PROMOTING SAFE, SECURE AND HEALTHY NATURAL AND BUILT SPACES

As a biologist and explorer I am supremely inspired by nature and the chemistries that make up the living world. The term 'One Health' aims to describe the interconnectedness between the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. The potential for zoonotic disease spillover and need to prepare for pandemic prevention is obviously apparent, as evidenced numerous and recent epidemics. Likewise, environmental exposures to chemical contaminants of concern (COCs) and invasive species are increasing and require new mitigation and remediation strategies leveraging varied technologies.

For over 25 years, I have been contributing to development of biothreat detection platforms to support national security and pandemic prevention. Securing our environments from chemical and biological threats arising from natural reservoirs or bad actors continues to be a main priority. I am also keen to undertake more rigorous studies of the impacts of invasive species population and infectious disease vector control technologies on the environment. See list below of previously supported initiatives.

Environmental Health Initiatives

• Performing technology analysis and studying environmental interventions addressing contaminants of concern [e.g., 1,4-dioxane, PFAS]
• Developed multiple environmental monitoring and threat detection systems for biosecurity and biodefense (Gen-Probe, Vectrant)
• Pioneered development of gene-edited environmental clean-up systems for emerging contaminants of concern (COCs) [e.g., 1,4-dioxane] (Intrexon)
• Deep expertise with genetically engineered, gene-edited, and cloned organisms serving as first-in-class for EPA and USFWS regulators (Intrexon)
• Engaged government leaders, including acting CDC Director and acting FDA Administrator, to advance mosquito-borne infectious disease vector control interventions aimed at dengue and Zika, and helped gain support of Gates Foundation for pilot program addressing malaria (Intrexon, Oxitec) (see list of federal, state, and local government engagements)
• Briefed US Congress on environmentally friendly aquaculture technologies to lessen burden on wild fisheries with a land-based system that reduces growth time and overall feed input requirements with first FDA approved genetically engineered food animal for human consumption (salmon) (Intrexon)
• Briefed US Secretary of Agriculture on gene-edited food animals (Intrexon)
• Promoted use of genetically engineered non-browning fruits to reduce food waste and improve access to nutrition (Intrexon)
• Supported endangered species conservation programs to achieve population expansion using cloning of archival veterinary specimens to enhance population genetics (Intrexon, ViaGen) [press] black footed ferret - NYTimes.com | Przewalski's horse - CNN.com
• Engaged philanthropic organizations regarding marine biodiversity conservation and natural products discovery programs (Intrexon)
• Volunteered with American Lung Association supporting Healthy Air Campaign and briefing US Congress on program activities