Community, Environment & Policy
Marc Verhougstraete
Work Summary
Dr. Verhougstraete is an integrated health related microbiologist. He examines the source, transport, and occurrence of pathogens in the environment, measures human exposures to pathogens, and defines associated risks to mitigate adverse health outcomes. His research includes assessment of microorganisms in irrigation canals, beaches, estuaries, rivers, lakes, groundwater wells, household drinking water systems, and healthcare environments. His research has highlighted multiple hazards in each system, the driving factors of microbial exposures, and defining critical interventions. Marc’s most recent research has quantified microbe and metal occurrences in water distribution systems of underrepresented individuals, modeled expected outcomes, and defined appropriate water treatment interventions for the most vulnerable communities. Ultimately, Dr. Verhougstraete aims to reduce pathogen infections that exacerbate chronic diseases by combining environmental assessment, novel dose-response approaches, and risk assessment models all to inform health oriented interventions.
Research Interest
Frank A von Hippel
Work Summary
I conduct research at the nexus of ecotoxicology, mechanisms of toxicity, and health disparities. I study wildlife and laboratory animals as models for human exposure and disease, as well as to solve problems in conservation biology. I am especially interested in health disparities experienced by vulnerable populations and I employ a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach. I integrate a variety of methods to establish routes of exposure and mechanisms of developmental disruption ranging from the genome to the whole organism and its environment.