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March 8, 2024 (Issue 242) |
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Important SOT 2024 Reminders!
The annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology (SOT) will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, March 10-14. NIEHS staff are hosting three events:
- New Investigator/Funding 101 Session: Grant Opportunities and Tips for Toxicologists, March 11. This session will feature a Grants 101 presentation by staff from funding agencies and grant writing advice by principal investigators. For more information, contact Anika Dzierlenga.
- Funding Insights Room, March 11-13. This session will allow grant recipients, applicants, and anyone interested in grants to participate in one-on-one meetings with funding agency staff. For more information, contact Danielle Carlin.
- Tiny Tox Talk, March 11 from 3:20 – 3:40 p.m. MDT. NIEHS Director Rick Woychik is presenting a Tiny Tox Talk in Exhibit Hall C.
Oregon State University (OSU) and University of New Mexico (UNM) SRP centers are hosting a joint alumni and friends reception during SOT 2024. The reception will be located at Caffé Molise on March 12, from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. MDT. Please RSVP to emt@oregonstate.edu if you would like to attend.
Research Innovations Using Sensor Technology in Environmental Justice Communities Program
This NIEHS-supported training program seeks to foster successful community-academic partnerships and equip research teams with skills and knowledge to successfully utilize low-cost air sensors in environmental justice communities. More information and application instructions are available on the program website.
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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:
Visit the SRP page for more stories about the program:
UNM METALS Research Highlighted in Navajo Times Article
Laurie Hudson and Debra Mackenzie, researchers at the UNM SRP Center, explain how zinc can be used to counteract the impact of metals such as uranium and arsenic in the Navajo Nation. Their project, Thinking Zinc, is rooted in community collaboration and aims to alleviate the consequences of long-term mining in the region.
Meyer Discusses Ecotoxicology Labs
Joel Meyer, project leader at the Duke University SRP Center, was interviewed by the news organization Lab Manager where he discusses the challenges of managing an ecotoxicology lab.
Sedlak on Global Water Crisis and Solutions
David Sedlak, of the University of California, Berkeley SRP Center, was featured on KGNU, UPR, and WBUR to speak about his new book, Water for All: Global Solutions for a Changing Climate.
Cadmium Impact on Lung Health
Veena Antony, director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) SRP Center, was featured in a UAB article about her research that found that low levels of cadmium in may increase susceptibility to infections that exacerbate lung diseases.
Well Water Metals and Preterm Birth
CBS 17 highlighted research by Lauren Eaves, researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) SRP Center, which linked metal mixtures in well water to preterm birth in North Carolina. Eaves said that a tabletop water filter can reduce arsenic and lead in drinking water by 99%.
North Carolina State University Researchers Talk PFAS
Jane Hoppin, project leader at the North Carolina State University (NCSU) SRP Center, was interviewed by Coastal Review about how the GenX Exposure Study at NCSU is evolving to study long term health effects of PFAS in an interview with. Hoppin’s work was also featured in NC State News about a recent study that detected PFAS from a fluorochemical manufacturing plant in nearby private wells in Bladen and Cumberland counties, North Carolina.
Detlef Knappe, deputy director of NCSU SRP Center, collaborated with The Guardian to measure PFAS emissions in the air and their contribution to water and food contamination in the regions surrounding Fayetteville Works.
Jamie DeWitt and Detlef Knappe discuss the cost of removing PFAS from drinking water in an interview by UNDARK. DeWitt said that efforts to lower PFAS concentrations by just a few parts per trillion are worth the cost since they were never designed to enter the human body.
CycloPure Test Kits Featured in News Agency PFAS Testing
WRAL News conducted PFAS testing in water throughout North Carolina using at-home test kits developed by SBIR grant recipient CycloPure. The test kits can detect 55 different PFAS compounds. The chief executive officer of CycloPure, Frank Cassou, says the kits are accurate to concentrations of one part per trillion.
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Improving NDMA Testing Capabilities for Drinking Water Benefits
This month we spoke with Nicolette Bugher, a trainee at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) SRP Center mentored by Desiree Plata.
What is the focus of your research at the MIT SRP Center?
My research focuses on finding and identifying toxic chemicals in the environment. Specifically, I study N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is an industrial chemical and disinfection byproduct that has been found in the groundwater of Wilmington, Massachusetts, where the Olin Superfund site is located.
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How did you become interested in this work?
I have always been interested in studying water. As an undergraduate, I began academic research on domestic well water quality in vulnerable areas, and I found contaminants that suggested a lot of human influence on our drinking water sources. Since then, I have sustained an interest in filling in the often decades-long gap between discovery of a chemical contaminant and regulation in drinking water.
Tell us about the poster award you received at the latest SRP annual meeting and what it meant to you.
