KC Donnelly Externship Admin Supplement for E. Molly Frazar P42ES007380 UKSRC

KC Donnelly Abstract for E. Molly Frazar My current UK-SRP funded research seeks to develop inexpensive, reusable polymeric sorbents for PFAS capture and removal. Specifically, polymeric sorbents that can selectively bind and release PFAS contaminants are designed, developed and optimized, thereby providing a low-cost sustainable alternative to the current commercially available water remediation sorbents. In order to better inform my PFAS based research, the proposed KC Donnelly Externship project will provide educational opportunities in the development of human health and ecological risk assessment. Under the direction of Dr. Amanda Persad in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, I will learn how to conduct environmental impact assessments which will consists of hazard identification, mode of action analysis, dose-response analysis, systematic review and computational tools used for evidence analysis. Through this externship, I will gain a deeper understanding of how to best apply environmental research in order to support legislative action related to risk assessment. Specific Aim 1. To learn how to conduct environmental impact assessments consisting of hazard identification and systemic review. In order to learn how to bridge the gap between the research community and regional offices who make regulatory, enforcement, and remedial action decisions I will learn to determine how pollutants or other stressors may impact human health and the environment. Specific Aim 2. To gain hands on experience in an EPA research facility through onsite visits In person visits will equip me with professional networking opportunities while developing human health and ecological risk assessments and using robust scientific processes to determine how pollutants or other stressors may impact human health and the environment.