Baylor Environmental Science Welcomes Two New Faculty Members

September 14, 2011

Follow us on Twitter: @BaylorUMediaCom
Two new faculty members were appointed to the Baylor University department of environmental science this fall: Dr. George Cobb, professor and chair of the environmental science department, and Dr. Cole Matson, assistant professor of environmental science.
Cobb, president of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, has joined the Baylor faculty from the Institute of Environmental Health at Texas Tech University. He received his bachelor's degree from the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C., in 1982 and his doctoral degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla., in 1989.
"Dr. Cobb brings internationally recognized expertise and leadership experience to Baylor," said Dr. Bryan Brooks, professor of environmental science and biomedical studies at Baylor. "From training undergraduate and graduate students to scholarship and research in environmental science and environmental health, his accomplishments are stellar."
Cobb has authored more than 100 journal publications and his research interests include analytical and biochemical toxicology. He also is treasurer and a member of the executive committee of the American Chemical Society.
"Dr. Cobb embraces the importance of interdisciplinary student training to address future environmental and public health challenges," Brooks said. "Thus, he represents a perfect selection to lead the environmental programs at Baylor."
Matson was executive director of Duke University's Center for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology. He specializes in the genetic effects of contaminants on wildlife, such as the genetic and developmental impacts of nanomaterial on fish and how environmental variables affect toxicity.
Matson received his bachelor's degree in 1996 from Texas A&M University, his master's degree in 1999 from Texas Tech University and his doctoral degree in 2004 from Texas A&M University. He also spent four years as a postdoctoral fellow at Duke University's Nicholas School for the Environment.
"Dr. Matson's work examines the environmental implications of nanotechnology, which represents one of the most timely issues facing society," Brooks said. "With Dr. Cobb's leadership, Dr. Matson's arrival, our excellent students and existing faculty and staff expertise, the future of environmental science at Baylor is very bright."
About Baylor Environmental Science
The department of environmental science is dedicated to training students in both the social and scientific dimensions of environmental issues. The goal is to provide an educational opportunity where students learn to be stewards of the earth's soil, air and water, and protectors of biodiversity.
Since 2000, the department has added three new undergraduate majors' options, and expanded its course offerings, particularly in toxicology, wildlife conservation and environmental health. The department's faculty has raised publication and meeting attendance rates for graduate students and is recruiting doctoral students for degree programs in the ecological, earth and environmental Sciences, and for biomedical studies.
For more information, call (254) 710-3405 or click here.
by Katy McDowall, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805