Our research group at the University of Iowa studies the environmental behavior, transport, and fate of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other persistent organic pollutants in air, water, sediment, and biological systems. We integrate field sampling, laboratory experiments, and statistical and mathematical modeling to quantify environmental concentrations and exposures, with extensive use of R for data analysis, modeling, and visualization. Our work includes the design and execution of field campaigns, the development of innovative analytical and sampling methods, and data-driven environmental analysis.

A major focus of our research is the development and application of passive sampling technologies, including polyurethane foam passive air samplers (PUF-PAS) and novel nanofiber-based materials for air, water, and sediment monitoring. We develop mechanistic models that translate passive sampler uptake into environmental concentrations using compound-specific properties and meteorological data, and these tools are publicly available to support broader use by the research community. Our group has led and contributed to large-scale sampling campaigns and federally funded projects (NIH, SERDP), including long-standing participation in the Iowa Superfund Research Program, advancing high-resolution, efficient approaches for monitoring environmental micropollutants.