Science in Session: Regional CEC Research Spotlight
This webinar series brings together funded researchers from the Southeastern U.S. and Great Lakes regions to share findings from their projects focused on contaminants of emerging concern (CECs).
Each session will spotlight two projects—one from the Southeast Initiative and one from the Great Lakes Initiative. This pairing will offer a unique opportunity to explore regional perspectives, methodologies, and solutions to shared environmental challenges.
Designed for a technical audience, including members of the Sea Grant Network, academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners, this series aims to foster cross-regional learning, collaboration, and the practical application of cutting-edge research.
Session 1: July 18, 2025
Presentation 1
Jiaqi Li, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Researcher, Georgia Institute of Technology
Impact of Drinking Water Treatment on the Fate of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) and Precursors in Wastewater Reuse Application.
Presentation 2
Catherine Janasie, Research Counsel II (Sr.), National Sea Grant Law Center
Comparative analysis of state regulation of PFAS in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain regions.
Session 2: July 24, 2025
Presentation 1
Xiaoyu Xu, Ph.D., Associate Research Scientist, University of Georgia
Develop a Community-Based Participatory Approach to Evaluate the Dietary Exposure of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
Presentation 2
Ruohao Zhang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Pennsylvania State University
From Awareness to Action: Assessing PFAS exposure in communities and evaluating the effectiveness of its mitigation strategies.
Session 3: July 31, 2025
Presentation 1
Leslie Hart, Ph.D., Associate Professor, College of Charleston
Climate factor influences, spatiotemporal variability, and bottlenose dolphin health related to phthalate exposure measured over 30 years in Sarasota Bay, Florida (1993-2023).
Presentation 2
Susan Buchanan, MD, MPH, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Illinois Chicago
Fish consumption and knowledge of PFAS among communities in the Lake Michigan region.
Session 4: August 7, 2025
Presentation 1
Dorothy Aldridge, Graduate Research Assistant, Clemson University
Elucidating Patterns of Microplastic and PFAS Contamination Using Alligators and Environmental Sampling to Assess Coastal Watershed Vulnerability.
Presentation 2
Lyn van Swol, Ph.D., Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
The role of risk and efficacy in communicating about PFAS.
Session 5: April 23, 2026
Presentation 1
Till J.J. Hanebuth, Ph.D., Professor, Coastal Carolina University
PFAS in the Pee Dee Watershed—Sources, Pathways, and Communities.
Presentation 2
Layne Leggett, Master of Science Student, Murawski Lab, University of South Florida
The Barnacle Baseline Project: Assessing Contaminants of Emerging and Known Concern (CEC/CKCs) within Tampa Bay using Acorn Barnacles.
Session 5 – Presentations 1 & 2 Recording
Questions
Please contact Brooke Saari, Coastal Environmental Quality and Extension Services Specialist, with any questions regarding the Science in Session webinar series.