Winning the poster award was a humbling and fulfilling experience. It was my first opportunity to attend the SRP annual meeting and receive feedback on my project. Speaking to other SRP researchers and community members underscored the common goals of the SRP research centers and was a reminder of the impact my work can have.
What factors have contributed most to your growth as a researcher throughout your time as an SRP trainee?
The strong mentorship within our center has been pivotal to my advancement as an SRP trainee. Our directors, Bevin Engelward and Desiree Plata, along with Clara Chow and the many other principal investigators and senior trainees in our group, foster a welcoming environment that encourages collaboration and strengthens our community. Members of the MIT SRP team have specifically supported my research interests and facilitated my success within the program.
What is one piece of advice that you have for other SRP trainees?
At the start of my traineeship, Bevin Engelward emphasized that we should take advantage of our unique opportunities to collaborate across disciplines. At the time, I never thought I would create opportunities to work with researchers outside of my discipline, but over time collaborations came naturally out of conversations at SRP events. Utilize the opportunities for collaboration that SRP facilitates — it’s easier than you think.
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ITRC Environmental Data Management: Best Practices for Achieving and Maintaining Quality within Environmental Data Management Training
The Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) Environmental Data Management Best Practices Team is hosting a training on March 19 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. EDT on managing large environmental datasets. The training will lead project managers, data collectors, data managers, and data reviewers in a discussion about various aspects of environmental data quality.
ITRC Sustainable Resilient Remediation Training
The objective of the ITRC Sustainable Resilient Remediation training is to provide resources and tools for regulators, stakeholders, consultants, and responsible parties to help integrate sustainable and resilient practices into remediation projects. The training will take place on March 26 from 1:00 – 3:15 p.m. EDT.
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Passive Sampling Unlocks New Insights into PFAS Contamination
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island SRP Center used innovative sampling methods to document PFAS sources along the Pawcatuck River in Westerly, Rhode Island. They found that PFAS are ubiquitous in the river, retired and active textile mills are believed to be major contributors, and river dynamics may influence the amount of PFAS entering the Atlantic Ocean.
Typical methods of measuring PFAS in water only document PFAS concentrations at one specific point in time. In this study, the scientists used an environmental monitoring technique called passive sampling, which allows pollutants to accumulate within the sampler over time, providing a more comprehensive picture of PFAS concentrations.
They installed passive samplers at seven locations along the Pawcatuck River, which is adjacent to several active and retired textile mills that used PFAS to impart water and oil repellence and stain resistance to garments.
Researchers found PFAS in every sample collected, suggesting PFAS are ubiquitous in the river across long periods of time. After an increase in river flow, the team recorded a sharp increase in PFAS entering the Atlantic Ocean, indicating that river dynamics may influence PFAS output.
A greater concentration of FTCA, a particular PFAS compound rarely found in other parts of the river, was found near an active textile mill, suggesting that the air emissions or wastewater discharges of the active mill may be a constant source of PFAS. Researchers also identified waste lagoons of retired mills as large sources of PFAS and as ideal locations for PFAS remediation efforts.
According to the authors, passive samplers are a good way to investigate PFAS sources and transport in other aquatic systems in the U.S. Results from the passive samplers can be used to guide how and where to best use PFAS remediation funds, they added.
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UNC CEC Researcher Receives Society of Toxicology Award
Ilona Jaspers, a researcher at the UNC SRP Center, received the Society of Toxicology’s 2024 Education Award. She received this award in acknowledgement of her commitment to the education and development of the next generation of toxicologists.
Halas Wins Prize from the American Physical Society
Naomi Halas, a researcher at the Baylor College of Medicine SRP Center, is the recipient of the 2024 Mildred Dresselhaus Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomaterials from the American Physical Society. The award recognizes an outstanding scientist in the areas of nanoscience or nanomaterials.
Newman Named ASLA Fellow
Galen Newman, CEC lead at the Texas A&M University (TAMU) SRP Center, was elevated to the Council of Fellows of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). He discusses this achievement in an Auburn University article.
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Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Predoctoral Fellowship
What: Enable promising predoctoral students to obtain individualized, mentored research training from outstanding faculty sponsors while conducting dissertation research in scientific health-related fields. The proposed research training must reflect the candidate’s dissertation research project and is expected to clearly enhance the individual’s potential to develop into an independent research scientist.
Funder: NIH
When: Applications are due April 8.
Data Informed, Place-Based Community-Engaged Research to Advance Health Equity
What: Stimulate community-engaged research that leverages geospatial data to probe the influence of geographic factors on disease development and health outcomes. Its goal is to use place-based research to help advance health equity in different communities.
Funder: NIH
When: Applications are due June 5.
