Project Summary (2025-2030)

The Administrative Core (AC) within the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM)-Rice Superfund Research Program (SRP) aims to ensure proper leadership of the Center to adhere to Superfund directives. The Administrative Core facilitates interdisciplinary communication and collaboration and integration of the Cores within the Research Projects. The scientific goal is to understand the health impacts of maternal PAH exposures on fetal and childhood outcomes and to mitigate exposures by creating novel detection technology and developing innovative remediation approaches.

The Administrative Core acts as the center of communication within the Center and is responsible for creating an efficient organizational structure. A major goal of the AC is to oversee all financial aspects of the BCM-Rice SRP. Dr. Moorthy, the leader of the AC, will continue to work with Emily Pedraza, the Program Manager, to ensure fiscal responsibility. The AC will organize annual retreats, Internal and External Advisory Committee Meetings and Executive Committee Meetings. As the Center continues to strive for improvement, metrics for each Project and Core will continue to be refined as needed to ensure progress and success. Feedback will be solicited from advisory committee members, and qualitative assessments will be implemented to ensure relevance of AC activities including seminars and workshops.

The AC encompasses the leadership and organization for all research translation efforts. Drs. Melissa Suter and Dr. Cole Matson will serve as the Research Translation Coordinators (RTCs). Together they will work with the Community Engagement Core (CEC) to get the discoveries and progress into the hands of the stakeholders in the government and community. Research translation activities will include strategies for research dissemination (social media updates, newsletters, scientific presentations), integration of relevant program information with the Community Engagement Core, establishing new government and community partnerships with relevant stakeholders, and soil sampling workshops for SRP members, including trainees, at local Superfund sites. The RTCs, with the assistance of the Program Manager, will also continue to maintain their public website. The AC will engage trainees in all relevant administrative and translation activities to foster organizational and leadership skills. The leaders of the Administrative Core, Drs. Bhagavatula Moorthy (Director), Pedro Alvarez (Deputy Director), Melissa Suter, and Naomi Halas (Associate Directors) will bring their collective scientific, educational, and leadership experience to guide the Baylor-Rice SRP and address Superfund directives.