I started working with Dr. Birge and Dr. Black way back in April 1987. My current full-time position is as a Research Associate and a part-time graduate student
completing my Ph.D. in Biology.
My current duties include:
Collections, extractions, and analyses of water, fish, soil/sediments, and other environmental samples collected from Kentucky streams for PCB contamination. Samples are analyzed with three gas chromatographs, two equipped with electron-capture detectors and the other equipped with a flame-ionization detector. Data acquisition and results are analyzed with the latest personal computer technology. I am also involved in the digestion and analyses of environmental samples for metal contamination. Samples are analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry and by inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy.
Other duties include:
Use and maintenance of PCB extraction equipment, gas chromatographs, an HPLC unit, atomic absorption spectrophotometers and ICP unit; perform water quality analyses of stream samples; setup and help with the maintenance of a wet-lab used for culturing experimental organisms (fathead minnows, Japanese medaka, Daphnia pulex, Ceriodaphnia, Hyalella azteca, and Artemia); preparation of final PCB results, figures, and reports; aid in field operations; collection of fish by electroshocking; lab manager and safety supervisor.
