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Join RETCC Director Susan Korrick as she interviews a distinguished panel of environmental health scientists about their career trajectories.
Panelists:
Melinda Power, ScD, Associate Professor of Epidemiology, GWU Milken Institute School of Public Health
Dr. Power is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the George Washington University (GWU) Milken Institute School of Public Health. Dr. Power has expertise in statistical analysis of observational data, and a commitment to improving epidemiologic methods in the study of late-life cognition and dementia. Her current research focuses on the role of environmental pollutants in the development of dementia, translation of epidemiologic research to inform clinical trial development, and projects designed to inform clinical practice and health policy around supporting people living with dementia.
Dr. Power is also the founding Director of the GW Institute for Brain Health and Dementia. The Institute aims to promote and support research on cognitive health that will meaningfully impact lives, through promotion of brain health, prevention of cognitive loss, addressing disparities in cognitive health, and improving the quality of life of persons living with dementia and their care partners.
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Andrea Tokranov, PhD, Hydrologist, New England Water Science Center, US Geological Survey
Dr. Tokranov is a hydrologist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Her research primarily focuses on environmental fate and transport of PFAS. PFAS are a group of emerging contaminants of concern often called "forever chemicals" in press releases. Her job is to undertake research projects that are of importance to the public, and to communicate findings through journal articles, data releases, and USGS reports. She often works to assist States on specific projects. Currently Dr. Tokranov is working on a large project with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and is also setting up a research laboratory that will analyze PFAS in tissues and plasma using a high resolution mass spectrometer with the goal of providing the USGS with internal analytical capabilities for biological matrices.