What are your major research interests?
My research is on 'regional to continental-scale geochemistry'. I am co-chief of a project to map the geochemistry of the soils of all the U.S., and with Canadian and Mexican partners, all of North America. My focus at the moment is on a regional study of the geochemistry of soil in northern California. Cr, Ni, V, As and Hg as well as naturally occurring asbestos and anthropogenic Pb are the health focus. We are studying bulk compositions of soil, and also selective leach procedures using simulated gastric and lung fluid. We are also studying atmospheric dust derived from these soils and shallow groundwater impacted by them. We are collaborating with a group at SUNY Stony Brook to study the cellular level impacts of soils on DNA, RNA etc.
Why is defining an area of study called Geomedicine/Geology in Health important?
It emphasizes the direct impact that geologic, hydrologic, and atmospheric media have on health.
Where is this field headed (or what are some current exciting research topics)?
The goal of this field is a geologic, hydrologic, and atmospheric 'health atlas' of toxicants in the environment that health professionals and epidemiologists can use to help deduce the impacts of environmental health threats.
What is the status of Geology and Health internationally?
I think that in some ways, the Europeans are moving ahead of us because of closer ties between their health and earth science communities.
What are the advantages of distinguishing a study of “Geology and Health” as separate from biogeochemistry, biogeosciences, and biomineralization?
Health is a primary concern of all societies. Focusing on the environmental aspects of health is likely to overlap with, but also involve quite different approaches than the other 'bio' sciences. A focus on health by earth scientists is necessary to interface with the health community because bridges between these two broad areas are necessary to advance both. The real interface is at the level of molecular interactions between earth materials and biologic molecules.
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