023 DataWorks! Prize Announced
The 2023 DataWorks! Prize will focus on best practices for advancing biological and biomedical research activities, with a focus on practices that enable robust data management during the research process. Participants will submit their data sharing and reuse best practices in a form that can be used by an audience of their peers, such as a teaching resource or tool for active data management. Submissions are due August 15.
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 Tracie Baker (right), project leader at the Wayne State University SRP Center, works in the field with colleagues and students to sample fish in the Detroit River. (Photo courtesy of Healthy Urban Waters)
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Postdoctoral Fellowship at USC
The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles has recently announced a postdoctoral research associate position. The role will conduct investigations around community-driven epidemiology for environmental justice in Los Angeles.
Senior Level Position at UPenn
The Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has an opening for a senior environmental health scientist. The primary appointment will be in Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, but appointments in other departments are possible depending on expertise.
DTT Seeking Staff Scientists
NIEHS is seeking a staff scientist in support of the Office of Program Operations within the Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT). Responsibilities may include providing direction for scientific and operational activities, collaborating with federal partners and stakeholders, and promoting professional development of employees.
NIEHS is also seeking a staff scientist to serve as clinical pathologist in the Comparative and Molecular Pathogenesis Branch at DTT. Responsibilities may include collaborating with researchers and stakeholders, initiating and maintaining partnerships with scientific teams, and serving as a laboratory leader. For more information, email Angela King-Herbert at kingher1@niehs.nih.gov.
Silent Spring Institute Research Study Coordinator
Silent Spring Institute is seeking a versatile research study coordinator to contribute to innovative environmental health studies in a community-engaged context. The candidate will direct day-to-day implementation of two federally funded health and exposure studies in communities with PFAS-contaminated drinking water. The role includes coordinating activities of project staff and collaborators, managing and analyzing study data, and organizing community engagement.
Staff Scientist Position at Matrix Biology
The Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory of NIEHS is recruiting a staff scientist for the Matrix Biology Group under the leadership of Stavros Garantziotis. The Matrix Biology Group uses cell culture models, mouse models of disease, and clinical research to investigate the role of innate immunity and the extracellular matrix in lung injury and lung disease. The ideal candidate should be experienced in the fields of microbiome analysis and immune-microbiome interactions in the lung.
UNM Seeking Program Manager
The Clinical and Translational Science Center at the University of New Mexico (UNM) is seeking a program manager to act as a Tribal Community Engagement Liaison. The candidate will collaborate with American Indian and Native American populations and will be both a community-engaged and academic-based liaison for UNM researchers and the broader community.
NIH Global Recruitment Vacancies
The Global Recruitment Unit serves NIH’s 27 Institutes and Centers with global recruitment efforts and has several new postings — including the NIEHS Division of Extramural Research and Training’s Program Officer and Scientific Review Officer positions. Several opportunities are accepting applications now, and others will open throughout the summer.
Deep South Center for Environmental Justice Seeking Program Manager
The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families harmed by pollution and vulnerable to climate change in the Gulf Coast Region. They have a program manager opportunity performing administrative duties in support of the Worker Training Program.
Multiple Openings at Wayne State
The Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors at Wayne State University is recruiting for several new faculty positions. Institute researchers and community partners solve complex environmental health problems through research, community engagement, and education. A postdoctoral position is also available in laboratories at the Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors, Integrative Biosciences Center.
Mount Sinai Seeking Data Analyst
The Institute for Health Equity Research at Mount Sinai is seeking a data analyst to support research focusing on health and health care disparities using survey and health systems data. The ideal candidate will have strong quantitative data analysis skills and experience working with SAS, SPSS, STATA, Oracle, Python, R, or a similar statistical software package.
VA Industrial Hygienist Opportunity
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeks a GS-13 level Industrial Hygienist. The position serves as the facility Industrial Hygienist assigned to the Safety and Emergency Management Service at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System in California. Responsibilities include preparation, writing and timely submission of internal and external documentation, reports, and correspondence.
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Research Brief 344
Benzene Exposure During Pregnancy Affects Later-Life Metabolic Health (Marianna Sadagurski, Wayne State University)
Watch the latest Research Brief video!
Past Research Briefs are available on the SRP website. To receive the monthly Research Briefs or to submit ideas, email Brittany Trottier (brittany.trottier@nih.gov).
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National Brownfields Training Conference
August 8-11, 2023
Detroit, Michigan
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Census Updates for Public Health Practitioners Webinar
August 25, 2023
Virtual
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International Society of Exposure Science Annual Meeting
August 27-31, 2023
Chicago, Illinois
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International Conference on Urban Climate
August 28 - September 1, 2023
Sydney, Australia
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North Carolina Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting
September 14, 2023
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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ITRC PFAS Introductory Training
September 14, 2023
Virtual
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ISEE Annual Conference — Connecting the East and the West, One Health in One Planet
September 17-21, 2023
Virtual
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The Pacific Basin Consortium for Environment and Health Focus Meeting
October 30-31, 2023
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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For more events, check out our SRP events page.
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To see the latest SRP grantee publications, visit the SRP Grantee Publications page.
Visit the SRP Materials for Grantees page for helpful information, such as SRP administrative supplements information, SRP best practices, guidelines for NIEHS logo use, and the Data Collection Form.
See the SRP Science Digest to read more about recent SRP research highlights and activities.
The SRP Events page contains information about upcoming meetings, seminars, and webinars.
The SRP website also has Search Tools to help you learn more about projects funded by the program.
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Need to get in touch with a NIEHS SRP staff member? Check out our Contact Staff page. |
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JOIN THE @SRP_NIEHS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK ON TWITTER!
NIEHS uses Twitter, a popular social media tool, for information sharing through tweets. Many SRP Centers also have accounts, and it would be great if all participated! Follow us @SRP_NIEHS to instantly hear news about the program, noteworthy publications, events, and job opportunities for trainees.
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