Exploring Human-Environment Systems
Our group works at the intersection of biology and chemistry to understand and predict the fate of chemicals in the environment. We build and validate models for legacy and emerging chemicals at multiple scales, from molecules to 🐁 organisms 🐟 to global systems. Learn about our modeling philosophy (we ❤️ mechanisms), the chemicals we focus on (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances; brominated flame retardants; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-- and more...) and our current projects and interdisciplinary collaborations.
The Ng Lab Remote Edition
Well this year has turned out a little differently from what we all expected. The Ng Lab has moved to primarily remote operation, although now we have a limited presence back in the laboratory. Work continues, both in silico and on the bench. We hope you and yours are healthy and safe. We will continue to update our latest papers and projects. In the meantime: Black lives matter, wear a mask, and be kind to yourselves and one another.
Welcome Lacey Heinsberg to the Ng Lab
Dr. Lacey Heinsberg is a postdoctoral scholar who will be collaborating with our research group in exciting projects probing the toxic effects of PFAS in humans. She has a unique skillset with training in Nursing and Civil & Environmental Engineering and we are so glad to have her perspective on board. Read more about her on our People page.
Welcome Yuexin Cao as PhD Student
Yuexin (Cara) Cao joined the Ng Lab last semester to conduct some independent research as part of the professional MS studies. She is now formally joining the group to pursue her PhD and we are glad she will be sticking with us! Cara is currently working on molecular modeling to investigate PFAS interactions with the blood-brain-barrier. Stay tuned and read more about her on our People page.
Our first LC-QQQ!
The Environmental Engineering Laboratory at Pitt CEE has recently acquired its first LC/MS-MS and we are gearing up to measure PFAS in-house! This is an exciting addition to the department's analytical capabilities and will enable better assessment of PFAS contamination in Western PA. While the COVID19 shutdown was a setback for us, graduate student Megha Bedi recently went through our socially distanced on-site training, working with postdoc Gregg Kotchey of the Sanchez lab. We are excited to get going with developing our PFAS workflow.
