December 5, 2006: Interdisciplinary Speed Networking
Dr. Heather Stapleton
Asst Professor, Environmental Sciences (Nicolas School)
heather.stapleton@duke.edu
1. Please briefly describe your research and the way in which it is interdisciplinary. My research focuses on understanding the fate and transformation of organic contaminants in aquatic systems. Our main focus has been on the bioaccumulation and biotransformation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers,(PBDEs), particularly in fish. Studies conducted on rainbow trout and carp have found that fish possess enzymes systems capable of metabolizing PBDEs to end-products which are potentially more toxic. Our goal of is to determine the pathways of PBDE biotransformation in fish and to determine if these pathways exists in people. Further research will also examine the fate of PBDEs in the environment which may lead to oxidative and/or reductive products (i.e. photolytic, chlorination and ozonation processes, etc.)
2. How would you recommend that a student to learn more about your research? View my publications or my Web site.
3. What kinds of interdisciplinary connections are you interested in making at Duke? As a new professor I don't have many ongoing projects that students could potentially participate in and I'm still trying to find funding for this research. However, I am always happy to engage students in environmental chemistry and help in any way I can.
4. Who are the people at Duke that you collaborate with on interdisciplinary work or have regular discussions about your research? Faculty: Dr. Claudia Gunsch, Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Heileen Hsu-Kim, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Last Updated (by wat@duke.edu): 11/27/2006