![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508234151im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Environmental Chemistry
Research Chemists
| Mike Hiatt, B.S. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chief, Environmental Chemistry Branch, Environmental Sciences Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. EPA, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ph.D. 1976, University of California Davis: Ecology (Environmental Toxicology)
Thesis: "Parathion and Acclimated Bacteria: Interactions in the Chemostat and in Soil." Advisor: Professor Dennis P.H. Hsieh (Department of Environmental Toxicology).
Research Faculty (U.C. Berkeley) in 1976 and supervisory research scientist at LBL (1980). Federal career begun in 1991 at EPA Las Vegas as Chief of Methods Research Branch.
Expertise/Research:
Supervision of interdisciplinary research (engineers, chemists, microbiologists).
Analytical chemistry, environmental microbiology, environmental toxicology.
Impact of Research:
Pioneering studies on bacterial metabolism/decontamination of organophosphorus
pesticide wastes in continuous culture and in soil predated the field
of "bioremediation." Elucidated new metabolic pathways during
biodegradation of chemical warfare agents (alkyl phosphonates).
Directed interdisciplinary DOE research on environmental fate and control technologies for oil shale retort pollutants.
Currently lead analytical chemistry program at EPA-LV. Focus is on the so-called "emerging," non-regulated chemical pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). Designed and maintain the world's first web site devoted to the many aspects of PPCPs as environmental pollutants (http://epa.gov/nerlesd1/chemistry/pharma/).
Over 35 peer-reviewed publications
in the peer-reviewed archival literature.
L.
Don Betowski, Ph.D.
Research Chemist
Ph.D. 1974 - Cornell University: Physical Chemistry
B.S. - 1966 - Georgetown: Chemistry
Thesis: "The Applications of Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry to Inorganic Systems." Advisor: Professor Richard Porter.
Federal career begun in 1979 at EPA Athens
Expertise/Research:
Research in mass spectrometry and hyphenated MS techniques
Computational chemistry for methods development and chemical property
prediction
Textile dye analysis
Impact of research:
Pioneered adoption of capillary-GC/MS and LC/MS/MS at EPA
Pioneered use of computational chemistry for environmental analytical
chemistry
39 peer reviewed journal publications and 7 book chapters
William Brumley,
Ph.D.
Research Chemist
Ph.D. 1975, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale: Inorganic Chemistry
Thesis: "Structure Studies of the Organic Esters of Osmium(VI) Using Lanthanide Shift Reagents." Advisor: Professor C. C. Hinckley.
Career begun in 1976 as a Postdoctoral research assistant to Dr. D. F. Hunt, University of Virginia, in chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Followed by 11 years of mass spectrometry research and sample service at the Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, under Dr. J. A. Sphon. Moved to U.S. EPA in 1988 to the present position.
Expertise/Research:
Research using mass spectrometry (high resolution, NCI/CI, MS/MS)
Sample preparation/cleanup (SFE, ASE, multidimensional separations)
CE/LIF; MEKC; HPLC; TLC; GC; capillary LC; HPGPC; SPE
Impact of research:
Reduce sample analysis time and cost; improve reliability of methods
Reduce laboratory-generated pollution; advance MS/MS and HRMS techniques
Pioneer environmental applications of CE/MEKC
82 peer-reviewed journal publications
Andrew
H. Grange, Ph.D.
Physical Chemist
Ph.D. 1988, Oregon Graduate Institute: Environmental Science & Engineering
Thesis: "Medium Resolution Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Mass Spectrometry" Advisors: Prof. Douglas F. Barofsky, Oregon State University & Prof. Robert J. O'Brien, Portland State University
Career began in 1988 with Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Corp. Nine (9) years analyzing unusual samples and developing high resolution mass spectrometric analytical methods, including Mass Peak Profiling from Selected Ion Recording Data (MPPSIRD). Then, two and one-half (2.5) years as an NRC Senior Research Associate with Dr. William C. Brumley as mentor doing CEC and HRMS. Currently holding an EPA post doctoral position.
