PhD, 2010, Duke University, University Program in Ecology, Duke Marine Lab
BS, 2001, The College of William & Mary in Virginia, Magna cum Laude, Biology major, Chemistry minor
I am a research analyst and lab manager and I am testing the toxicity of broken down nanocomposites (polymers and ceramics with embedded nanoparticles). Nanoparticles are being added to all sorts of materials to improve electrical and structural properties, impart antimicrobial activity, and reduce flammability. As these products get broken down under normal wear and tear there is a possibility that the embedded nanoparticles will be released into the environment. We are using the nematode C. elegans and the freshwater zebrafish, Danio rerio, as our models in these toxicity tests.
I am also taking part in the Superfund research in lab looking at the genome of the killifish from through out the Elizabeth River, VA.
I come to the lab with experience in estuarine and deep-sea marine ecology and ecotoxicology having spent the last decade at the Duke Marine Lab (DUML) in Beaufort, NC. I received my PhD in marine ecology from the Duke University Program in Ecology and worked at DUML with Dan Rittschof. While there I researched oxidative stress in marine invertebrates from deep-sea hydrothermal vents and cold seeps as well as the toxicity and sub-lethal effects of common pollutants in various estuarine invertebrates. I have taught several semesters of classes at DUML including Marine Ecology, Marine Invertebrate Zoology, Analysis of Ocean Ecosystems, and Research Methods, as well as Marine Biology at NC State in Raleigh, NC.
Check out Beaufort Veterinary Hospital that my wife, Dr. Jocelyn Romano, and I just opened in Beaufort, NC