Education

• A.A, 1996, General Studies, Western Nevada Community College
• B.S., 1999, Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno
• M.S., 2001, Ecological Toxicology, University of Nevada, Reno

Professional Interests

Julie's research was in the field of toxicology with a primary focus on aquatic toxicology. She studied phototoxic effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the growth of a freshwater alga, Selenastrum capricornutum. PAHs are a class of chemicals that occur in the environment as a result of the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Aquatic organisms, such as phytoplankton, can then accumulate these compounds into their tissues. These molecules absorb energy from UVR resulting in compounds that are more toxic to the organism than the parent compound. With growing concern that atmospheric ozone reduction will continue, it is necessary to understand the potential phototoxic effects of UV sensitive compounds.

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