Area(s) of Emphasis:

Pediatric Cancer

Research Interests:

Microbiology, Water Quality, Metals, Metalloids, and Radionuclides

Current Research Summary:

The majority of Nebraskans rely on groundwater as a drinking water source. Groundwater passes through a sedimentary matrix that often bears metas, metalloids, and radionuclides that can lead to the geogenic contamination of groundwater, thus drinking water. We have demonstrated that a common anthropogenic contaminant nitrate can lead to the mobilization of uranium in groundwater in regions which support drinking water sources. The research ongoing in my laboratory explores the microorganisms and mechanisms that lead to mobilization of these contaminants and the subsequent links to pediatric cancer.