PhD Graduate
Year Admitted
2017
Year Graduated
2023
Faculty Advisor
Arturo Keller
Committee
Ashley Larsen, Patricia Holden
Dissertation Title & Abstract
Rapid and Spatially Explicit Assessment of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Data Limited Watersheds
The increasing use of chemicals in society demands accessible tools for risk assessments, yet obtaining monitoring data for calibration and validation remains challenging. Nicol’s work specializes in evaluating means to restore and preserve water resources as related to chemical hazards. This involves employing, developing, and validating methodologies to assess contemporary chemical risks, addressing concerns like quantifying risks for undetectable concentrations inducing aquatic organism mortality, identifying toxicity reduction opportunities at scale, and pinpointing primary sources and receptors of chemical hazards. Nicol has investigated chemicals ranging from nanomaterials to pharmaceuticals to flame retardants and pesticides. Her research elucidates contemporary chemical risks in California’s surface waters. Nicol’s work advances our ability to analyze risks in data-limited regions, evaluate chemical risks across large areas with precision, assess cumulative toxicity from numerous chemicals, and identify key sources and receptors of chemical impacts, ultimately enhancing our grasp of chemical risk management and mitigation strategies.
Education
BA Chemistry, Adrian College
BA Biology, Adrian College