Summary: Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous compounds that can provoke biological effects by disturbing the normal hormonal homeostatic control mechanisms in the body. Of particular concern are EDCs that interfere with the functions of the steroid sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone, causing irreversible damage to the developing fetus. The synthetic estrogen diethylstilboestrol [DES] given to pregnant women to prevent miscarriage resulted in children that were significantly affected by the in utero exposure, with consequences ranging from malformations, sterility after puberty, and cancer.  We are exposed to a great number of EDCs as they are found in many products and applications, including pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, plastics and personal care products. I am interested in looking for EDCs in our local coastal marine environment and exploring questions regarding the fate, persistence and transport of some known EDCs.  In particular, I am interested in whether trace levels of these pollutants could be biologically active due to possibility of synergism between different EDCs.

Future Directions: I aim to pursue a career in research, and through community programs, bring my knowledge of EDCs to the general public in order to promote awareness of these issues.