Multi-Sectoral Preventive Interventions that Address Social Determinants of Health in Populations that Experience Health Disparities
What: Supports projects to test prospective multi-sectoral preventive interventions that address social determinants of health in populations that experience health disparities. These research projects will be part of the Multi-Sectoral Preventive Interventions Research Network, which will also include a Coordinating Center.
Funder: NIH
When: Applications are due August 5.
Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health
What: Supports research on interventions to improve health in Native American populations, including research that will directly inform interventions or adaptations and research that develops, adapts, or tests interventions for health promotion, prevention, treatment, or recovery. The inclusion of Native American investigators serving on the study team or as the program director or principal investigator is strongly encouraged.
Funder: NIH
When: Applications are due October 1.
Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program
What: Environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community input.
Funder: EPA
When: Applications are due November 21.
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Reverse Metabolomics as a Chemical Structure Discovery Strategy
Research partly funded by the NCSU and TAMU SRP centers resulted in a new strategy which facilitates high-throughput matching of mass spectrometry spectra in public untargeted metabolomics databases. A proof-of-concept experiment identified an association between gastrointestinal bacteria and inflammatory bowel disease.
Pooled Study on Phthalate Exposure and Preterm Birth
Researchers at Northeastern University published a study analyzing racial and ethnic disparities in phthalate exposure and preterm birth by pooling data from 16 U.S. pregnancy cohorts. They found phthalate levels were consistently higher among Black and Hispanic participants and that hypothetical interventions to reduce disparities in exposure could potentially reduce the probability of preterm birth.
NIH Data Sharing and Reuse Seminar
The next installment of the NIH Data Sharing and Reuse Seminar Series will feature Andrew Smith, who will introduce ELIXIR, a pan-European research infrastructure for life science data. ELIXIR recently published its Scientific Programme, setting out its new strategic priorities, which acknowledge the importance of not only investing in science and technology but also building capacity and increasing participation in ELIXIR member countries. The seminar will be held April 12 at 12 p.m. EDT.
2023 DataWorks! Prize Winners Announced
In early 2023, the NIH Office of Data Sharing Strategy partnered with the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology to launch the second annual DataWorks! Prize to highlight examples of innovative data sharing and reuse. Read about the winners and their projects in the February Director’s Blog.
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 The University of Alabama at Birmingham SRP Center hosted Happy Healthy Kids, which is an after-school program for children focused on healthy eating habits. After-school lessons included teaching the children about food groups and how to make healthy snacks, and the importance of exercise (Photo courtesy of UAB SRP).
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NIEHS Staff Scientist Position
The Reproduction and Developmental Biology Laboratory at NIEHS is recruiting a staff scientist for the Pregnancy and Female Reproduction Group under Francesco DeMayo. The group uses molecular genetics, bioinformatics, cell culture, and animal models to understand the molecular mechanisms governing female reproductive tract function during pregnancy.
Postdoctoral Position at Stanford University
The Kim Laboratory at Stanford University seeks a postdoctoral research associate with a background in toxicology. The prospective candidate will investigate the genomic basis of coronary artery disease and related complex diseases, with emphasis on identifying mechanism and modifiers of response to known toxicants leading to vascular disease, including tobacco, vaping, and air pollution.
Department of Transportation Positions
The U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking an Environmental Protection Specialist to support the Federal Highway Administration. Work will involve collaborations with other environmental protection specialists integrating environmental considerations into decision-making processes and preparing environmental documentation regarding proposed actions.
UCLA Seeking Assistant Professor
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is inviting applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position with an emphasis in environmental health policy. They are looking for applicants who utilize community-based participatory approaches, implementation science, and other applied methods to undertake research to reduce the health impacts of environmental exposures and advance environmental justice and health equity.
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Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting & ToxExpo
March 10-14, 2024
Salt Lake City, Utah
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National Environmental Health Association: Impact of Climate Change on Alaskan Natives Webinar
March 15, 2024
Virtual
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Best Practices for Achieving and Maintaining Quality within Environmental Data Management
March 19, 2024
Virtual
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Data Science and Environmental Health Science Research Symposium
April 5, 2024
Raleigh, North Carolina
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ITRC 2024 Annual Meeting
April 8-11, 2024
Long Beach, California
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10th Annual Women's Health Awareness
April 13, 2024
Durham, North Carolina
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Use of Wearables and Sensors for Exposomic, Occupational and Environmental Health Research
April 19, 2024
Mount Sinai, New York
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18th International Congress on Combustion By-Products and Their Health Effects
May 19-22, 2024
Durham, North Carolina
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Need to get in touch with an NIEHS SRP staff member? Check out our Contact Staff page. |
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JOIN THE @SRP_NIEHS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK!
NIEHS uses X (formerly 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 @SRP_NIEHS to instantly hear news about the program, noteworthy publications, events, and job opportunities for trainees.
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