Expertise/Research:
Development of high resolution mass spectrometric techniques featuring
MPPSIRD with different sample introduction techniques including GC, probe,
and capillary GC.
Impact of research:
Characterize major constituents in complex samples from contaminated
sites
Identify pollutants in drinking water
39 peer-reviewed journal publications
Edward
M. Heithmar, Ph.D.
Research Chemist
Ph.D. 1978, University of Pittsburgh: Analytical Chemistry
Thesis: "Continuum Source Atomic Fluorescence of Arsenic." Advisor: F. W. Plankey
Career begun in 1978 at University of New Orleans as Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Joined EPA in 1978 as GS-12 Research Chemist
Expertise/Research:
Atomic mass and optical spectrometry (ICPMS, AFS, AAS)
Elemental speciation
Impact of research:
Improved exposure assessments through elemental speciation
Enhanced ICPMS measurements through on-line preconcentration
18 peer reviewed publications
Mike
Hiatt, B.S.
Research Chemist
B.S. 1969, University Nevada, Las Vegas: Chemistry
B.S. 1969, University Nevada, Las Vegas: Physics
Career begun at Bureau of Mines. Transferred to EPA/ORD as radiation chemist and organic chemist. Joined private sector and advanced to Laboratory Director of environmental laboratory. Rejoined EPA in 1989.
Expertise/Research:
Laboratory management and quality assurance research
Impact of research:
Two RCRA SW-846 methods involving a new analytical technique. Two
patents and license agreements of commercialize patents.
13 peer-reviewed publications
Thomas
A. Hinners, M.S. (ABT)
Research Chemist
M.S. (ABT) 1967, George Washington University, D.C.: Pharmacology: three years of study under Peter Weiss, M.D.
B.S. 1964. George Washington University, D.C.: Chemistry
Career begun in 1967 at AMA and another medical research lab before joining in 1970 an EPA-predecessor lab in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Expertise/Research:
Trace-element analyses & interpretations using ICP-MS, ICP-AES, AAS
Statistical assessments of data
Biological & environmental specimen analyses & literature, focusing
since 1998 on mercury in biological samples (click
this link to view more detail)
Impact of research:
Evaluated, developed, & tested trace-element methods (including EPA
Methods 3050, 6010, 6020, 7090, and 7473)
Mercury assistance to Alaska, State of Washington, NOAA, NPS
Assessed the classification of some wastes (such as foundry ash)
58 journal publications & more than 200 publication referrals in the Citation Index
Tammy
Jones-Lepp, M.S.
Research Chemist
M.S. 1992, University of Nevada - Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
Thesis: "The Detection and Evaluation of Fluorescent Brighteners As Organic Tracers in Alkaline Groundwaters." Advisor: Klaus J. Stetzenbach, Ph.D.
Career begun in 1978 at EPA as GS-2 (EPA/ORD Las Vegas)
Expertise/Research:
Research using mass spectrometry (MS, MS/MS, ion trap) and various
liquid chromatographic interfaces (thermospray, electrospray). Research
using microseparation techniques (CE, ยต-LC). Application of research to
detection of organotins and pharmaceuticals in environmental matrices.
Impact of research:
Reduce sample analysis time and cost; reduce laboratory-generated
pollution. New regulations regarding organotins in drinking water, Contaminant
Candidate List (CCL) as published in the Federal Register (Monday, March
2, 1998 Part III Environmental Protection Agency, Announcement of the
Drinking water Contaminant Candidate Listing Notice, vol. 63, no. 40,
pg 10282).
Over 20 peer-reviewed publications/book chapters.
Active within Las Vegas public school system (classroom science demonstrations, science fairs, career development)
Georges-Marie
Momplaisir
Research Chemist
Ph.D. 1996, McGill University: Analytical/Organometallic Chemistry
Thesis: “Development of Analytical Methods for the Speciation of
Arsenic in the Marine Environment.” Advisor: Professor William D.
