Superfund Research Program
Research Translation Core
Project Leader: Brad L. Upham
Grant Number: P42ES004911
Funding Period: 2006-2020
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Progress Reports
Year: 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
The level of sophistication and maturity of RTC is being shaped by the multidirectional approaches in developing meaningful relationships with external stakeholders in state and federal government agencies, communities affected by environmental contaminants, and other SRP centers. This is an evolving and expanding process that is opening new avenues for researchers to engage with external stakeholders that will not only provide a flow of scientific information from the research program, but allow fundamental new ideas and needs flow from external stakeholders to research programs. Such a program will also offer opportunities for trainees to move beyond the traditional training in research by expanding on their horizons to more effectively engage the larger community beyond their specific area of expertise. A few highlights for last year include continued development of a mobile app for Fish Advisories in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Human Health Services (MDHHS); continued implementation of the environmental health program with Midland High; development of a citizen science project in Midland on exploring natural microbial communities that degrade dioxin and also those that are developing antibiotic resistance, of which dioxin is a major contaminant of concern to this community. This citizen science project includes transfer of technology from the program to this community. Also, the RTC co-organized a research symposium on “Community Engagement in Child and Maternal Health” with the departments of Pediatric & Human Development of Michigan State University and Pediatrics of Wayne State University; in collaboration with MDHHS, organized an information booth on “Eat Safe Fish” at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine’s outreach program, “Teddy Bear Picnic”.