FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2006
FY06-13
Livingston Joins ORISE as Technical Director of New Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory
OAK RIDGE, Tenn.—Gordon K. Livingston, Ph.D., recently joined ORISE as technical director of cytogenetics for the new Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory (CBL).
Cytogenetic biodosimetry is the most accurate method, or the "gold standard," for determining the amount of radiation dose absorbed by a patient's body. Using certain white blood cells, special techniques are used to identify chromosome abnormalities, which indicate damage in the most critical area for radiation injury—the cell's genetic material in DNA, which make up the chromosomes. The results of such analyses are essential for guiding medical management of patients exposed to radiation that could result from a radiation incident.
The new lab will be part of ORISE’s Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS). "We are fortunate to have Dr. Livingston join the REAC/TS team," said Dr. Albert L. Wiley, Jr., REAC/TS director. "Dr. Livingston has the caliber required of a scientist to ensure that the CBL will be ready to provide the biodosimetry support needed by the medical community following a radiological or nuclear event."
ORISE has played a major role in dose assessment and the medical management of persons affected by accidental exposures to ionizing radiation. Through REAC/TS’ 24-hour emergency response program at ORISE, the center has provided training, consulting and/or assistance in the response to a variety of radiation accidents or incidents since its formation in 1976.
"In many respects, my background and training have uniquely prepared me for the challenging opportunity to direct this dedicated laboratory facility," Livingston said. "I look forward to the challenge which will be supported by a dedicated and talented staff of physicians, nurses, scientists, health physicists and administrative staff at the REAC/TS organization."
For the past six years, Livingston served as an occupational and environmental health consultant specializing in human cytogenetics. He previously held positions as a senior toxicologist in the Health Effects Department of DynCorp of Colorado, Inc., and as a research associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, as well as positions at the University of Utah Medical Center Division of Occupational and Environmental Health and Department of Pediatrics Cytogenetics Laboratory.
Livingston earned a doctorate degree in genetics at the University of Washington, a master’s degree in genetics from Oregon State University and a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Utah State University. He also completed a post-doctoral fellowship in radiobiology at the University of Nijmegen in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
ORISE is a U.S. Department of Energy institution focusing on scientific initiatives to research health risks from occupational hazards, assess environmental cleanup, respond to radiation medical emergencies, support national security and emergency preparedness and educate the next generation of scientists. ORISE is managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities.