The Department of Environmental Science will implement its revised undergraduate

degree programs starting in the Fall semester of 2013. The entire faculty and staff

worked for over a year to design a robust curriculum that gained final approval from

Baylor University in early 2013. The new curriculum is designed to provide students with

the best possible framework for success in either obtaining a job or entering a graduate

program, with streamlining the curriculum to provide the best class, laboratory, and re-

search opportunities possible. Examining curricula from prospective undergraduate and

graduate environmental programs, and talking with prospective employers helped to

craft a rigorous science-oriented BS Environmental Science degree, and a BA Environ-

mental Studies degree that emphasizes law, policy, and management fields.

During their first two years, students will take many of the same fundamental courses,

giving them the broad knowledge base necessary to understand complex environmental

processes. Traditionally offered courses are augmented by several newly designed offer-

ings (i.e. Field Techniques Laboratory), and courses with major overlap were streamlined

to reduce redundancy. Course offerings are designed so that each student selects an

emphasis area that covers important aspects of his or her specific interest. To provide a

well-rounded academic experience, all students will also take courses in law or policy,

environmental science, and the environment and society, regardless of the particular

emphasis they select. A seminar course is now integral to the Capstone experience.

The BS degree requires more science and lab courses (both within the department as

well as chemistry, biology, geology, math, and physics). BS students choose emphasis

areas that are more chemical, biological or health in nature, while BA students can pursue policy/society or re-

source management. The Department of Environmental Science will continue to offer a dual major for both the BS

and BA degrees for students that want to couple an environmental science degree with another degree. These pro-

grams require fewer environmental science classes, since the student must fulfill the requirements to another de-

gree. However, dual majors must complete introductory courses, and then select classes that best match their in-

terests.

It is important that students obtain experience before entering the work force or graduate school; therefore, eve-

ry student will perform research or complete an internship. These courses allow students to gain real-world experi-

ence and begin forming a network of professional relationships. Furthermore, students will take multiple lab cours-

es, which provide hands-on opportunities for the student to work with faculty on gaining valuable field and laborato-

ry experiences. These are exciting times in the field of environmental science, and the faculty in the Department of

Environmental Science invites you to contact us directly or visit our website to learn more about our degrees. We

believe that this new program will educate, encourage, and guide current and future students to successful aca-

demic and professional careers.

Department Unveils Revised Undergraduate Curriculum

Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University

Inside this issue:

BU SETAC Student

Group’s Carbon Offset &

Re-vegetation Project

2

Baylor’s Env Department

Attended 52nd Annual

SOT Meeting

3

Eleanor Robinson

recipient of SETAC-ACS

Student Exchange Award

3

Professors Brooks and

Cobb Strengthen Interna-

tional Collaborations

4

Dr. Brooks Taught Envi-

ronmental Risk Assess-

ment at Vietnam Confer-

ence

5

Breaking News 6

ENV Notes Spring 2013

ENV NOTES Page 2

BU SETAC Student Group’s Carbon Offset and Re-vegetation Project

The Baylor University Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (BU SETAC) student group, in collabora-

tion with Texas Parks and Wildlife, Corps of Engineers, the Lake Waco Wetlands, and the City of Waco has begun

its carbon offset and re-vegetation of Lake Waco Service Project. In 2012, SETAC North America released a request

for proposals for SETAC members to develop innovative ways to offset the carbon footprint of their annual meeting.

The BU SETAC student group received one of the two carbon offset grants within North America. Lake Waco, a

man-made reservoir, was created largely to address the “feast or famine” nature of water availability in central

Texas. In 2003, the water level was raised 7 feet, and much of the original vegetation that covered the banks was

eradicated. Presently, much of the shoreline (≥ 95%) is lacking vegetation. The aim of this project is to implement a

self-sustaining carbon sink via the seeding of communities of native aquatic vegetation along the reservoir shore-

line. Preventing the spread of undesirable invasive species is an additional benefit of this project. “Our students‟

commitment to environmental stewardship is laudable and provides clear indication of their leadership within the

scientific and local communities,” said Dr. Cobb.

The volunteers for this effort will come from graduate and undergraduate students within Baylor University and

from the local community. Funding from SETAC North America will be used to construct microcosms to grow

plants, purchase supplies for the planting, and build enclosures to protect young plants from wave action and her-

bivory. Hundreds of native aquatic, representing eight different taxa, will be locally grown in Baylor University micro-

cosms located at the City of Waco, Lake Waco Wetlands Facility.

BU SETAC members, Baylor University staff, graduate, undergraduate students, and members of Texas Parks

and Wildlife planted ~280 buttonbush plants at 4 sites along the Lake Waco shoreline (Lacy Point) on Wednesday,

March 27th, 2013. Plants were tagged with tape in order to monitor their growth over time. Thanks to everyone

who participated! Next up for the BU SETAC student group is seedling splitting, and the construction of a plant

nursery at the Lake Waco Wetlands.

Left to right: John Provine, Dave Vickers, Gavin Saari, Adrian

Parr, Eleanor Robinson (bottom), Lissette Aguilar, Mo Jia,

Michael Dropmann, Fan Zhang, Tony Zhang, Michael Cas-

tillo-Chavez, Michael Baird. Not pictured: John Tibbs, Mia

Papastavros, Kevin Cook, Samantha McMullen, Justin Lee,

George Graves, Garrett Randle, Garrett McMillan, and Spen-

cer Hunter.

Baylor’s Environmental Science Department Attended Annual SOT Meeting

Scientists from Baylor‟s Department of Environmental Science

attended the 52nd annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology in

San Antonio over spring break. Students Fan Zhang, Crystal Usen-

ko, and Kristin Connors, as well as Dr. Bruce and Dr. Williams pre-

sented research findings at this meeting. This convention provid-

ed opportunities for presentation of new data, development of

new collaborations, networking, identifying vendors for experi-

mental resources, and reconnecting with colleagues.

The overall scientific program included applications of systems

biology, biomarkers for exposure assessment, effects of nano-

materials on biological systems, molecular basis for genetic sus-

ceptibility, and regulatory science. One overriding theme of the

meeting was computational toxicology, which included: the use of

computers to provide insight into toxicological mechanisms, hazard, and risk. These sessions were of particular

interest to Drs. Bruce and Williams, who have experience with alternative testing techniques to address these is-

sues. One notable session that was discussed throughout the rest of the week was a debate about whether compu-

tational toxicology would be in a position to replace traditional toxicology testing in the near future. The consensus

among the audience was that much more effort and advances in computer technology will be required before the

complexity of biological systems can adequately be captured. Perhaps the largest barrier to widespread application

of computational toxicology techniques is the resistance of regulators to the change. However, new and ongoing

projects were highlighted throughout the sessions, including EPA‟s Tox21 program. One project under Tox21 is Tox-

Cast, in which over a thousand chemicals are being tested in an array of in vitro assays to gain insight into mecha-

nisms; the goal of the project is to inform computational modeling for diverse toxicological mechanisms.

Congratulations to the Connors on

their new baby girl!

ENV NOTES Page 3

Eleanor Robinson Receives SETAC-ACS

Student Exchange Award

Eleanor Robinson was the recipient of the Society of

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), and

American Chemical Society (ACS) Exchange Award at the

33rd annual SETAC North America conference. Five

presentations from the most highly ranked applications for

the SETAC ACS Exchange Program were judged on-site at

the SETAC North America meeting. Eleanor‟s presentation

ranked 1st among 5 presentations. This award was de-

signed to expand professional and scientific interactions of

student members and promote networking between

SETAC and ACS. She

will receive $1,000 to

attend the 245th

ACS meeting in New

Orleans, LA, where

she will present her

research involving

contaminant profiles

in whale earwax.

Congratulations to Dan

and Kristin Connors on

the arrival of their beauti-

ful little girl, Brynn Eleanor

Connors. She was born on

January 21st, 2013 at

2:52 PM, weighed 3635

grams, and was 50.2 cen-

timeters long. Welcome to

the newest Baylor Bear!

ENV NOTES Page 4

Professors Brooks and Cobb strengthen international collaborations Professors Cobb and Brooks traveled to Hong Kong in February 2013 at

the invitation of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). Hong Kong provides

a unique confluence of cultures, innovation, and geographic features. The

historical connections between HKBU and Baylor University (BU) provides

a unique conduit for significant enrichment of the research and education

opportunities for students of our respective universities. Prof and Chair

Chris Wong of HKBU organized two days of interaction for Profs Brooks

and Cobb with faculty, staff and students from the School of Science. Dur-

ing this time, Prof and Chair MH Wong, founder of the Croucher Institute of

Environmental Sciences at HKBU, and one of the most well cited environ-

mental scientists in Asia, also participated in discussions as did Vice Presi-

dent of Research Ricky Wong. Profs Cobb and Brooks presented technical

research seminars and initiated dialogue with our HKBU hosts to explore

collegial and productive ways to expand research and education interactions. Specific avenues of discourse in-

volved environmental quality, with particular focus on emerging contaminants, genotoxicity, endocrine effects, en-

vironmental modeling, natural products, and student exchanges. The degree programs in place at our two univer-

sities and on going research are quite complimentary and will serve as natural “springboards” for joint program-

matic development. As would be expected, the faculty, staff, and students

at HKBU were consummate hosts, with highlights being lunch at the race

track, and meals with large faculty groups.

During the time in Hong Kong, Cobb and Brooks also met representa-

tives from consortium universities within Hong Kong. Faculty at Hong Kong

University (HKU) provided facility tours, an afternoon of discussions and a

scenic dinner. Potential research in the areas of air and water quality repre-

sent primary areas of overlapping research with faculty at HKU. Prof Brooks

and Cobb visited City University of Hong Kong on different days during their

travel schedules. Their technical seminars were well received by faculty

and students and discussions of nanomaterials, sustainability, and emerg-

ing contaminants. A wide array of research and education opportunities

that would be mutually beneficial to Baylor University, and partner institu-

tions from Hong Kong were identified. Plans are being finalized for Baylor

University to host representatives from HKBU to further explore additional collaborations. Integral aspects of the

planning and on site activities in Hong Kong were facilitated by John and Sue Giesy, who were gracious and gener-

ous to everyone involved in this Pan Pacific bridge-building.

We look forward to rekindling and creatively expanding the opportunities for Pan-Pacific collaborations with

these new colleagues in Hong Kong. Look for more news in future issues of ENV NEWS about increased research

and education activities involving Baylor and our partners in Hong Kong.

Maintain the momentum, and

Support the Presidents Scholarship Campaign!

Recent Publications Spring 2013 Publications (* denotes Baylor student coauthor)

Abel MT, Suedel B, Presley SM, McDaniel LN, Rigdon R, Goebel T, Lascano RJ, Zartman R, Anderson TA, Cobb GP.

2012. Contribution of Soil Lead to Blood Lead in Children: A Study from New Orleans, LA. Journal of Environmental

Protection, 3, 1704-1710.

Bian J*, Berninger JP*, Fulton BA, Brooks BW. 2013 Nutrient stoichiometry and concentrations influence silver tox-

icity in the aquatic macrophyte Lemna gibba. Science of the Total Environment, 449: 229-236.

Bratton, S.P. with Katia Hetter, 2012, Finding spirituality on culturally –rich Appalachian Trail, CNN Website, Travel

Section, 8:06 AM EST, Mon November 19, 2012, with photo series by Susan Bratton and Marcus Keck, with excep-

tion of Katahdin photo.

Faust DR, Knowles N, McGruder E, Haukos DA, Cobb GP, Maul JD, Anderson TA, Smith PN. 2012. Inorganic and

organic contaminants in sediments from an urban playa and associated toxicity among Hyalella Azteca. Toxicologi-

cal and Environmental Chemistry, 94(9):1746-1757.

Furman, O. Usenko, S. and Lau, B.L.T, 2013 Relative importance of the humic and fulvic fractions of natural organ-

ic matter in the aggregation and adsorption of silver nanoparticles. Environmental Science and Technology, 47 (3),

349-1356. DOI: 10. 1021/es303275g.

Garcia SN*, Clubbs RL*, Stanley JK*, Scheffe B*, Yelderman JC, Brooks BW. 2013. Comparative analysis of efflu-

ent water quality from a municipal treatment plant and two on-site wastewater treatment systems. Chemosphere.

DOI: 10.10616/j.chemosphere.2013.03.007

Haydenn NJ, Roelke DL, Brooks BW, Grover BW, Grover JP, Neisch MT, Valenti TW*, Prosser KN*, Gable GM,

Umphres GD, Hewitt NC. 2012. Beyond hydraulic displacement, deep water mixing takes the harm out of an algal

bloom. Harmful algae, 20: 42-57.

Kolkmeier MA*, Brooks BW. 2013. Sublethal silver and NaCl toxicity in Daphnia magna: A comparative study of

standardized chronic endpoints and progeny phototaxis. Ecotoxicology. DOI: 10.1007/s10646-013-1061-1

Prosser KN*, Valenti TW*, Hayden NJ, Neisch MT, Hewitt NC, Umphres GD, Gable GM, Grover JP, Roelke DL,

Brooks BW. 2012. Low pH preempts bloom development of a toxic haptophyte. Harmful Algae 20: 156-164.

ENV NOTES Page 5

Dr. Brooks Taught Environmental Risk Assessment Course at Vietnam Conference

In March 2013, Dr. Brooks taught a short course entitled “Environmental Risk

Assessment or Biologically Active Molecules” at the 2nd International Conference

on Environmental Pollution, Restoration and Management in Hanoi, a rapidly

growing megacity with over 6 million inhabitants. This conference, which included

attendees from over 40 countries, was co-sponsored by the Society of Toxicology,

and examined environmental challenges in developing countries and increased

technical capacity through short courses. Dr. Brooks‟ short course was attended

by conference participants and 80+ students from Hanoi University of Science

and Technology. In addition to teaching the short course, Dr. Brooks served on

the conference organizing committee, and co-chaired a session on environmental

toxicology with Prof. Dayanthi Nugegoda from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia.

ENV NOTES Page 6

Breaking News:

AEHAP produces a quarterly newsletter, and is seeking articles of 500 words or less about innovative projects

or students experiences working on environmental health issues in our community or abroad. This could in-

clude sharing your story, a great internship experience, and exciting news about your program that would be

beneficial to other EHAC accredited programs. You can email articles to Project Assistant Kathryn Mataya at

info@aehap.org.

Junior Craig Calvert selected for JRCOSTEP internship with U.S. Public Health Service/Indian Health Service in

Navaho area during Summer 2013.

Junior Rachel Johnson selected for internship with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA

during Summer 2013.

New Environmental Science Facebook page coming Summer 2013.

Environmental Science student wins Mickey Leland award. Find out who in the Fall 2013 issue of ENV Notes.

As a reminder: The Environmental Science Department produces a newsletter each semester. If you are an En-

vironmental student, working on a project, internship, studying abroad, graduating, or have exciting news within

your major that you want to share with an article or „Breaking News‟ in the future newsletter‟s, send an email to

Kristine Hughes at Kristine_Hughes@baylor.edu.

Join us on our Facebook group: Baylor Environ-

mental Science and the Twitter @Setac_Baylor

to keep up to date on current events.

Wang J, Gelach J, Savage N, Cobb GP. 2013. Necessity and approach to integrated nanomaterials legislation and

governance. Science of the Total Environment, 442: 56-62.

Scollon EJ, Carr JA, Rintoul DR, McMurry ST, Cobb GP. 2012. Metabolism and distribution of p, p‟ -DDT during flight

of the white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 31 (2): 336-346

Usenko, C. Y., Robinson, E.M., Bruce, E.D. and Usenko, S. 2013, Uptake and metabolism of individual PBDE conge-

ners by embryonic zebrafish. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. DOI: 10.1002/etc.2163.

If you would like to receive this and other information more quickly, you may send us your email

address to Heather at Heather_Hein@baylor.edu.