Research
Multigenerational impacts of flame retardants (PBDEs)
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of flame retardants that are persistent, ubiquitous in the environment, and known to cause a variety of adverse health effects, including endocrine disruption and developmental neurotoxicity. Although maternal transfer of PBDEs has been documented, relatively few studies have investigated effects propagated across generations. Using Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) as a vertebrate model system, we are testing whether exposure to adult or early life stage killifish has negative effects that propagate across one or more generations (multi- and transgenerational impacts). We are using a multi-omics approach, integrated with physiology and toxicology, to examine impacts on behavior, bioenergetics, development, and reproduction. This work includes collaboration with Diane Nacci and Bryan Clark‘s group at the US EPA.
Mechanisms of toxicity of oil fractions
In collaboration with Rob Ricker (NOAA), Christoph Aeppli (Bigelow Lab), Diane Nacci (US EPA), and Bryan Clark (US EPA) to understand the mechanisms whereby different fractions of oil from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill cause developmental toxicity using Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) as a model.
Estrogenic activity of the dispersant Corexit 9500
My Master's thesis research under the mentorship of Satomi Kohno and Louis J. Guillette, Jr. involved investigating the potential estrogenic activity and effects of the dispersant Corexit 9500 on sex determination in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin).
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of flame retardants that are persistent, ubiquitous in the environment, and known to cause a variety of adverse health effects, including endocrine disruption and developmental neurotoxicity. Although maternal transfer of PBDEs has been documented, relatively few studies have investigated effects propagated across generations. Using Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) as a vertebrate model system, we are testing whether exposure to adult or early life stage killifish has negative effects that propagate across one or more generations (multi- and transgenerational impacts). We are using a multi-omics approach, integrated with physiology and toxicology, to examine impacts on behavior, bioenergetics, development, and reproduction. This work includes collaboration with Diane Nacci and Bryan Clark‘s group at the US EPA.
Mechanisms of toxicity of oil fractions
In collaboration with Rob Ricker (NOAA), Christoph Aeppli (Bigelow Lab), Diane Nacci (US EPA), and Bryan Clark (US EPA) to understand the mechanisms whereby different fractions of oil from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill cause developmental toxicity using Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) as a model.
Estrogenic activity of the dispersant Corexit 9500
My Master's thesis research under the mentorship of Satomi Kohno and Louis J. Guillette, Jr. involved investigating the potential estrogenic activity and effects of the dispersant Corexit 9500 on sex determination in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin).