“The focal point of this research was to infer how seasonal differences in site-specific pH may influence predictions of adverse responses associated with exposure to a pharmaceutical used as a model contaminant,” he said. “This objective was achieved by exposing fathead minnows in the laboratory to sertraline under varying conditions so that a pH-dependant toxicological relationship could be determined for both traditional and mode-of-action specific endpoints.”

Drawn by Dr. Bryan Brooks' Research on Pharmaceuticals

Ted came to Baylor to pursue his doctorate drawn by the ongoing research by Dr. Bryan Brooks on pharmaceuticals in the environment and implication of urbanization on watersheds. Originally from upstate New York, Ted earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Hamilton College and a masters degree in biology with an emphasis in aquatic ecotoxicology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

As one of ten recipients of this prestigious award, he feels that a major accomplishment has been spurring interest from members of the scientific community on topics related to implications of ionization state and site-specific considerations during risk assessments for pharmaceuticals and veterinary medicines. “As well as preparing this project’s results for publication, I have presented the findings at several scientific conferences.,” he says. “At the American Water Resource Association Association’s 2007 summer specialty conferences on emerging contaminants of concern in the environment I won the poster competition.” Thereafter, the concepts developed from this project were used to support an invited talk at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the American Chemical Society during a special symposium focused on risk assessment of agrochemicals.

Ted feels that the environmental science graduate program at Baylor is exceptional for many reasons, but support of the university most in attending conferences. “Attending conferences is pivotal to nurturing the academic development of students,” he says. “These meetings provide opportunities to interact with and learn from other scientists as well as establish professional networks that will assist with future job placement.”

He hopes to continue the momentum he’s developed as a graduate student and continue to research topics that will minimize and ameliorate damages to freshwater systems. “I am excited about potentially helping society by facilitating the development of younger scientists,” Ted said. “I have already taken an active role in this pursuit while at Baylor by serving as a teaching assistant, mentoring high school, undergraduate, and Master’s students in Dr. Brooks’ lab.”