Marshall.
(Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry)
Career began in December 1995 as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate of the U.S. National Research Council. The research work was conducted at the Environmental Chemistry Branch of the U.S. EPA, Las Vegas and was completed in December 1998.
Worked as a Research Chemist and Laboratory Coordinator for the Harry Reid Center of Environmental Studies, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, from December 1998 to April 1999.
Joined the Environmental Chemistry Branch of the U.S. EPA, Las Vegas as a Research Chemist in April 1999.
Expertise/Research
Determination of trace elements using hyphenated techniques (HPLC-UV,
HPLC-THG-AAS, HPLC-ICP/MS, HPLC-ES/MS and HG-AAS).
Analysis of ultra-trace levels of agricultural pesticides.
Impact of research:
Provided reliable and sensitive analytical tools to speciate trace element
contaminants in complex matrices.
Made available analytical procedures to isolate, concentrate and purify
ultra-trace levels of agricultural pesticides in large volumes of water.
10 peer-reviewed journal publications.
Analytical chemist with an expertise in trace element speciation. Research
interests are in the field of environmental chemistry and fate of trace
elements. Current research thrusts are directed to trace arsenic and selenium
speciation in biological materials, and determination of agricultural
pesticides in environmental samples. Methods have been developed for the
speciation of arsenic and selenium in environmental/biological media and
for the determination of ultra-trace levels of agricultural pesticides
in large volume of water.
Lantis
I. Osemwengie, Ph.D.
Research Chemist
Ph.D. 2002, University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Environmental Science (Chemistry Track)
M.S. 1984, Prairie View A & M University, The Texas A & M University System: Soil Science
B.S. 1982, Texas Southern University: Major: Chemistry. Minor: Mathematics
Dissertation: "Levels of Synthetic Musks in Municipal Wastewater for Estimating Biota Exposure in Receiving Waters." Advisor: Professor Shawn Gerstenberger.
Masters Thesis: "Accumulation of soil Ni in Leaves and Tubers of Radish and Turnip." Advisor: Professor Eugene Brams.
Career began in 1985 at University of Benin, Nigeria as Assistant Lecturer of Soil Chemistry, under Professor Egharevba. Joined New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Special Project Laboratory in 1992 as Assistant Chemist. Moved to U.S. EPA (ORD, Las Vegas) in 1999 to the present position.
| Expertise/Research: | |
 |
Trace organic analysis, using GC/MS, GC/ECD, GC/NPD, GC/FID, and HPLC instrumentation. |
|
Development of alternative methods for collection of environmental samples, extractions, cleanup techniques, and identification of previously unknown contaminants in various environmental compartments. These include pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs). |
Impact of research: |
|
|
Dramatic reduction in analytical uncertainty with regard to false negatives and false positives. The methodology developed from this research project will greatly reduce detection limits for PCBs, PCTs, PPCPs, and other trace pollutants by allowing permitting sample sizes of 50 liters or more as opposed to the conventional limitation of one liter. This increases the chances of detecting analytes that would otherwise escape detection (false negative). |
|
Researchers' use and exposure to hazardous solvent are drastically reduced. |
|
Labor costs are reduced. |
|
Research on levels of synthetic musks in municipal wastewater can provide estimates of potential contamination of the downstream aquatic environment and associated biota. Human exposure to xenobiotics or health assessment can be performed based on quality data obtained from this research. |
Stephen
H. Pia
Research Chemist
1986 - 1989: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, graduate studies in environmental analytical chemistry.
B.A. 1979, University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Chemistry.
Career began in 1989 as a Radiochemist, method research and development of gross alpha and radon in drinking water methods. From 1995 to 1999, Team Leader Proficiency Testing Program, Radionuclides in Drinking Water. Moved into present position as Research Chemist, application of vacuum distillation for analysis of volatiles in environmental samples; Consultant to ORD on the application of radiochemical methods for analysis of radionuclides in drinking water and environmental samples.
Expertise/Research
|
Adaptation of vacuum distillation for analysis of volatiles in environmental samples |
|
Radiochemistry of radon in drinking water |
|
Radiochemistry of gross alpha and beta in drinking water and environmental samples |
|
Radiochemistry of nuclides in drinking water and environmental sample |
|
Collaborative testing of radiochemical method |
|
Analysis of perchlorate in water and drinking water |
Individual Research Mission
Development of accurate cost effective method(s) for screening and analysis
of volatile organic chemicals in environmental sample
Consultant to EPA on the application of radiochemistry for detection and
analysis of radionuclides in water and environmental samples
Research Chemist
M.S. 1978, Xavier University, Cincinnati: Organic Chemistry
Thesis: "Attempted Separation and Characterization on Enzymes Produced by B. macerans." Advisor: Prof. Harvey Dube
Federal career begun in 1976 at EPA as GS-7 (EPA/ORD Cincinnati)
Expertise/Research:
Research using mass spectrometry (ion traps, NCI/CI, MS/MS)
Minimizing sample preparation (SFE, ASE, DAI)
Fast techniques for target analyte screening (DAI)
Impact of research:
Reduce sample analysis time and cost
Reduce laboratory-generated pollution
Assistance to Regional RPMs and instrument manufacturers
15 peer reviewed publications
Charlita
Rosal, M.S.
Research Environmental Scientist
M.S. 1992, University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Environmental Analytical Chemistry
Thesis: Determination of Polonium-210 in Lake Mead Fish.
M.S. (ABT) 1980-1982. University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City: Chemical/Environmental Engineering
B.S. 1979. Mindanao State University, Philippines: Chemical Engineering
Expertise/Research:
Ultra-trace pesticide determination using programmable temperature
vaporizer (PTV) capillary GC/MS by pulsed-splitless and large-volume injection
of sample analytes.
Sample preparation of environmental and biological samples by microwave and block digestion for multi-elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS).
Sample introduction techniques for ICP/MS. Elemental speciation of organometallics by CE/UV and CE-ICP/MS.
Impact of Research
Conventional sample introduction for GC/MS analysis of organics uses 1-uL
sample volume. Sometimes, the level of pollutants is very low that even
with sample preconcentration (via extraction of a large volume of sample
and condensation of extract down to less than 1 mL), detection is not
possible. Increasing analyte load by injecting large volume of extract
(e.g., 20 uL) enhances sensitivity to compensate for the limited detection
sensitivity of mass spectrometer. Large-volume injection (LVI)-GC/MS is
useful in exposure assessment of sensitive ecosystems and baseline monitoring
of pristine environments.
Because of the different levels of toxicity each species exhibits, elemental speciation is critical in assessing risk for a more sensible and cost-effective clean-up goals. CE-ICP/MS is a technique that provides excellent resolution and sensitivity while utilizing a very small-size sample volume (nL) for analysis so that sample collection and transport are minimized, thus saving cost and time. Most of all, the technique is “green” (generating very low amounts of wastes) which responds to EPA’s mission of pollution prevention.
G.
Wayne Sovocool, Ph.D.
Research Chemist
Ph.D. 1971, Cornell University: Physical-Organic Chemistry
Thesis: "Secondary Deuterium Isotope Effects as Mechanistic Probes in Organic Photochemical Reactions." Advisor: Professor Richard A. Caldwell
Federal career begun in 1972 (ORD/RTP), moving in 1982 to ORD/Las Vegas.
Expertise/Research:
Structural determination and measurement of organic chemicals by mass
spectrometry
Application of advanced mass spectrometric techniques for the characterization of chemical indicators of exposure, biological changes, and environmental status
Impact of research:
Use of GC/MS to assess human and environmental exposure to foreign compounds
(e.g., human adipose tissue samples and water samples) and in solving
numerous Program Office needs.
Identification of non-target analytes.
80 peer-reviewed journal publications